SHI is dedicated to creating a working environment where everyone from all walks of life is welcome, thrives, and can contribute to a greater degree of innovation and more robust science and technology. We foster science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) research ecosystems for ALL.
SHI prohibits discrimination against any person employed, seeking employment, applying for, or participating in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer role, or training program associated with SHI. Additionally, SHI strictly prohibits harassment of employees, applicants, interns, volunteers, contractors, students, faculty members or individuals participating in programs affiliated with the Institute.
SHI prohibits discrimination against any individual employed, seeking employment, or participating in any program based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment and program-related practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, training, evaluation, compensation, and separation. Harassment based on any of the aforementioned characteristics is strictly forbidden.
SHI ensures compliance with all relevant equal opportunity and non-discrimination laws and takes proactive measures to provide a fair, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all employees, contractors, volunteers, and program participants.
Reporting and Investigation of Complaints
Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation are strongly encouraged to report their concerns. Complaints can be submitted to SHI’s Human Resources office or the appropriate designated representative by contacting us here or calling 760-895-1721.
When SHI receives an allegation of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, it commits to conducting a fair, timely, and thorough investigation. The investigation process ensures due process for all parties involved and reaches conclusions based on the evidence. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent possible, though complete confidentiality may not always be guaranteed during the investigation process ensuring a respectful and inclusive environment for all participants and employees.
Key Definitions
Harassment: Unwelcome conduct based on a protected class, such as race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Harassment becomes unlawful when:
- Enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or participation; or
- The conduct is severe or pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, or abusive.
Discrimination: Unfair actions or decisions by an employer or program administrator based on a protected class, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, or sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information. Examples may include denial of reasonable accommodations, unequal pay for equal work, or adverse work assignments based on a protected characteristic.
E-Verify Participation
As a participant in federally funded programs, SHI complies with employment verification requirements through E-Verify, a web-based system authorized under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). Employers use E-Verify to electronically confirm the employment eligibility of employees based on the information provided in their Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.
For more information about E-Verify, please visit: E-Verify Home Page