PREFACE. The parties recognize that promoting racial and cultural diversity within the University community enhances the University and is consistent with its mission as an institution of higher learning. The parties also recognize that all employees have the equal right to be free from discrimination based upon race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status or handicap. The parties further agree that a layoff shall be implemented consistent with and in consideration of all appropriate state and federal statutes prohibiting discrimination. If the University determines that a layoff could be avoided by reducing a position's percent of time or the number of weeks of guaranteed employment, the University may offer such a restructured position as a voluntary option to the affected person prior to invoking the terms of this article. The University must notify the Union prior to any discussion with the affected person, and a Union representative must have the opportunity to be present when the option is presented to the affected employee. The employee will have five (5) working days to respond to such an offer. If the employee rejects such an offer and is subsequently laid off, all other sections of this article will apply.
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