Comment Period for the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct

In anticipation of the August 14, 2020 deadline to implement the federal Title IX regulations, the University convened a Working Group and three subgroups (student, faculty/staff and evidentiary issues) composed of representatives from the Office for Institutional Equity, the Provost’s Office, Student Affairs, Office of Counsel, and Human Resources to perform a holistic review of the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy and the corresponding procedures during the spring.

The Working Group conferred with outside legal experts and consulted with leadership, student government, and various other constituent groups. The result was the creation of one single umbrella policy and three corresponding procedures. The revised Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures, the Complaint Handling Procedures Involving a Faculty and Non-Faculty Staff as a Respondent, and the Complaint Handling Procedures for Harassment and Discrimination Matters Involving a Student as a Respondent were posted for public comment and feedback from August 12-14, 2020.

As a result of the public feedback, the policy and procedures were revised to clarify and improve processes, and to integrate the new Title IX federal regulations. A second public comment and feedback period was opened and closed on February 12, 2021. The Working Group will reconvene to review the feedback and to consider other issues that have arisen since August that need to be addressed. We appreciate your interest and dedication to this critically important process.

The Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct and the three corresponding procedures that apply to students, faculty and staff are available below.

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The Policy | Procedures on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct | Consensual Relationship Policy | Equal Opportunity Policy | Nondiscrimination Statement | Title IX Statement

Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct

Adopted: August 14, 2020
Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct: Webpage Version |  Printable Version

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Procedures on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct

Adopted Procedures: August 14, 2020

• Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures: Webpage Version |  Printable Version
• Complaint Handling Procedures for Discrimination and Harassment Matters Involving a Student as a Respondent: Webpage Version | Printable Version
• Complaint Handling Procedures Involving a University Faculty and Non-Faculty Staff as a Respondent: Webpage Version |  Printable Version

   

Please refer to the Student Conduct webpage for more specific matters involving students at Duke.

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Visit our FAQ about the new federal Title IX guidelines and how they apply to Duke policies and procedures

Consensual Relationship Policy

Duke’s Policy on Consensual Relationships aims to avoid problems of interest, exploitation, and favoritism that may arise from employee relationships and faculty-student relationships. It also helps ensure that each member of the Duke community is treated with dignity and without regard to any factors that are not relevant to that person’s work.

Adopted: March 2002
Consensual Relationship Policy: Webpage Version |  Printable Version

Please note that the section of the Policy on faculty relationships with students has been replaced by Appendix Z of the Faculty Handbook maintained by the Office of the Provost.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Duke also makes good faith efforts to recruit, hire, and promote qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Duke prohibits discrimination based on sex. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. Duke has designated a director of Title IX compliance in the Office for Institutional Equity as its Title IX coordinator.

Full Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Duke University is an institution and community committed to the principles of excellence, fairness and respect for all people.

Our policies and procedures show that we actively value diversity in our workplace and seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone while meeting our regulatory obligations.

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Nondiscrimination Statement

Duke is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. The institution prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment, or any other institution program or activity. 

Full Nondiscrimination Statement

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Title IX Statement

Title IX and its implementing regulations prohibit sex discrimination in education programs or activities receiving federal funds. Full Title IX Statement and Further Information document

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