Anti-Discrimination Policy

Compliance with Federal Non-Discrimination Regulations

Several federal regulations have been adopted that have as their purpose the protection of students’ rights. Of particular interest are the following:

1. Equal Opportunity: National Louis University supports the principles of equal opportunity for employment to all qualified persons without regard to Race, Gender, Religion, Color, National Origin or Age.
2. Title IX: National Louis University does not discriminate on the basis of Gender, in accord with Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, in its Educational programs, Admission Policies, Activities or Employment Policies. This Legislation provides that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of Gender, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes protection from sexual harassment. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Department of Diversity, Access and Equality or to the Director of the Offices of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
3. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: National Louis University does not discriminate against Individuals with Disabilities in its Educational programs, Admissions Policies, Activities or Employment Policies. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, provides that no otherwise qualified individual with a disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination solely because of their disability, under any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 provides comprehensive civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities and prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, places of public accommodations, state and local government services and telecommunications. Inquiries regarding compliance may be directed to the Department of Diversity, Access and Equality or to the Director of the Offices of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
4. On-campus grievance procedures for alleged violations of the non-discrimination regulations are the same as those employed for challenging violations of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

Equal Opportunity

National Louis University prohibits discrimination and affords equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, political beliefs, marital status, military status unfavorable military discharge other than dishonorable and all other classifications protected by federal, state or local laws, rules and regulations. Harassment on the basis of a protected classification can be a form of discrimination prohibited by this policy.

Any student with questions, complaints or concerns about discrimination or harassment based on gender is encouraged to contact titleix@nl.edu. In particular, the University has adopted the Comprehensive Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence policy which has been included in this Guidebook. The Comprehensive Sexual Misconduct and Relationship Violence policy addresses the role of the Title IX Coordinator, how investigations are conducted, and the services and options available to students who have experienced sexual misconduct or relationship violence.

Any student with questions, complaints or concerns about discrimination or harassment on the basis of any classification other than gender is encouraged to contact the Ombudsman, TJ Martin at tmartin26@nl.edu or the Director of Conduct and Compliance, Craig Nance at cnance2@nl.edu 

Students can raise concerns and make reports about discrimination or harassment without fear of reprisal. Retaliation against anyone who reports or assists in the investigation of a complaint of discrimination or harassment is prohibited.

Alternatively, students may contact the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to report discrimination based on the classifications listed above:

Illinois Regional Office • 500 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL 60661

Florida Regional Office • 61 Forsyth St. W, Ste. 19T10, Atlanta, GA 30303

Anyone found to be engaging in any type of unlawful discrimination or retaliation against anyone who brings a complaint or assists in the investigation of a complaint may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including permanent dismissal from the University.

When a complaint about unlawful discrimination or retaliation involves conduct by University faculty or staff, the Vice President of Human Resources or designee, will conduct the investigation in coordination with the Title IX Coordinator or the University Ombudsman, depending on the nature of the alleged conduct.