Roles and Responsibilities of the Office

The Office of Civil Rights oversees and implements the College's compliance with Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, and other applicable federal and state civil rights laws through the oversight of the College's Title IX and Discrimination and Harassment Policies;

The Office reviews and resolves reports of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. The Office begins with an initial assessment of reported misconduct, provide interim and supportive measures, discuss options for resolutions through formal complaints and alternative resolutions, investigate, and adjudicate.

The Office uses the following guiding principles to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment:

• Stop
• Prevent
• Remedy

Additionally, the scope of this office includes reviewing, monitoring, and tracking allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment to identify, address, and assess patterns of behavior and campus climate.

This department develops and provides policy and prevention training for faculty, staff and students. In addition, the Office hosts programming throughout the year and partners with campus departments and student organizations to implement programs and resources.

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.