Office of Civil Rights and Title IX

Mission

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX strives for a campus community free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, identity-based bias, and sexual and gender-based misconduct. We accomplish this mission through a collaborative approach that focuses on education and prevention initiatives. The Office addresses and responds to all reported incidents of discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics and Title IX misconduct of sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking, and other forms of related misconduct among the Union College community.

The following core values inform our work and guide our mission: respect, communication, an inclusive community, learning, and integrity.

Vision

Our vision is to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all members of the College to be free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct.

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone based on sex. This federal law benefits all Union College community members. The law of Title IX states:

"No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid."

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires that any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance must not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin. The law states:

"No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

The Union College Title IX Policy, Gender-based Misconduct Policy, and the Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation in Employment detail the College’s procedures in ensuring that students and employees are protected against unlawful acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and other forms of gender-based discrimination.

Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Read more in the Union College Notice of Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity.

As required by federal law, each year Union College prepares an annual Security and Fire Safety Report, commonly referred to as the Clery Report. The Report contains information regarding campus security and personal safety including topics such as crime prevention, safety, reporting policies, disciplinary procedures and other matters of importance related to security and safety on campus. You can learn more about the Jeanne Clery Disclosure Act and read the report here.