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Consistent with the University’s obligations under federal, state and local laws, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance's work includes providing information and resources to faculty, staff, and students who believe they have been subjected to harassment or discrimination based on a protected characteristic and investigating complaints of unlawful discrimination in admissions, employment, and within the University’s programs and activities. If you believe you have been subjected to harassment or discrimination, you can use these pages to explore your options.

Responses Specific to You and Your Experience

Depending on when or where your experience of discrimination or harassment occurred, and the extent of the harm inflicted, it may fall within the scope of the federal Title IX policy guidelines. Whether or not it does, Northwestern can offer you support. If the harassment you experienced was of a sexual nature, please visit the Sexual Misconduct website.

View Policy Details

Discrimination and Harassment

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 (referred to as "protected characteristics") in the educational programs or activities Northwestern operates is prohibited under federal, state, and local laws, is contrary to Northwestern's values and disrupts the living, learning, and working environment for students, faculty, staff, and other community members.

General Concerning or Uncivil Behavior

General bullying or uncivil behavior that is not based on a protected characteristic does not fall within the purview of Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, but may violate the University's expectations on civility and mutual respect and can be reported to relevant offices, such as the Office of Community Standards, Office of Human Resources, or Provost Office.

Reporting Options and Pathways

University community members who have experienced discrimination or harassment have the right to report to police, the university, both, or neither. Reporting to both the university and local police does not limit your options in seeking support from either.

Within the university, multiple resolution pathways are available to you. You can seek formal resolution, alternative or informal resolutions, confidential support, and/or supportive measures.

Reporting an incident

Ways to Report and What to Expect

Resources and Learning

Community resources, including other University offices, that help create an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

Definitions

Find definitions for common terms and phrases used in the reporting and resolution process.

Education and Training

Learn about education and training offerings from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance.

Get Involved

Learn about student organizations and engagement opportunities available through the Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE).

Resource Guides

Resource guides help parties navigate the processes and policies surrounding discrimination and harassment.

Youth on Campus

Learn about The Minors at Northwestern Policy and associated resources.