University Affinity Groups
Affinity groups (including gathering spaces, housing, and online communities) at Northwestern are subject to, and must comply with, anti-discrimination laws. In all aspects of “student, academic, and campus life,” including affinity groups (whether they are comprised of students, staff, and/or faculty), decisions should not take into account individuals’ protected characteristics.
Key aspects of this guidance are also available as a pdf.
Contact ad-faqs@northwestern.edu with questions. Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination are encouraged to file a report with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.
Report Discrimination or Harassment
Student Affinity Groups
Student affinity groups focused on particular cultures, heritages, and areas of the world are permissible as long as they 1) are open to all students in both policy and practice and 2) do not treat students differently based on protected characteristics, engage in stereotyping, or create a hostile environment for students of particular protected characteristics. While identity-based or themed groups are generally permissible, student affinity groups must comply with the standards above.
Student Affinity Groups that are Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must comply with all rules and requirements related to RSOs, including rules for registration, membership, content of constitutions, and events.
Employee Affinity Groups
Employers are prohibited from limiting, segregating, or classifying employees based on race, sex, or other protected characteristics in a way that affects their status or deprives them of employment opportunities. This prohibition applies to employee activities which are employer-sponsored (including by making available employer time, facilities, or premises, and other forms of official or unofficial encouragement or participation), such as employee clubs or affinity groups. Employee affinity groups 1) must be open to all in both policy and practice and 2) must not treat employees differently based on protected characteristics, engage in stereotyping, or create a hostile environment for employees of particular protected characteristics.
Local Chapters of National Organizations
If a local chapter of a national, or international organization is formed at Northwestern, and supported with Northwestern resources, the local chapter must be open to all in both policy and practice, and not treat individuals differently based on protected characteristics.
If the national organization’s bylaws for local chapters cannot accommodate these requirements, it may not be an appropriate organization for Northwestern, and may not use Northwestern resources or the Northwestern name (e.g., it may not be identified as the “X at Northwestern,” “Northwestern chapter of X,” or similar).