Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, “No person in the United States shall, based on sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX applies broadly across campus life, including:

• Admissions, financial aid, and academic advising
• Classroom assignments, grading, and discipline
• Housing, athletics, recreation, and campus life programs
• Health, counseling, and other campus support services
• Employment in education programs, including hiring and recruitment

Title IX protects against discrimination based on sex, including:

• Pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery from these conditions, parental status, and related medical conditions; ensures that pregnant and parenting students have equal access to classes, activities, and opportunities.
• Sexual harassment which includes quid pro quo harassment (conditioning educational benefits on sexual conduct), hostile environment harassment (severe, pervasive, and offensive conduct that denies access to education).

Title IX requires schools to prevent and respond to sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, as outlined under Title IX, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the Clery Act amendments.

Title VI prohibits discrimination against students based on race, color, or national origin, including shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics, or citizenship/residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.

Title VI protects students in admissions, coursework, housing, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and all other school-sponsored programs.

Title VI requires schools to address:

• Harassment or hostile environments tied to race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic identity.
• Disciplinary policies that disproportionately or unfairly impact certain racial or ethnic groups
• Barriers for students with limited English proficiency, such as inadequate translation/interpretation or failure to provide meaningful language access.
• Unequal access to academic opportunities: schools must ensure students of all backgrounds have equitable access to advanced courses, honors programs, extracurriculars, and STEM fields.
• Retaliation protections: schools must not retaliate against students (or their families) for raising Title VI complaints or concerns.

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination in hiring, pay, promotions, workplace practices, and retaliation.

Title VII protects employees against discrimination based on:

• Race or color
• Religion (belief, practice, or observance)
• Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• National origin
• Age (40 years or older)
• Disability (physical or mental, including a history of disability or being regarded as disabled)
• Genetic information (including predisposing genetic characteristics)
• Military or veteran status

NYSHRL prohibits discrimination in employment, education, housing, and public accommodations across New York State.

NYSHRL protects individuals based on:

• Age
• Creed
• Race, color, or national origin
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity or expression
• Sex, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions
• Disability (physical, mental, or medical)
• Marital status
• Familial or caregiver status
• Domestic violence victim status
• Military status
• Predisposing genetic characteristics
• Citizenship or immigration status Any other category protected under state or local law

NYSHRL provides broader protections in some areas than federal law, applying to both students and employees.

ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in programs or activities receiving federal funding.

ADA guarantees equal access to academic courses, programs, and services, and requires proactive policies to ensure full participation in college life, not just nondiscrimination.

Disabilities covered include (but are not limited to):

• Visual, hearing, mobility, or orthopedic impairments
• Chronic medical conditions
• Learning disabilities
• Psychological or emotional disorders

At Vassar, the Office for Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (AEO) provides services to students with disabilities, including classroom access, housing, health, counseling, and other campus support services. Contact AEO at aeo@vassar.edu or (845) 437-7584.

The Institutional Equity Office oversees compliance with federal disability laws and manages the student disability accommodation appeal process. Read information about the appeal policy.

The law requires all colleges and universities in New York State to adopt comprehensive policies on sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.

The law reinforces federal requirements under Title IX, VAWA, and the Clery Act by setting clear state standards for prevention, reporting, and response.

The law requires schools to provide ongoing prevention education and training for students, faculty, and staff, and aims to ensure that students can pursue their education free from sexual violence and related forms of harassment or misconduct.

The law guarantees students the right to:

• A uniform definition of affirmative consent
• Amnesty for students reporting sexual violence for violations of alcohol or drug use policies
• Clear rights in cases involving sexual violence, including the right to report to law enforcement and to be protected from retaliation
• A fair and impartial investigation and adjudication process, with trained officials
• Access to resources such as counseling, health services, and supportive measures