Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition affirms its commitment to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal
Opportunity by making every effort to assure that all employees are treated equally without regard to race, religion,
national origin, tribal affiliation, color, sex, sexual preference, age, political affiliation, physical or mental impairment.
NUIHC will offer equal employment and promotional opportunities to all persons except when contractual agreements
 require Indian preference. 

Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition regards workplace harassment, violence and discrimination as very serious,
and prohibits such conduct in the workplace by any person and in any form.  All employees are responsible for assuring
that this agency is free from workplace violence, and form of harassment, and discrimination. 

Cultural Competence

It is the policy of NUIHC that all employees are culturally competent at the time of hire.  This competence shall be demonstrated in their understanding of the following:

Ö        How the client/patient’s culture affects his/her perception of health and wellness.

Ö        How the client/patient’s belief system relates to health, disease, healing and wellness.

Ö        How cultural influences affect seeking behaviors and attitudes toward NUIHC staff.

Ö        How the client/patient’s individual preferences affect the delivery of health services.

Ö        How NUIHC staff can help clients/patients overcome negative experiences with the health care system.

Ö        The importance of having a racially and linguistically diverse staff. 

During their tenure, employees will be expected to continuously increase their competence through workshops,
conferences, and experiences in the community.  Employees who are unable to comply with this directive will be
encouraged to seek employment in an environment more accepting of their life experiences.

What is Harassment?

Workplace harassment is either (1) sexual harassment; or (2) any inflammatory comments, jokes, printed materials, or
innuendoes that are based upon race, color, tribal affiliation, religion, sex, sexual preference, age, disability, or
national origin.  Such conduct is prohibited when it has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile,
or offensive working environment, or interferes with a person’s work or employment opportunities. 

Sexual Harassment

It is sexual harassment if any employee of Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition engages in any type of behaviors
listed below when it has the purpose or effect of interfering with an employee’s work performance or of creating an
intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.  Examples include, but are not limited to: 

Ö        Making unwelcome sexual advances, flirtations, or propositions in words or by physical contact.

Ö        Making graphic verbal comments about a person’s body.

Ö        Making or exhibiting sexually suggestive pictures or objects.

Ö        Using innuendoes, making jokes, or showing written materials (including electronic material) that
      are of a suggestive or sexually degrading nature. 

Workplace Violence

Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition strives to provide employees, clients, and patients a safe environment
in which to work and receive services.  Therefore, violence or threats of violence in the workplace will not be tolerated.  All weapons are banned.  Verbal or physical actions which are or appear to be threatening are prohibited.  Staff and visitor safety is
the first priority.  If, at any time, a dangerous situation arises, call 911 immediately.  Examples of dangerous
situations include, but are not limited to:  people under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drug seeking patients, and
partners or spouses of employees known to be verbally or physically abusive.  Employees who violate this policy are
subject to disciplinary action which may include termination.  Clients violating this policy may be barred from the
premises and refused services. 

Civility Code

The purpose of the Civility Code is to promote a positive, respectful environment where staff, clients, patients, and
visitors are able to provide and receive services.  No one on the premises of NUIHC property should be subjected to
any behavior that is disruptive, rude, or challenging.  The following guidelines shall be used to govern acceptable
behavior: 

Ö        Respect – Treat everyone with respect and in a professional and courteous manner at all times, whether the
                      contact is in person, verbal or written (including electronic material).

Ö        Kindness – Refrain from using profane, insulting, racist/sexist, or other disparaging remarks.

Ö        Confidentiality – Patient/Client information shall only be discussed on a need to know basis and shall not be
                                discussed in public areas.

Ö        Truth – Endeavor to cite only the truth. Do not knowingly misrepresent, mischaracterize, or misquote
                  information received from others.

Ö        Responsibility – Take responsibility for you own actions instead of blaming others.

Ö        Cooperation – Work together with other staff in a spirit of cooperation toward NUIHC’s common goals.

Ö        Privacy – Strive to uphold the staff and patients right to privacy.

Ö        Nondiscrimination – Respect the differences in people, in their cultures, ideas, and opinions.

Ö        Do not tolerate or promote bigotry.

Anyone who feels that these guidelines have been violated has the right to report the incident in writing.  The report
shall be made on an Incident Report Form and forwarded to Human Resources.  The report should be made within
10 days of the incident.  A response will be given within 10 working days.