Princeton University subscribes to a policy of equal opportunity. The University believes that commitment to principles of fairness and respect for all helps create a climate that is favorable to the free and open exchange of ideas, and the University seeks to reach out as widely as possible in order to attract the ablest individuals as students, faculty, and staff. For these reasons, decisions concerning admission to University academic and other programs, as well as employment decisions in all University departments and offices, are made on the basis of an individual's qualifications to contribute to meeting Princeton's educational objectives and its institutional needs. In applying this policy, the University is committed to the principle of not discriminating against individuals on the basis of personal beliefs or characteristics such as political views, religion, national or ethnic origin, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability unrelated to the job or program requirements.

In addition to the general policy just defined, Princeton has specific legal obligations as a recipient of federal financial assistance and as a federal contractor. These obligations include the development and implementation of a plan to undertake appropriate forms of affirmative action to employ women, people of color, people with disabilities, and Vietnam-era and disabled veterans. Princeton's affirmative action plan is available for review at the University upon request.

The Provost is the University officer with responsibility for overseeing the implementation of the Equal Opportunity Policy and the Affirmative Action Plan.