⚠ NOTICE

Duke University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic is focused on the safety of staff, faculty, students, health care providers, and the public we serve. Out of an abundance of caution, the Office for Institutional Equity will hold all OIE investigations, meetings, and workshops remotely via Zoom.

Report an Incident

Duke upholds all federal laws prohibiting discrimination, including Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, a federal law that requires all entities receiving federal government funds and financial assistance to prohibit sex discrimination in their programs and activities. This comprehensive law prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence; wage discrimination; termination, discrimination, or failure to promote or admit based on pregnancy; and discrimination in athletic opportunities.

What Is Sexual Misconduct?

Sexual misconduct refers to sexual- or gender-based harassment, sexual or gender violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence (domestic violence and dating violence), and sex- or gender-based stalking.

What Is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in both educational programs and employment. It applies to all aspects of employment and education programs and activities at Duke University.

Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment which is defined as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. Quid pro quo: An employee of Duke conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the institution on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.
2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the school’s education program or activity.
3. Sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking as defined in other federal laws (Clery Act and VAWA).

In addition, Title IX covers reports when:

• The conduct is alleged to have been perpetrated against a person in the United States;
• The conduct is alleged to have taken place within the University’s programs and activities; and
• At the time of the filing or signing of the Formal Complaint, the Complainant is participating in or attempting to participate in the University’s programs or activities.

Title IX also prohibits discrimination based on sex or gender in other ways:

• In academic courses and programs, including but not limited to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
• Related to pregnancy or parenthood
• In grading, classroom assignments, and housing
• In athletics

Title IX FAQs

Please visit our Title IX FAQ page for more information.

What is Duke’s Policy on Sexual Misconduct?

Duke’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct (PPDHRM) addresses sexual misconduct by students (undergraduate, graduate and professional), faculty, staff and visitors. In addition to Title IX and other forms of sexual misconduct, the PPDHRM addresses discrimination and harassment based on age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and veteran status.

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.