{"id":61,"date":"2020-04-09T18:32:06","date_gmt":"2020-04-09T18:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/eoaa\/?page_id=61"},"modified":"2026-05-08T09:27:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T13:27:53","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<!-- Inserted by Dropdownizer plugin. Forces video embeds contained in dropdowns to have a size --><style>.dropdownizer__dropdown iframe { width: 100% !important; height: 100% !important; }<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-intro-font-size\"><strong>Welcome to the Office for Institutional Equity.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad2f72ca wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>The Office for Institutional Equity leads Vassar\u2019s efforts to foster a campus where students, faculty, administrators, and staff can learn and work free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. We address discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, religion, age, pregnancy, parental status, and other identities. We also oversee reports of sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, stalking, and exploitation. In addition, we respond to retaliation related to engaging in a protected activity under the College\u2019s nondiscrimination policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2338\" src=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-scaled.png\" alt=\"Logo with broken concentric circles in burgundy and gold around the text &quot;Equity in Action&quot;.\" class=\"wp-image-2073\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-300x274.png 300w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-1024x935.png 1024w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-768x701.png 768w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-1536x1403.png 1536w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-2048x1870.png 2048w, https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2026\/01\/Equity-in-Action-Logo-164x150.png 164w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What We Do<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Civil Rights Compliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The federal and state laws below establish the protections that guide the College\u2019s policies and practices. These laws ensure equal access to educational programs, activities, and employment opportunities, while also safeguarding student rights to safety, fairness, and full participation in campus life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Sex Discrimination: Title IX<\/summary>\n<p>Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states, \u201cNo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title IX applies broadly across campus life, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Admissions, financial aid, and academic advising<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Classroom assignments, grading, and discipline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Housing, athletics, recreation, and campus life programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Health, counseling, and other campus support services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Employment in education programs, including hiring and recruitment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Title IX protects against discrimination based on sex, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Discrimination &amp; Harassment: Title VI \u2013 Students<\/summary>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title VI protects students in admissions, coursework, housing, financial aid, extracurricular activities, and all other school-sponsored programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title VI requires schools to address:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Harassment or hostile environments tied to race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, or ethnic identity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disciplinary policies that disproportionately or unfairly impact certain racial or ethnic groups<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barriers for students with limited English proficiency, such as inadequate translation\/interpretation or failure to provide meaningful language access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unequal access to academic opportunities: schools must ensure students of all backgrounds have equitable access to advanced courses, honors programs, extracurriculars, and STEM fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Retaliation protections: schools must not retaliate against students (or their families) for raising Title VI complaints or concerns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Discrimination &amp; Harassment: Title VII \u2013 Employment<\/summary>\n<p>Title VII prohibits employment discrimination in hiring, pay, promotions, workplace practices, and retaliation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Title VII protects employees against discrimination based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Race or color<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Religion (belief, practice, or observance)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender identity or expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National origin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Age (40 years or older)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disability (physical or mental, including a history of disability or being regarded as disabled)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Genetic information (including predisposing genetic characteristics) <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Military or veteran status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Discrimination &amp; Harassment: New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)<\/summary>\n<p>NYSHRL prohibits discrimination in employment, education, housing, and public accommodations across New York State. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NYSHRL protects individuals based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Age<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Race, color, or national origin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sexual orientation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gender identity or expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sex, pregnancy, and pregnancy-related conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Disability (physical, mental, or medical)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marital status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Familial or caregiver status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Domestic violence victim status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Military status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Predisposing genetic characteristics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citizenship or immigration status Any other category protected under state or local law<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>NYSHRL provides broader protections in some areas than federal law, applying to both students and employees.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) &amp; Section 504<\/summary>\n<p>ADA prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities in programs or activities receiving federal funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ADA guarantees equal access to academic courses, programs, and services, and requires proactive policies to ensure full participation in college life, not just nondiscrimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Disabilities covered include (but are not limited to):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visual, hearing, mobility, or orthopedic impairments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chronic medical conditions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learning disabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psychological or emotional disorders<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"mailto:aeo@vassar.edu\">aeo@vassar.edu<\/a> or <a href=\"tel:8454377584\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"tel:+18454377584\">(845) 437-7584<\/a><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Institutional Equity Office oversees compliance with federal disability laws and manages the student disability accommodation appeal process. <a href=\"https:\/\/go.vassar.edu\/policy\/disabilityaccom\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read information about the appeal policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<details class=\"wp-block-details is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>New York State \u201cEnough is Enough\u201d Law<\/summary>\n<p>The law requires all colleges and universities in New York State to adopt comprehensive policies on sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The law reinforces federal requirements under Title IX, VAWA, and the Clery Act by setting clear state standards for prevention, reporting, and response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The law guarantees students the right to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A uniform definition of affirmative consent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amnesty for students reporting sexual violence for violations of alcohol or drug use policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clear rights in cases involving sexual violence, including the right to report to law enforcement and to be protected from retaliation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fair and impartial investigation and adjudication process, with trained officials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to resources such as counseling, health services, and supportive measures<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reports and Resolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We oversee reports, coordinate supportive measures, and help parties understand their options, whether accessing support without a formal complaint, pursuing a formal complaint, and participating in an impartial College investigation, or seeking informal or formal resolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coordinating Support and Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We connect individuals with resources, offer supportive measures, and provide impartial processes that protect the rights of all community members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Education and Prevention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We provide training, outreach, and engagement to prevent misconduct and build a respectful, inclusive campus climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Institutional Equity Training: Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of working at Vassar and in alignment with New York State requirements, all employees should complete annual compliance training. These trainings are designed to help you understand your rights and responsibilities while supporting a safe, respectful, and inclusive campus environment.&nbsp;<strong>The course will be available beginning Monday, May 4, 2026, and will remain open through June 30, 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/training\/\">Learn More<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-cream-background-color has-background\">If the Office for Institutional Equity can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Vassar\u2019s nondiscrimination and sexual misconduct policies apply equally to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, and visitors, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?VassarCollege&amp;layout_id=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Report an Incident<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"lazyblock-linked-list-21rusO wp-block-lazyblock-linked-list\"><div class=\"module\">\n        <h2 class=\"module__title\">Reporting Quick Links<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"content\">\n            <ul>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?VassarCollege&amp;amp;layout_id=1\">Reporting Form<\/a>\n            \n    <\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/savp\/reporting\/form\/\">Report Anonymously to Support, Advocacy, and Violence Prevention Office<\/a>\n            \n    <\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/contact-us\/\">Contact Us With Questions<\/a>\n            \n    <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"lazyblock-linked-list-ZfaU54 wp-block-lazyblock-linked-list\"><div class=\"module\">\n        <h2 class=\"module__title\">News<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"content\">\n            <ul>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/2026\/04\/30\/october-2024-sexual-violence-campus-climate-survey-results\/\">October 2024 Sexual Violence Campus Climate Survey Results<\/a>\n            \n    <\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/2025\/03\/12\/update-on-vassars-title-ix-and-nondiscrimination-policies\/\">Update on Vassar\u2019s Title IX and Nondiscrimination Policies<\/a>\n            \n    <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background-color\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-91a691eb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background\" style=\"background-color:#951829;color:#951829\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b2eccd6 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-background\" style=\"background-color:#951829;color:#951829\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">Office for Institutional Equity<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">124 Raymond Avenue, Box 645, Poughkeepsie,&nbsp;New York&nbsp;12604-0645<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\">Main Building, South 182<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><a href=\"tel:+18454377924\"><a href=\"tel:+18454377924\">(845) 437-7924<\/a><\/a> | <a href=\"mailto:equity@vassar.edu\">equity@vassar.edu<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to the Office for Institutional Equity. The Office for Institutional Equity leads Vassar\u2019s efforts to foster a campus where students, faculty, administrators, and staff can learn and work free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. We address discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":472,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-61","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/61","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61"}],"version-history":[{"count":79,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/61\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2173,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/61\/revisions\/2173"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/472"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offices.vassar.edu\/institutional-equity\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}