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Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other applicable law and policy, Mercy University prohibits sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. Specifically, no person shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity of the University. Conduct prohibited by Title IX includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, domestic/dating violence, and discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against individuals who, in good faith, file a complaint or otherwise assert their rights under Title IX.

Statement on Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Mercy University is committed to achieving full equal opportunity in all aspects of university life. The University shall recruit, employ, retain, and promote employees, and shall admit and provide services for students, without regard to an individual’s race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, partnership status, disability (including HIV/AIDS), genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, alienage, citizenship, criminal arrest and conviction records, military or veteran status, salary history, credit history, caregiver status, pregnancy or related conditions, lactation status, sex and reproductive decisions, status as a victim of dating violence/domestic violence/stalking/sex offenses/sex abuse, unemployment status, or any other legally prohibited basis in accordance with federal, state, county and city laws.

Every member of the Mercy University community, including students, employees, applicants for employment, applicants for student admission, contractors, and visitors, deserve the opportunity to live, learn, work, and participate in an environment free from discrimination.  As such, Mercy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex and all other protected characteristics. Mercy University prohibits such discrimination, as well as retaliation in admissions, continuing enrollment, and employment on the part of any University community member directed at another member, including bias-related conduct. 

Reporting Form for Students 

If you are a student who wishes to file a complaint of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or other forms of sexual misconduct, or any other form of discrimination based on a protected characteristic (disability), click on the below link for the online complaint form. Once this form is received, the Director of Title IX & Equity Compliance will contact you to discuss supportive measures and next steps. You may also file this report anonymously.

If you need immediate, emergency care call 911 or Campus Safety at (914) 674-9999. If you have questions about filing a complaint contact the Director of Title IX and Equity Compliance at titleix.equity@mercy.edu or (914) 674-7842.

Reporting Form for Employees or Other Non-Students

If you are an employee (staff or faculty), contractor, visitor, or other non-student who wishes to file a complaint of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or other forms of sexual misconduct, or any other form of discrimination based on a protected characteristic (including disability), click on the below link for the online complaint form. Once this form is received, the Director of Title IX & Equity Compliance will contact you to discuss supportive measures and next steps. You may also file this report anonymously.

If you need immediate, emergency care, call 911 or Campus Safety at (914) 674-9999.  If you have questions about filing a complaint, contact the Director of Title IX and Equity Compliance at titleix.equity@mercy.edu or (914) 674-7842.

Sexual violence is a term with a specific legal connotation. It encompasses a broad range of behavior that includes all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual violence. Sexual violence refers to sexual acts committed against a person’s will, or where the person is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation, unconsciousness, or any circumstance rendering one unaware that sexual activity is occurring. Under this policy, sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, cyber-stalking, bullying, cyber-bullying, domestic violence, dating violence, sex discrimination, and retaliation.

We encourage all members of our campus community to seek support for and report all sexual harassment, misconduct, and discrimination directly to the Mercy University Director of Title IX & Equity Compliance or the Mercy University Office of Campus Safety (see contact information below).

The Mercy University Sexual Misconduct and Non-Discrimination Policy contains the Students' Bill of Rights as well as useful information related to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct, including an extensive list of resources both on and off campus (see Appendix C).

The Director of Title IX and Equity Compliance at Mercy University is responsible for overseeing the University's Title IX and non-discrimination efforts including:

• Coordination of the University's efforts to comply with Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as well as New York State and other related laws.
• Oversight of university-wide education, training, and outreach programming related to sexual harassment and discrimination.
• Coordinating the University's investigation of complaints pursuant to Title IX including sexual harassment and misconduct.
• Assisting students and employees in accessing supportive measures and services, on and off campus, including counseling services, medical care, and legal assistance.
• Directing students and employees to confidential resources both on and off campus.
• Providing guidance and answering questions related to Mercy University policies and procedures related to sexual harassment and misconduct.
• Conducting campus-wide climate assessments at least every two years to further enhance educational and support services related to Title IX.
   

In compliance with New York State Education Law Amendment 129-B, Mercy University conducts a climate survey every two years, collecting information from students related to sexual misconduct prevention and response. The most recent survey was distributed in November 2021. The results of the survey are available below (129-B Survey Results 2021) and a summary of the results with suggested action steps is available below (129-B 2021 Survey Summary).