Boston University’s New Non-Discrimination Policy
From Senior Vice President for People, Belonging, and Culture Manuel Cuevas-Trisán and Provost Colin Duckett
We are pleased to share that Boston University has finalized a new Non-Discrimination Policy, effective August 1, 2026. This policy replaces the Interim Equal Opportunity and Title IX Policy and reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering a community in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and have the opportunity to learn, work, and thrive free from discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct.
The new policy and its corresponding procedures provide a comprehensive framework for addressing concerns related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. It outlines reporting options, available supportive measures, the rights and responsibilities of community members, and the processes the University uses to respond to concerns fairly, equitably, and with care.
Maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive community is a shared responsibility. Every member of our community plays an important role in preventing, recognizing, and addressing conduct prohibited by the policy. These topics are addressed through the University’s required prevention and education programs for students and employees. We encourage anyone who experiences, witnesses, or becomes aware of potential policy violations to submit a report so that the University can provide support, assess safety concerns, and take appropriate action when warranted.
The University strives to handle reports as privately as possible, sharing information only with those who have a legitimate educational or business need to know or as otherwise required by University policy or law. Employees who are not designated confidential resources are generally required to report information they learn about conduct prohibited by the policy to the Equal Opportunity Office (EOO).
EOO responds to reports under the policy and serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff seeking information, support, supportive measures, or assistance understanding available options. We remain committed to maintaining processes that are fair, responsive, and informed by evolving legal requirements, best practices, and ongoing feedback from our community.
We encourage all members of the Boston University community to review the new Non-Discrimination Policy and familiarize themselves with its contents. Additional information, reporting options, and related resources are available at bu.edu/eoo.
We would like to thank the many individuals who contributed their time, expertise, and thoughtful feedback throughout the policy development process. Their efforts have helped strengthen the University’s commitment to equity, inclusion, accountability, and community well-being.
Thank you for your partnership in helping to create and sustain a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive environment for all members of the Boston University community.