The Anti-Discrimination Policy at Michigan State University prohibits discrimination or harassment based on age, race, color, gender (including gender identity and expression), genetic information, disability status, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation), military or veteran status, height, or weight. The policy is part of the University's mission to ensure that all community members are treated with dignity and respect by creating an environment free from discrimination and harassment.
Acts are prohibited which discriminate against or harass any University community member on the basis of age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight. Please see MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP). Additional information is available in the ADP User’s Manual and FAQs.
The Anti-Discrimination Policy prohibits:
Discrimination against any University community member(s) through inappropriate limitation of employment opportunity, access to University residential facilities, or participation in education, athletic, social, cultural, or other University activities 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;
Harassment of any University community member(s) on the basis of age, color, gender, (including gender identity, 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.
The university's Anti-Discrimination Policy User’s Manual provides further guidance on what conduct is prohibited and how MSU applies this policy.
If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct, you can file a report with MSU’s Office for Civil Rights. OCR investigates complaints and works to resolve concerns related to the Anti-Discrimination Policy. Reports can be made online, by phone or in person. This infographic outlines the process once a report is filed. Find more information via the Office for Civil Rights.
If you need emotional support or wish to talk with a counselor about an incident, Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential mental health services to MSU students. The South Neighborhood counselor, Courtney Brown, is available for drop-in counseling on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in S363 Case Hall. Visit MSU CAPS Connect for more information.
If you are concerned about a fellow student’s well-being, you can make a referral to the Care and Intervention Team. This team provides non-clinical case management support to help students address challenges and connect with appropriate resources. You can also refer yourself if you need support navigating difficulties during your time at MSU.