Report to our office any discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct incidents you have experienced or witnessed.
“Discrimination” is defined as any conduct that violates the Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity policy of Syracuse University. Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
“Sexual harassment” is conduct that focuses on a person’s sexuality and/or gender, rather than on that person’s contributions, as a student or employee, to the University. It encompasses the full range of coercive, unwelcome behavior, from subtle psychological force, to gross physical abuse. These acts may be visual (e.g., leering, ogling, and physical gestures conveying a sexual meaning), verbal (e.g., sexual innuendos, suggestive remarks, sexually derogatory jokes), written (e.g., sexually suggestive e-mail, cartoons or letters), or physical (e.g., hugging, pinching or fondling). Sexual harassment may encompass acts of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. Sexual harassment also includes requests for sexual relations combined with threats of adverse consequences if the person refuses.
Report discrimination based on…
Sex, Gender, Sexual Orientation, Gender Expression, or Gender Identity
Title IX prohibits harassment or discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity. The New York State Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (“SONDA”) protects individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation. New York State Education Law 3201a and the New York State Education Department provide guidance on protecting transgender and gender-nonconforming students from harassment and discrimination [PDF].
Disability
Section 503 and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibit discrimination or harassment because of disability.
Race and Ethnicity
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ad national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Religion
Title VII Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, and religion.
Age
The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects certain applicants and employees 40 years of age and older from discrimination on the basis of age in privileges of employment.
Veteran’s Status
The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) prohibits federal contractors from discriminating in employment against protected veterans, and requires these employers to take affirmative action.
Work Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is designed to help employees balance their work and family responsibilities by allowing them to take reasonable unpaid leave for certain family and medical reasons. It also seeks to accommodate the legitimate interests of employers and promote equal employment opportunity for men and women.
Other Protected Classes
The NYS Human Rights Law makes it illegal for an employer to discriminate against an employee or job seeker because of his or her age, creed, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, disability, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal or arrest record, or predisposing genetic characteristics.