OCR VP shares 2023 notice of non-discrimination and mandatory reporting policy
Dear Spartans,
We remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Michigan State University’s civil rights policies reinforce this commitment by prohibiting discrimination, harassment and related retaliation as well as relationship violence, sexual misconduct and stalking (RVSM).
Please take a moment to read through this information — including MSU’s full Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation as well as the updated mandatory reporting policy — and contact the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, or OCR, if you have questions. The full Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation and related policies are available at civilrights.msu.edu. For a list of resources and services please visit poe.msu.edu/resources.
Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation
MSU prohibits discrimination and harassment in its programs and activities based on race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, gender, gender identity, genetic information, disability, height, marital status, political persuasion, sexual orientation, veteran status and/or weight. MSU also prohibits retaliation against those who report discrimination or harassment, or who participate in the university’s investigation and handling of such reports. Title IX prohibits retaliation against reporters of sex discrimination, including reports of sex discrimination against administrators and other employees. MSU independently investigates allegations of retaliation and will take strong responsive actions if retaliation occurs.
Any student, employee, patient or third party who believes they have been discriminated against or harassed is encouraged to report the incident(s) to OCR. The university will respond promptly, including by offering supportive measures, informing parties about the available complaint and investigation processes, and taking reasonable care to prevent and promptly correct discrimination or harassment.
Anyone may report allegations of harassment, discrimination or retaliation to OCR via the Public Incident Reporting Form (available at msu.publicincidentreporting.com) or by calling OCR at 517-353-3922. Reports also may be emailed to OIE@msu.edu or submitted in person during business hours at:
Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
408 W. Circle Dr., Suite 5, Olds Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
MSU’s Title IX coordinator is responsible for overseeing and implementing the university’s Title IX policies and grievance procedures, monitoring the campus climate, and coordinating Title IX compliance efforts across the university. As the university’s designated Title IX coordinator, you can contact me about inquiries regarding Title IX as well as the university’s non-discrimination policies:
Laura Rugless
Vice President and Title IX Coordinator
Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
408 W. Circle Dr., Suite 105, Olds Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-355-3960
Any inquiries regarding the application of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act may be referred to the university ADA/Section 504 coordinator or to OCR. The university’s ADA/Section 504 coordinator is:
Tracy Leahy
408 W. Circle Dr., Suite 107, Olds Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824
517-355-3960
Mandatory reporting policy for employees (including student employees) and volunteers
I also want to take this opportunity to remind employees (including student employees) and volunteers of their responsibilities under the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking policy. Effective Sept. 8, 2023, this policy replaced the former reporting protocol to clarify reporting requirements. The policy was developed in consultation with campus partners and constituent groups, including the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct, or RVSM, Workgroup, Faculty Senate, Human Resources and student organization leaders, and incorporates some recommendations from an external report. To help explain the policy, there are FAQs and an infographic available. You can request training for your unit by emailing POE.training@msu.edu.
Note to supervisors: Please ensure employees (including student employees) and volunteers you supervise are aware of this updated information.
Thank you for taking the time to review this information and for working together toward the advancement of civil rights at MSU.
Sincerely,
Laura Rugless (she/her)
Vice President and Title IX Coordinator
Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance