Policies & Definitions

Yale University’s Equal Opportunity Statement

The University’s Equal Opportunity Statement can be found on the university policies website.

Definition of Discrimination

Discrimination means treating an individual adversely in University admissions or in the conduct of educational programs or employment based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran, or membership in any other protected classes as set forth in Connecticut and federal law (“protected characteristics”).

Definition of Harassment

Harassment means subjecting an individual to objectively offensive, unwelcome conduct based on any of the protected characteristics, when such conduct (i) is severe, persistent, or pervasive and (ii) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the individual’s work, academic performance or participation in university activities or creates an intimidating or hostile environment.  Harassment may be found in a single severe episode, as well as in persistent behavior.  Harassment is evaluated using a “reasonable person” standard.

For more information specific to sexual and/or gender-based harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct, refer to the Yale Sexual Misconduct Policies and Related Definitions.

Definition of Retaliation

Retaliation means any adverse action taken against a person who has reported a concern, filed a complaint, and/or participated in an investigation pursuant to this policy.  Retaliation includes conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from engaging in activity protected under this policy.  Retaliation may be present even where there is a finding of “no responsibility” on the underlying allegations of Discrimination or Harassment.  Retaliation does not mean good faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of Discrimination or Harassment.  In determining whether an act constitutes Retaliation, the context of the act will be considered, including the individual’s exercise of free expression in accordance with Yale’s free expression policies.

Yale University’s Sexual Misconduct Policies and Related Definitions

Yale’s Sexual Misconduct Policies and related definitions are available on the Title IX Office website.