Sex
Sex refers to biological differences assigned at birth such as internal and external sexual organs. Any form of discrimination or harassment based on an individual's assigned sex - which can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, offensive remarks, or any form of abuse sexual in nature can be defined as sex-based discrimination. Discriminating on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions is also a form of sex discrimination.
Please be aware of the following resources that provide important information regarding your rights, including federal and state laws, as well as campus resources to assist students, staff, and faculty.
Federal & State Laws, Definitions & Resources
Students*
- US Department of Education-Office for Civil Rights: Sex Discrimination FAQ
- US Department of Education-Office for Civil Rights: Sex Discrimination
- US Department of Justice: Types of Educational Opportunities Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment - US Department of Education-Office for Civil Rights: Sexual Harassment Resources
- Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination under the law
- Pregnancy - Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School
- Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy is also a form of sex discrimination
- If you are pregnant, you have a legal right to a reasonable accommodation if your pregnancy causes or contributes to a disability
Faculty & Staff*
- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Sex-Based Discrimination
- US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Equal Pay/Compensation Discrimination
- Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: Employment Discrimination
- Sexual Harassment - US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: Sexual Harassment
- Sexual Harassment is a form of sex discrimination under the law
- Pregnancy - Maryland Commission on Civil Rights: Pregnant & Working Fact Sheet
- Discrimination on the basis of pregnancy is also a form of sex discrimination
- If you are pregnant, you have a legal right to a reasonable accommodation if your pregnancy causes or contributes to a disability
Campus Resources
- In all cases where emergency circumstances exist, never hesitate to dial 9-1-1. The USG Campus has 24/7 security personnel. They staff the information desk in Building III and patrol all buildings, grounds, and parking areas. They also provide escorts and monitor and record USG's extensive CCTV camera system. For more information, contacts, and resources, please visit our Public Safety & Security page
- The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and its Partner Institutions are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where all persons participating in USG, Partner Institution, or any other programs and activities at USG may learn and work together in an atmosphere free from Sexual Misconduct. For Title IX on-site/off-site resources and to access USG Sexual Misconduct Protocol, please visit Title IX
- USG Center for Counseling and Consultation (CCC)
- Office of Human Resources
- USG students, faculty, and staff can enjoy the privacy of the Wellness Room located in room III-3236 for qualified personal use such as a lactation room for new moms. Please contact Jessica Nardi at jnardi@umd.edu, or 301-738-6324 for the code to access the room
Please note, The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is committed to creating and maintaining an educational, working, and living environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
*Source: UMD Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct