Overarching Principles

Duke University prohibits discrimination and harassment based upon protected characteristics in all of its programs and activities. The following principles, which are governed by the executive leadership of the University, clarify Duke guidance and practices, and importantly, make clear that eligibility for all programs and activities cannot be restricted or otherwise determined based upon protected characteristics.

Duke was built on the foundation of five core shared values that guide everything we do – respect, trust, inclusion, discovery, and excellence – and strives to create an environment where everyone, regardless of background or perspective, can thrive and reach their fullest potential. The University has established the Inclusive Excellence platform to encompass our efforts to foster an academic community of talented individuals that reflect the multi-faceted world around us. Inclusive Excellence describes our university’s commitment to bringing together the best and brightest, across disciplines, fields, geographies, perspectives, and experiences, to drive innovation, foster understanding and respectful dialogue, and solve the world's biggest problems.

These principles do not address matters related to teaching and research as those are not within the purview of the Inclusive Excellence working group and are governed by Duke’s recently re-affirmed Policy on Academic Freedom and Responsibility.

To guide our approach to Inclusive Excellence at Duke we adopt the following principles:

  • Duke is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning, living, and work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and related misconduct. Students, staff and faculty must comply with Duke’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct in all Duke-related activities.
  • Duke’s programs and activities must, consistent with the law, be inclusive, welcoming, and open to all eligible members of the community without regard to, or limited based on, any protected characteristic as defined by Duke policy.
  • Protected characteristics cannot be considered as part of eligibility criteria or in the decision-making process for Duke programs, activities, or in conferring other benefits (e.g., admissions, financial aid, employment, pathway programs, etc.), except where such consideration is permitted by law.
  • Duke programs may continue to engage in a range of outreach and recruitment strategies so long as those activities are consistent with the law.
  • While Duke programs must operate in all respects without limiting access and participation based upon a protected characteristic, the mission or topic of a program, activity, course, or research study can focus on issues related to a particular community (e.g., while it is not permissible to run a pathways program open only to underrepresented minorities pursuing a career in medicine, it is permissible to run programs that are open to all individuals who are committed to addressing health disparities). It is similarly acceptable to observe holidays and celebrations related to a particular community, provided that those activities are open to all.
  • Participation in affinity, student, and employee resource groups supported by Duke must be open to everyone. Participants are expected to adhere to Duke’s policy against harassment and discrimination. Groups of faculty, students, or staff may gather informally around shared interests and identities; however, the University will not formally recognize nor provide resources or support to any group, program or activity that is restrictive on the basis of a protected characteristic. For information about creating ground rules to govern these groups, please see this template example.
  • Communications related to inclusivity, diversity, eligibility or specific populations must affirm Duke’s commitment to open participation and inclusivity. Units should use language that clearly and intentionally describes their aims and that uplifts what they seek to promote or uphold.
  • Units may continue to collect demographic information about the composition of their populations (e.g., faculty, staff, applicants, students, visitors) and may, for example, use this data to understand their unit’s culture and the experiences of different populations within their unit. However, this information cannot be used: to influence specific decisions or actions, including in admissions, employment, or other program participation; to set targets or goals in hiring and/or promotions, admissions, or procurement/contracting; or in making any other decision that confers a benefit.
  • Duke resources (financial, use of facilities, etc.) cannot be used to support or promote the programs or activities of external organizations that limit participation or otherwise give preferences or benefits based on a protected characteristic, except where otherwise permissible by law. It is permissible, however, to sponsor events and engage in activities with a focus on a specific demographic (e.g., a celebration of Black History Month) so long as that activity or event is open to all.

Members of the Duke Community shall commit to upholding these principles and ensuring that their practices, actions, and program communications are current, accurate, and consistent with these principles. We recognize that the law, and the programs we run, are nuanced so we encourage units to contact the Office for Institutional Equity (OIE) for additional guidance when needed.