Office for Institutional Equity

New Policy on Prohibited Discrimination Harassment and Related Misconduct

Duke's new Policy on Prohibited Discrimination Harassment and Related Misconduct integrates the complex new Title IX grievance procedures announced by the US Department of Education into Duke’s existing policies. The new policy also covers non-Title IX sexual misconduct where a staff, faculty or a student is accused. Explore the new Policy here.

Duke University Institutional Statement of Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Forbes has named Duke University one of the “Best Employers for Diversity” in 2020, the second consecutive year. Duke placed 8 out of 500 companies in the annual ranking, which Forbes released on January 21. Duke ranked first for companies headquartered in North Carolina and in the education industry. Learn More >

Recent News

Trustees Address University Efforts on Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism

September 26, 2020

The Duke University Board of Trustees endorsed the university’s efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism in a wide-ranging series of sessions and conversations at its quarterly meeting Friday and Saturday. The meeting was...
Iconic West Campus Building Named After a Duke Pioneer

September 26, 2020

Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke came to Duke in 1963 as one of the “ First Five ” Black undergraduates, breaking barriers and entering classroom buildings that had previously been closed to Black...

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Kimberly Hewitt

A Message to the Duke Community from Vice President Kimberly Hewitt

"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." — James Baldwin

Our hearts are breaking over the tragic state of our country. The stress and pain of this time is overwhelming for many of us — people of color and allies. I write to simply acknowledge the moment and to remind you that the Office for Institutional Equity is here to support you. We are working diligently and consistently during this period of self-isolation to respond to your needs. Please contact us at 919-684-8222, oie-help@duke.edu or Report an Incident.
— Kimberly Hewitt, Vice President for Institutional Equity & Chief Diversity Officer

⁃ Read statement from President Price here.

⁃ Explore our Resources for Understanding and Confronting Racism and Its Impact.

We are here to help!

Complaints and Concerns

Duke is dedicated to creating a work and learning environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. If you have a concern about either of these issues, the Office for Institutional Equity is here to help. We can answer your questions, connect you to resources, or help you file a complaint. Duke policies prohibit retaliation against anyone for coming forward with a concern or for submitting a complaint.

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Incident Reporting Tool

Report an Incident

Sexual Misconduct & Title IX

Duke is proactive in its efforts to address and reduce instances of sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, in order to create and maintain a welcoming learning and working environment. It’s our responsibility to ensure compliance with federal law by demonstrating that our programs are operated in a manner consistent with Title VII and Title IX regulations and provisions, as well as the Violence Against Women Act.

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Incident Reporting Tool

Report an Incident

Training, Workshops, and Educational Sessions

Duke is committed to support its diverse community by providing a variety of training and workshops designed to help Duke staff comply with university regulations related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, discrimination, and equal opportunity. The Office for Institutional Equity also offers customized workshops on intercultural education and building cultural competence, anti-racism, the power of diversity, unconscious bias, applied skills in conflict avoidance and resolution, and more. In addition, we provide resources and support specific to the Duke Health community.

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Request Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Education

Educational Session Form

Request Diversity, Intercultural, and Inclusion Education

Online Intake Form

Duke University Health System Educational Diversity Education

Until further notice, the Duke University Health System (DUHS) Diversity Education for Staff course has been postponed. OIE is working to develop alternative tools to continue to help health care workers become aware of unconscious biases and stereotypes that may influence their ability to provide patient-centered care. We will update our pages as resources become available.

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Strategies for Inclusive Hiring, Recruitment, and Retention Practices

The equal opportunity and affirmative action (EO/AA) area offers university-wide guidance on Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act. We also serve as the university's liaison to the federal government in matters of contract compliance concerning equal employment opportunity. EO/AA develops the university's Affirmative Action Plan, oversees its implementation, and reviews employee recruitment, hiring, and other personnel actions.

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Subscribe to Equity in Action

Equity in Action is a monthly newsletter with updates from OIE, Duke, and beyond about diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, history, health, you name it!

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