Discrimination & Harassment
Acts of discrimination and harassment are contrary to the community standards and ideals of our university. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment, been witness to a situation, or just need to talk, we encourage you to seek support.
Yale does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of 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.
Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinators are community members with the responsibility to receive concerns and offer advice and guidance related to diversity and inclusion, discrimination and harassment, and equal opportunity. Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinators may also help facilitate an informal resolution. This may be an individual’s best “first stop” in discussing a concern related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, as Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinators will be knowledgeable about resources specific to their school or college. Contact details for the Graduate School's Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinators can be found below.
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”).
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.
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.
Formal complaints of discrimination or harassment against a GSAS student are governed by the Graduate School's Disciplinary Procedures.
Formal complaints of discrimination or harassment brought against a faculty member are governed by the Faculty Standards of Conduct process.
Formal complaints of discrimination or harassment brought against a staff member may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity & Accessibility and/or Human Resources.
Contact us
The Graduate School has four designated Discrimination and Harassment Resources Coordinators.
Michelle Nearon
Senior Associate Dean and Director of Office for Graduate Student Development & Diversity
- michelle.nearon@yale.edu
- 203-436-1301
- Warner House 206
Matthew S. Tanico
Assistant Dean for Academic Support & Outreach
- matthew.tanico@yale.edu
- 203-436-2628
- Warner House 205
Suzanne Young
Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Professional Development
- suzanne.young@yale.edu
- 203-432-8895
- Founders Hall 185
Additional Resources
Discrimination & Harassment Resources
https://dhr.yale.edu/
Acts of discrimination and harassment are contrary to the community standards and ideals of our university. If you have experienced discrimination or harassment, been witness to a situation, or just need to talk, we encourage you to seek support. The resources, offices, and individuals highlighted on this site are available to provide guidance and to help you through informal or formal complaint procedures.
Title IX Office
https://titleix.yale.edu/
The Title IX Office is an important part of Yale’s efforts to foster an environment of respect and belonging, consulting with members of the Yale community about their concerns and questions related to sex- and gender-based discrimination. This includes sexual misconduct, as well as discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, non-conformance with gender stereotypes, and parenting or pregnancy status.
SHARE Center
https://sharecenter.yale.edu/
SHARE provides crisis support, advocacy, and referral to on-going care for all members of the Yale community dealing with sexual misconduct of any kind, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, intimate partner violence, and more. SHARE also offers on-going counseling for students (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) focused on processing issues related to sexual misconduct.
Featured Resource
Yale Mental Health and Counseling
https://yalehealth.yale.edu/directory/departments/mental-health-counseling
Yale Mental Health and Counseling provides a full range of free mental health services to Yale Students. To access individual therapy, medication management, and/or group therapy, students should call Yale Mental Health and Counseling at 203-432-0290 and schedule an intake appointment. Students in urgent need can call 24/7 to speak with an on-call clinician.
Belonging at Yale
https://belong.yale.edu/
Belonging at Yale is the name for the university’s activities to enhance diversity, support equity, and promote an environment of welcome, inclusion, and respect.
Office of LGBTQ Resources
https://lgbtq.yale.edu/
The Yale University Office of LGBTQ Resources is a community center that partners to maintain a coalition of LGBTQ organizations across campus and in the community. Our mission is to support and empower students, faculty, staff, and alumni of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions to strengthen and unite our Yale University community.