Our Work
Northwestern University is committed to fostering an environment in which all members of our community are free from discrimination and harassment—including sexual misconduct. Such conduct violates the values of our institution and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and other community members.
Consistent with federal, state, and local law, and the University's collective bargaining agreements, the University prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry), ethnicity, caste, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, height, weight, or any other classification protected by law in matters of admissions, employment, housing, or in the educational programs or activities it operates.
In furtherance of this work, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance staff are responsible for the following activities:
- Responding to reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including helping students, faculty, and staff understand the University's processes for making such reports;
- Providing support and resources to those impacted by discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct;
- Providing training, consultation, and resources to the University community regarding accommodating individuals with disabilities, the University's equal opportunity programs for faculty and staff, and responding to reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct; and
- Working with students, faculty, and staff to revise and implement policies related to discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct and providing reasonable accommodations related to disabilities, pregnancy, and religion.