DISCRIMINATION is different treatment due to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national or ethnic origin, veteran status, political beliefs unrelated to job or course of study.

Tishk International ‘s NON-DISCRIMINATION policy is as follows:

It is the strong and consistent policy of Tishk International Medical School, Tishk International School of Dentistry treat all community members with respect, to provide an environment conducive to learning and working, and to ensure equal access to rights, privileges and opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status or disability. Harassment on the basis of these characteristics is inconsistent with the above principles and violates obligations of non-discrimination imposed by imposed by law and Tishk International policy.

Tishk International University’s policy is to make decisions concerning applicants, students, faculty and staff on the basis of the individual’s qualifications to contribute to Tishk International ‘s educational objectives and institutional needs. The principle of not discriminating against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements is consistent with the purposes of a university and with the law. Tishk International expects those with whom it interacts from other communities outside of the university to comply with all applicable anti-discrimination laws.

Insensitivity, Ignorance or Misunderstandings That Are Experienced As Discrimination

In a multicultural environment, effective communication takes diligent effort. It is necessary for the speaker to take additional time to explain what motivates his or her statements and actions, rather than simply relying on assumptions. It is also necessary for the listener to affirm what he or she understands or question the meaning of a concerning statement. In the absence of clear communication, an escalating dynamic that invites confusion and deeper misunderstandings can develop, and ultimately lead to mistrust and serious conflict.

Stronger communication skills, along with increased knowledge and understanding of ethnic, racial, and cultural issues will not necessarily solve discrimination that exists along these lines. Nevertheless, a collective effort to better understand the richness of Tishk International ‘s diverse community through more effective communication will serve to decrease incidents that are perceived as discriminatory when no such intention exists.

Barriers to Responding

People experiencing or witnessing, discrimination can be distracted from their learning and their ability to work effectively. Students and trainees are dependent on the people who train them, and employees rely on their supervisors for their livelihood. This dependence creates a tension between taking the risk to challenge unacceptable behavior, even in a friendly and constructive manner, and choosing to remain silent. Our silence can appear as approval or acceptance of mean-spirited comments or inappropriate actions. When observers, who are of equal or higher status, choose to ignore disrespect, it is little wonder that those less powerful choose to remain silent. Yet, people who fail to speak up report feeling frustrated and disappointed with themselves, as well as the situation.