The Office of the Assistant to the President, established in July 1971, is committed to ensuring that Harvard University selects faculty and staff without discriminating against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. The Office provides counsel to individuals who belong to the university community on these and other related matters.

In addition, the Office serves as the University's liaison with the federal government in matters related to contract compliance concerning equal employment opportunity. The Office of the Assistant to the President coordinates the University's affirmative action program, oversees its implementation and disseminates University policies concerning affirmative action and equal employment opportunity (AA/EEO). The Office deals with quality of life issues for women, people of color and students and employees with alternate lifestyles. The Office also provides a mentoring service as well as conducts exit interviews with members of minority groups as appropriate.