Welcome to the Office for Institutional Equity.

The Office for Institutional Equity oversees the College’s compliance with Title IX, equal opportunity, and other state and federal civil rights laws. It helps investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking. As you explore our website, you will find many resources that foster and support an environment on campus that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination and harassment. We are committed and dedicated to all the principles outlined in the Office for Institutional Equity's mission statement and the College’s nondiscrimination statement.

Our Mission

In keeping with the long-standing traditions of the college, Vassar is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. This commitment extends beyond mere compliance with the law and requires a strong program of equal opportunity in virtually all aspects of college life. The mission of the Office for Institutional Equity is to provide clear leadership and support on matters relating to equity, diversity, respect, and inclusiveness for all members of the Vassar College community.

The Office for Institutional Equity oversees, facilitates, and supports the college’s efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all persons regardless of the following:

• age (40 years and over in the employment context)
• citizenship and immigration status
• color
• creed
• disability (physical or mental, including having a history of a disability or being regarded as being disabled)
• domestic violence victim status
• familial or caregiver status
• gender expression, gender identity, or gender transition
• marital or domestic partnership status
• medical condition (cancer-related or predisposing genetic characteristics)
• national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity)
• pregnancy or related conditions
• race
• religion or sincerely held practice of religion
• sex or gender
• sexual orientation
• veteran or military status
• or any other legally protected characteristic.

To fulfill our mission, the Office for Institutional Equity provides:

• Information, consultation, training, and resources to the Vassar College community with regard to diversity, harassment and discrimination prevention, equal opportunity, and disability matters
• Individual consultation with Vassar College, staff, faculty, students, and administrators
• Formal and informal processes for responding to complaints of harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct
• Oversight of and support for the Collegeʼs compliance efforts in the areas of equal opportunity, harassment and discrimination prevention, and compliance with all applicable state and federal civil rights laws

If the Office for Institutional Equity can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us.