Although Title IX is commonly associated with sex-based discrimination in athletics,
the law is much broader. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal
law that provides:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation
in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational
program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Sex/Gender Discrimination of Students Under Title IX
In the provision of aid, benefit or service to students, the university may not, on the basis of sex:
- Treat one student differently from another in determining whether the student satisfies
any requirement or condition for the provision of any aid, benefit, or service
- Provide different aid, benefits, or services or provide aid, benefits, or services
in a different manner
- Deny any student any such aid, benefit, or service
- Subject students to separate or different rules of behavior, sanctions, or other treatment
- Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a student by providing significant assistance
to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of sex in providing
any aid, benefit, or service to students
- Otherwise limit any student in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or
opportunity.
Source: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/shguide.html
Such aids, benefits or services may include, but are not limited to, admissions, recruitment,
financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, counseling and guidance,
discipline, classroom assignment, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical
education, athletics, housing and employment.
Source: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.pdf
Sex/Gender Discrimination of Faculty and Staff
Ferris State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion
or creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital
status, veteran or military status, height, weight, protected disability, genetic
information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable State or federal
laws or regulations in education, employment, housing, public services, or other University
operations, including, but not limited to, admissions, programs, activities, hiring,
promotion, discharge, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, classification,
referral, or retention. Retaliation against any person making a charge, filing a legitimate
complaint, testifying, or participating in any discrimination investigation or proceeding
is prohibited.
Students with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation may contact Educational
Counseling & Disabilities Services at (231) 591-3057 in Big Rapids, or the Director
of Counseling, Disability & Tutoring Services for Kendall College of Art and Design
at (616) 451-2787 ext. 1136 in Grand Rapids. Employees and other members of the University
community with disabilities requiring assistance or accommodation may contact the
Human Resources Department, 420 Oak St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or call (231) 591-2150.
Inquiries and complaints of disability discrimination may be addressed to the 504
Coordinator/Educational Counselor, 820 Campus Dr., Arts, Sciences and Education Commons
1017, Big Rapids, MI 49307 or by telephone at (231) 591-3057. Other inquiries or complaints
of discrimination may be addressed to the Director of Equal Opportunity, 120 East
Cedar St., Big Rapids, MI 49307 or by telephone at (231) 591-2152; or Title IX Coordinator,
805 Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, or by telephone at (231) 591-2088. On the KCAD
Grand Rapids campus, contact the Title IX Deputy Coordinator, 17 Fountain St., Grand
Rapids, MI, (616) 451-2787 ext. 1113.