SEAS Student Handbook 2020-2021

to ensure that its employment and educational decisions are based on individual merit
and not on bias or stereotypes.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (EOAA) has overall responsibility
for the management of the University’s Student Policies and Procedures on
Discrimination and Harassment and the Employment Policies and Procedures and local
laws and has been designated as the University’s Compliance Office for the Title IX,
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other equal opportunity, nondiscrimination,
and affirmative action laws. Students, faculty, and staff may contact the EOAA to
inquire about their rights under University policies, request assistance, seek information
about filing a complaint, or report conduct or behavior that may violate these policies.
All students and applicants for admission are protected from coercion, intimidation,
interference, or retaliation for filing a complaint or assisting in an investigation under any
of the applicable policies and laws.
Columbia University Non-Discrimination Statement and Policy
Columbia University is committed to providing a learning, living, and working
environment free from unlawful discrimination and to foster a nurturing and vibrant
community founded upon the fundamental dignity and worth of all its members.
Consistent with this commitment, and with all applicable laws, it is the policy of the
University not to tolerate unlawful discrimination in any form and to provide persons who
feel that they are victims of discrimination with mechanisms for seeking redress.
Columbia University prohibits any form of discrimination against any person on the basis
of race, color, sex, gender, pregnancy, religion, creed, marital status, partnership status,
age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, military status, or any other legally
protected status in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies,
employment, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other Universityadministered
programs.
Nothing in this policy shall abridge academic freedom or the University’s educational
mission. Prohibitions against discrimination and discriminatory harassment do not extend
to statements or written materials that are relevant and appropriately related to the
subject matter of courses.
This policy governs the conduct of all Columbia University students, faculty, staff, and
visitors that occurs on the University's campuses or in connection with Universitysponsored
programs. This policy also governs conduct by Columbia University students,
faculty, staff, and visitors that creates, contributes to, or continues a hostile work,
educational, or living environment for a member or members of the University
community.
Consensual Romantic and Sexual Relationships
Columbia University maintains policies regarding consensual romantic and sexual
relationships between faculty and students, and staff and students. The Faculty-Student
Relationship Policy states that no faculty member shall exercise academic or
professional authority over any student with whom he or she has or previously has had a
consensual romantic or sexual relationship. This policy covers all officers of instruction,
research, and the libraries, including student officers of instruction, research, and
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