Part of encouraging equity is to provide processes that respond to the need for special accommodations and a reporting and response system for acts of discrimination. The University provides training intended to prevent discrimination of any type, and we also encourage reporting across the entire University. We are all imperfect and can have hidden biases. Our aim is to become more aware of bias—and work to prevent it—so we can learn together in an inclusive environment.

The University’s Commitment

The University of the South stands firmly for the principle that its employees, students, and participants of university-sponsored programs and activities have a right to be free from discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, pregnancy and childbirth, and genetic information. As required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex or other protected categories in the educational programs or activities which it operates. This requirement of non-discrimination extends to admission to and employment in those programs or activities. The University is committed to sustaining a community in which the dignity of every individual is respected. Key to this value are efforts to nurture an environment of civility and mutual respect and to foster a culture of reporting concerns so that the University can respond promptly and equitably whenever an incident occurs. All employees, students, and participants of university-sponsored programs and activities have the right to be free from harassment and retaliation. 

Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be addressed to:

  1. The University’s Title IX Coordinator at:
    Woods Lab 138
    (931) 598-1420
    Email: smgray@sewanee.edu or titleix@sewanee.edu
  2. The Tennessee regional Office for Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, at:
    Atlanta Office
    S. Department of Education
    61 Forsyth Street S.W., Suite 19T10
    Atlanta, GA 30303-8927
    Telephone: (404) 974-9406
    Facsimile: (404) 974-9471
    Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov
  3. The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education at:
    U.S. Department of Education
    Office for Civil Rights
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20202-1100
    Telephone: 1-800-421-3481
    Email: OCR@ed.gov
Values Can Be in Tension with Each Other

The University is also committed to free expression. Speech not specifically directed against individuals in a harassing way may be protected by traditional safeguards of free speech, even though the comments may cause considerable discomfort or concern to others in the community.

Full Policy

The full policy can be found here. For more information go to the Title IX Page.