Title VI and Title IX Home

About the Title VI and Title IX Office

RIT's Title VI and Title IX Office, housed within RIT's Office of Compliance and Ethics, is a neutral office dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and equitable learning and working environment. The office supports the university's efforts to prevent, address, and remedy discrimination, harassment, and retaliation prohibited by federal and state civil rights laws.  

The office is responsible for addressing:

  • Sex- and gender-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, and relationship violence affecting members of the RIT community under Title IX and related laws.
  • Race, color, and national origin discrimination affecting students under Title VI and related laws.
  • Retaliation related to the reporting of, participation in, or response to protected civil rights concerns.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Receiving and Responding to Reports:  The office receives reports of potential violations of federal and state civil rights laws and assesses concerns involving sex, gender, race, color, national origin, and related forms of prohibited conduct within its jurisdiction.
  2. Coordinating Supportive Measures:  The office works with campus partners to connect affected individuals with supportive resources and measures designed to preserve access to educational and employment opportunities.
  3. Conducting and Coordinating Investigations: The office conducts or coordinates prompt, equitable, and impartial investigations of complaints involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related misconduct within its jurisdiction.
  4. Ensuring Compliance with University Policies and Laws: The office oversees compliance with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and university policies related to civil rights protections.
  5. Educating and Training the Community: The office provides education, training, and outreach to promote awareness of rights, responsibilities, reporting options, and prevention strategies.
  6. Advising and Consulting with Campus Partners: The office collaborates with departments across the university to address concerns, resolve barriers to access, and strengthen institutional compliance efforts.
  7. Identifying Patterns and Systemic Concerns: Through review of reports and institutional data, the office identifies trends, patterns, and systemic issues that may require corrective action, policy review, or additional prevention efforts.
  8. Promoting an Inclusive Campus Environment: The office supports RIT's commitment to fostering a community where individuals can learn and work free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

For employees, students, parents, guardians, and visitors, the Title VI and Title IX Office serves as a valuable resource. To contact the Title VI and Title IX Office, please refer to our OCE Staff Directory page. If you have an emergency, please reach out directly to RIT Public Safety at 585-475-3333 or text 585-205-8333.

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Title VI and Title IX Policies

RIT is committed to addressing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation promptly and effectively. The Title VI and Title IX Office oversees the university's response to reports of sex and gender discrimination under Title IX, as well as student reports of race, color, and national origin discrimination under Title VI.  The university seeks to stop prohibited conduct, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on individuals and the campus community. Information regarding RIT's policies related to Title VI and Title IX can be found on the Title VI and Title IX Policies webpage.

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Title VI and Title IX Reporting

Members of the RIT community are encouraged to report any harassment or discrimination they experience or witness. Reports can be made to the Office of Compliance and Ethics, as well as RIT Public Safety, local law enforcement, and/or state police. Individuals have the right to report free from retaliation and to receive assistance and resources. To report concerns or incidents involving harassment or discrimination, including Title VI and Title IX, submit a report using the online form:

Report a Concern

If you have an immediate concern for your safety or for the safety of others, contact RIT Public Safety by calling (585) 475-3333 or texting (585) 205-8333. Additional reporting options are available on OCE’s Report a Concern webpage.

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Title VI and Title IX Investigations

The Title VI and Title IX Office conducts or coordinates investigations for complaints of sex and gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault or violence, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and retaliation involving employees as well as student complaints involving race, color, and national origin discrimination under Title VI. The office promotes compliance with university policy and applicable laws. For more information about the investigation and review process, visit the OCE Investigations and Reviews webpage.

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Title IX Resources and Information

The Title IX Office provides the RIT Community with Title IX resources and guidance. This page includes detailed information for Title IX Advisors and Advocates, employees and students who are pregnant or have a pregnancy-related condition, and the Title IX Information Toolkit of helpful resources, posters, and flyers for use across campus.

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Title VI and Title IX Education and Training

All RIT employees are required to complete Discrimination and Harassment (including Title VI and Title IX) training upon hire. Additionally, they must take an annual refresher course on Harassment and Discrimination (including Title VI and Title IX) through Workday. To access these courses and more, please visit OCE Training and Education.

For RIT Community members seeking specialized Title VI and/or Title IX-focused training, the Title VI and Title IX Office offers the Sex and Gender-Based Education, Awareness, and Prevention Program, as well as Title IX Practitioners training.

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Support Services

RIT prioritizes your well-being, whether you are a student or employee. If you require assistance or support related to a Title IX issue, please reach out to the resources listed on the RIT Title IX Resources (Printable Poster). If necessary, Title IX and Public Safety will collaborate with you to create a Safety Plan.

For a list of on-campus RIT and off-campus community resources that provide support, counseling, and advocacy, please visit the our Support Services webpage.