What is Title VII?

Title VII is a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that protects indivdiuals from employment discrimination.   Title VII protects employees and applicants for employment, from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) or national origin discrimination.   This includes discrimination based upon a person's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex color or national origin. 

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination against any individual with respect to their compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment,  

Title VII also prohibits discriminatory harassment in the workplace based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), and national origin. Harassment becomes unlawful if it changes an employee's employment conditions or creates a hostile work environment. 

What do I do if I experience or witness discrimination in violation of Title VII?

Preserve any Record

Make a note of dates, times, locations, what was said or done, and who was involved or present.  Do not delete any evidence, including emails, texts, or messages if relevant.

Report the Behavior  / File a Complaint to OEA

Report the incident to the Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at www.stonybrook.edu/reportit.

Find Support 

You are not alone.    People who experience discrimination often need assistance.  It may help to talk to someone else, such as family member, friend or even  a collegue.   In addition, targets of discrimination may also seek out professional support.   Stony Brook University's  Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for all faculty/staff and get help idenity resources that may help you.