Gender and Sex Based Discrimination

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.