Diversity Policy Comparison by Team C Dee Algeré, Kristy Cotton, Ginny Heenan, Dickran Parunak, Christine Zodrow AET/525 November 12, 2012 Professor Lisa Marie Portugal

What is a “Diversity Policy”? Diversity policies are those rules and regulations implemented by companies and organizations to enforce non-discrimination. Diversity plans and rules are designed to counter microsocial discrimination processes through specific policies. (Geert, 2009)

Company Policies from Team C Apollo Group Google Newport News Public Schools Vatterott Verizon Communications Inc. These are the companies that Team C examined to compare the different diversity policies that each company holds or offers

Apollo Group Diversity Policy Mutual Respect Accept responsibility Accountability Self-reliance Preparedness Professional Behavior Create positive learning environment Communication Professionalism Inclusion Respect Discrimination Stereotyping Prejudice Retaliation Prohibited Behaviors Diversity Approaches Student Code of Conduct Faculty Code of Conduct Apollo Group Diversity Mission Statement: Apollo Group, Inc. recognizes and embraces the diversity of its students, staff, and faculty and, in recognition of this diversity, strives to maintain a united environment embodying principles of mutual respect and acceptance for everyone.  It is within this environment that Apollo and its stakeholders will achieve success. (Apollo Intranet, 2012)

Google Diversity Policy Culture Google celebrates the breadth of cultures represented by their workforce. Many celebrations are part of the annual calendar Awards Google has been recognized as one of the best places to work and received awards outlining their special attention to a diverse culture and workforce. Benefits Day Care Mother's Rooms Maternity Leave Domestic Partnership Accommodation Policies Transgender support Equal Opportunity Non- discrimination based on race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation Diversity at Google: Employment at Google is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled. (Google.com, 2012)

Newport News Public School Board NNSB Diversity Racial & Ethnic Equality Cultural Acceptance Disability Provisions Socio-Economic Acceptance NNSB Diversity Policy: The Newport News School Board, Superintendent and employees are committed to creating an educational environment where not only are diverse people recruited into the school division, but also where both the school management and employees work together positively to develop mutually beneficial relationships that respect each person’s individuality. Diversity will be acknowledged and utilized to improve the culture of the school division. Diversity education will be incorporated into all areas of school division life through activities that foster a thorough understanding of diverse racial, cultural, socio-economic, disability and ethnic groups. (NNSB, 2012)

Diversity Policy at Vatterott To embrace the vast differences in all people To attract employees who reflect the communities we serve To foster teamwork among a diverse workforce by treating each other with dignity To meet the needs of a changing multicultural workforce Diversity Policy at Vatterott Where employees are able to accept and appreciate differences and feel free to talk about their relationships and lives Where the families of all employees are viewed and treated as important and valuable parts of an employees life Where no one is ashamed of his or her orientation That does not provoke stress or anxiety about being a different generation,race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. Goal--to create an environment where:

Verizon Diversity Policy Employees Non-discriminatory, EEO Culture of inclusion and acceptance Customers Non-discriminatory (race, age, gender, disabled) Inclusionary Products & Services Universal Design Principles Accessibility Verizon Diversity Mission Statement: At Verizon, we foster an environment that thrives on different perspectives. Here, you'll be surrounded by people whose work has been recognized for making sure that our differences are our source of strength. Our commitment to your development will inspire you to take your career wherever you want it to go. It's a commitment that extends into everything we do, including our Universal Design Principles. From youth to seniors to individuals with disabilities, we continually look for ways we can accommodate a broad range of customers to enhance the accessibility of new products and services. (Verizon.com, 2012)

Similarities Apollo Group Google Newport News Vatterott Verizon Employers Benefits or Protections Apollo Group Google Newport News Vatterott Verizon Non-discriminatory policies in place for all for race, sex, age, and gender Respect and acceptance included in all the policies Equal Opportunity Employment statements All the employers shared similar benefits or protections for rage, sex, age and gender. They also included statements around respect and acceptance for all cultures and different norms. All of them also made statements around being equal opportunity employers. The schools were similar (Apollo, Newport & Vatterott) included statements around faculty and students in their diversity policies, whereas Google and Verizon looked at their customers and products as being culturally sensitive, or at least they attempted to have an awareness around needing to be culturally sensitive in their products and services.

Differences Schools Companies Schools or educational institutions differentiated faculty and student expectations at NNSB and Apollo Group and Vatterott, while the companies treated the their employees as a whole in terms of policies Corporations such as Google and Verizon had additional diversity requirements in their policies to cover products and services, most notably accessibility and universal access for customers

Conclusion Company and organization diversity policies can vary greatly, but the focus on non-discriminatory practices and procedures. Schools and universities have similar policies and tend to cover the different roles encountered at the schools such as students and faculty whereas companies tend to focus on “employees” as a whole and don’t differentiate between the various roles However, companies do differentiate where they have customers. Customers are treated as their own group against which non-discriminatory practices are recommended.

References  Apollo Corporate University and Office of Diversity. (n.d.). Apollo Group diversity [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://newsource/searchcenter/Pages/Results.aspx?k=diversity%20policy&s=All%20Sites. Diversity at the Top. (2012). Retrieved from http://newscenter.verizon.com/kit/diversity/top.html Geert, D. (2009). Non-discrimination in human resources management as a moral obligation. Journal of Business Ethics. 88 (1). Google (2012). Retrieved from: http://www.google.com/diversity/culture.html

References University of Phoenix. (2009-2010). Student rights and responsibilities. Retrieved from https://assets.phoenix.edu/static/Student%20Code%20of%20Conduct.pdf Vatterott College. (2012). Vatterott Nation. Retrieved from http://www.vatterottnation.com/main/main_home.asp