November 18, 2019
Through Standard 1.8, the CAA expects programs to address policies and procedures that they use to ensure equitable treatment for all students, faculty, staff, and persons served in the program’s clinics. Although several protected classes are listed in the standard, the program and institution do NOT need to use the exact wording as stipulated in CAA’s standard for its nondiscrimination statement. The CAA determined that not every protected class has to be included in the statement—as long as the program can demonstrate that it does not discriminate against any of the listed categories, as applicable.
The focus of the standard is not simply that a statement is in place but that (1) all constituents are treated equitably and (2) the institution and program are complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. The program must carry out these intents (see Items 1 and 2 above) in related procedures and protocols. The program must be able to document how it communicates expectations, policies, and procedures or how it provides education for all concerned.