Non-Discrimination Policy
Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation Policies
All PA Medicine students are subject to the MSU University Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation policies. Information related to these University policies and compliance can be found at the following University webpage: https://civilrights.msu.edu/policies/index.html
MSU Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Non-Retaliation
Michigan State University is committed to an inclusive atmosphere where students, faculty, staff, and guests may participate in university life without concerns of discrimination. Diversity is one of MSU’s principal strengths and the university takes its responsibility under federal civil rights laws to prohibit discrimination very seriously. For information about applicable laws and university policy please see the Michigan State University Notice of Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation.
Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP)
Michigan State University is committed to fostering an environment free of discrimination and harassment. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment as a foundational expectation of behavior to facilitate safe and equitable participation in University programs and activities. The University and members of the University Community are prohibited from discriminating against or harassing any person on the basis of age, color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), genetic information, disability status, ethnicity, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation), military or veteran status, or weight, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law in any of its programs or activities. The University also prohibits retaliation against those who oppose or report discrimination or harassment, or who participate in the University's investigation and handling of such reports.
The University complies with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment, as described in this Policy.
This Policy explains how to report potential prohibited conduct and obtain support and resources, as well as the University’s processes for responding to and addressing reports and formal complaints of prohibited conduct.
Reports of sex discrimination that include harassment based on sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, or sexual identity or relationship violence, sexual misconduct, or stalking will be reviewed under the University’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy (RVSMTIX Policy).
For more information regarding reasonable accommodations, please visit the ADA Coordinator's page
- Anti-Discrimination Policy
- ADP Users Manual (PDF)(Word) - (Updated March 17, 2025)
Mandatory Reporting
Responsible employees, including undergraduate and graduate employees, and volunteers are required to report when a community member discloses that they experienced prohibited conduct under the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.
MSU recognizes the complexities associated with fulfilling your mandatory reporting obligations as an employee while offering support and maintaining the relationship you have built with the student or employee. To that end, MSU has created the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking policy to provide employees with information about the mandatory reporting process, including what happens when a report is made, as well as tips for responding and supporting students and employees.
Unless otherwise exempt, all university employees and volunteers are obligated to promptly report to OCR information about incidents or conduct that may be prohibited by the RVSM and Title IX Policy that:
- They observe or learn about in their working or professional capacity; and
- Occurred at a University-sponsored event or on University property or involves a University community member with respect to conduct that may have occurred while they were a University community member.
If you have any questions about your mandatory reporting obligations, please reach out to OCR by calling (517) 353-3922 or emailing ocr.isr@msu.edu.
Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking policy
Mandatory Reporting FAQs
Mandatory Reporting Failure Investigation Procedures
University Reporting Protocol: Child Abuse and Other Harm to Children
Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy
MSU has established the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy in keeping with the university's commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive campus community.
The policy, administered by ISR, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and sexual harassment, including gender-based harassment, sexual assault/misconduct, relationship violence and stalking. Title IX prohibits retaliation against reporters of sex discrimination, including reports of sex discrimination against administrators and other employees. MSU will independently investigate alleged retaliation for participation in the Title IX process.
For complete information, including definitions contained in the policy, read the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy.
For questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please reach out to MSU's ADA Coordinator Office Director & ADA / Section 504 Coordinator, ADACoordinator@msu.edu.
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Pregnancy-Related Conditions Policy
Michigan State University is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for students and employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions.
This Policy addresses the University’s obligations under federal law to provide reasonable accommodations for employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth or pregnancy-related conditions, and academic modifications and extended leaves of absence for students who are affected by pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions, and/or students who are parenting, including, adoptive parents, foster parents, stepparents and/or legal guardians.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This prohibition includes discriminating against or excluding a student from an education program or activity, extracurricular activity, athletic program, or other program or activity of the University, on the basis of the student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Additionally, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978, which amended Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth or other related medical conditions. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee’s known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. The Fair Labor Standards Act and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act provide nursing employees up to one year after birth, the right to receive break time and private space at work to express breast milk.
The University prohibits any action based on actual or potential parental, family, or marital status which discriminates on the basis of sex.
Student Coursework
Michigan State University is committed to fostering a culture of caring and respect that is free of relationship violence and sexual misconduct, and to ensuring that all affected individuals have access to services.
Limits to Confidentiality
Essays, journals, and other materials submitted for classes are generally considered confidential pursuant to the University's student record policies. However, students should be aware that University employees, including instructors, may not be able to maintain confidentiality when it conflicts with their responsibility to report certain issues to protect the health and safety of MSU community members and others. Instructors must report the following information to other University offices (including the Department of Police and Public Safety): Suspected child abuse/neglect, even if this maltreatment happened when you were a child; Allegations of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or sexual harassment; and Credible threats of harm to oneself or to others.
These reports may trigger contact from a campus official who will want to talk with you about the incident that you have shared. In almost all cases, it will be your decision whether you wish to speak with that individual. If you would like to talk about these events in a more confidential setting, you are encouraged to make an appointment with the MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services.