On May 6, 2020, the Department of Education issued new regulations mandating how all colleges and universities must investigate and adjudicate allegations of violations under Title IX, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity.
As a result, Northeastern was required to update its Title IX Policy to ensure the university’s compliance with these new federal regulations. Despite these changes that went into effect on August 14, 2020, Northeastern remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a safe living, learning and working environment for all, and one in which those impacted by sexual violence always have access to vital community resources and support.
Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX
Northeastern University is committed to providing equal opportunity to its students and employees, and to eliminating discrimination when it occurs. In furtherance of this commitment, Northeastern University strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status.
The Northeastern University Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Title IX articulates how the University will respond to reported allegations of Sexual Harassment, Quid Pro Quo Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking, Gender-Based Harassment and Retaliation, and provides a consolidated statement of the rights and responsibilities under University policies and Title IX, as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the U.S. Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights’ revised regulations in 2020 to the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. § 1681. The policy describes how areas within the University will coordinate the provision of interim remedies and the prompt and effective investigation of allegations of Prohibited Offenses.
This policy applies to all members of the University community, including students and prospective students, employees and prospective employees, faculty, staff and volunteers in connection with University activities. It further applies to on- or off-campus behavior involving students.
Non-Retaliation Policy
The Grievance Procedure and Title IX Policy also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of discrimination. It is unlawful to take adverse actions against any member of the Northeastern community for filing a complaint of harassment or discrimination, or for cooperating in an investigation of such a complaint. Retaliation against a member of the Northeastern community who, in good faith, reports alleged harassment or who participates in an investigation is a violation of the policy and is subject to appropriate discipline. Retaliation may have an adverse impact in the following areas: hiring, firing, promotions, demotions, compensation, benefits, grading, pressure to withdraw from class, ignoring, refusing requests for assistance. This list is not exhaustive.
The University will not tolerate retaliation against any person who in good faith makes a report of a Prohibited Offense. Any person who retaliates directly or indirectly against a Victim, witness, person reporting a Prohibited Offense, a respondent and/or charged party or any person involved in the investigation of a Prohibited Offense will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination (if an employee) or expulsion (if a student).
Policy on Non-Fraternization
Northeastern University strives to provide an environment for students, faculty and staff that is respectful, fair and free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. In keeping with its commitment to provide equal opportunity to students, faculty and staff, and in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest, favoritism, exploitation, harassment or breaches of professional standards, the University’s Policy on Non-Fraternization prohibits romantic or sexual relationships where there is supervision, direction or control between the parties.
Policy on Equal Opportunity
The Policy on Equal Opportunity strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure
The Equal Opportunity Complaint Procedure sets forth the options and steps for reporting allegations of discrimination and harassment and/or retaliation