Princeton University is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming educational and working environment for all members of its community. Consistent with these values and applicable law, including Title IX, the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, the University maintains a comprehensive program designed to protect members of the University community from sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.
On April 29, 2024, the United States Department of Education (DOE) published its final Title IX regulations (2024 Regulations) which, by its terms, take effect on August 1, 2024. Recently, a federal court in Kansas issued a preliminary injunction which prohibits the DOE from enforcing the 2024 Regulations with respect to more than 700 colleges and universities nationwide, including Princeton. In light of this injunction and the attendant legal uncertainty, Princeton will continue to apply its current policies: the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, the University Sexual Misconduct policy and the Policy on Discrimination and/or Harassment. Princeton will be prepared to modify its policies as required once the status of the 2024 Regulations issued in April is further clarified.
Princeton’s current policies prohibit sexual misconduct and discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or related conditions. Consistent with our values, Princeton will continue to provide a wide range of supportive measures to community members impacted by this conduct, implement robust prevention initiatives, and conduct fair, thorough and empathetic grievance processes when applicable.
On this site, students, faculty, staff and members of the University community will find information regarding our policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct. To confidentially explore accessing a variety of support services and/or learning about reporting options, the following confidential resources are available:
- Sexual Harassment/Assault Advising, Resources and Education (SHARE) (on-campus specialized counseling, advocacy, and supportive resources);
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) (general counseling);
- Medical Services at University Health Services (UHS) (primary and specialized services);
- Ombuds Office (independent and informal grievance resource);
- Office of Religious Life Chaplains (counseling and faith-based support);
- Carebridge (short-term remote counseling); and
- Younity (off-campus specialized counseling, advocacy, and supportive resources).
These resources are available to assist and support members of the University community. At any time, an individual may consult with the University Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Coordinator to report a concern, and can find additional information on the sexual misconduct investigations website.
This site also contains information about the University's prevention efforts and the CPUC Committee on Sexual Climate, Culture and Conduct.
Princeton's Commitment to Combating Sexual Misconduct
Princeton University does not tolerate sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. Such conduct is harmful to the well-being of our community members, our learning and working environments, and the collegial relationships among students, faculty, and staff that characterize the culture of Princeton. All forms of prohibited conduct under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and the University Sexual Misconduct policy are regarded as serious University offenses, and violations may result in discipline, including the possibility of separation from the University. State and federal laws also address conduct that may meet the University’s definitions of prohibited conduct, and criminal prosecution may take place independently of any disciplinary action instituted by the University.
The Title IX Sexual Harassment policy is based on definitions set forth in regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, and that policy limits the scope of Title IX Sexual Harassment to conduct that occurs within the United States and conduct that occurs within the University’s education program or activity. In order to address incidents of sexual misconduct that do not fall within the definition of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the University has two policies that address sexual misconduct: (1) the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy; and (2) the University Sexual Misconduct policy. These policies are inter-related and must be read together.
The University Sexual Misconduct policy applies only to certain conduct, as defined under that policy. Specifically, the University Sexual Misconduct policy applies to forms of sexual misconduct that do not fall under the scope of the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, including Sexual Exploitation, Improper Conduct related to Sex, and University Sexual Harassment. The University Sexual Misconduct Policy also applies to complaints alleging certain conduct that would otherwise be prohibited under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy (e.g., Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy), but which must be dismissed under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy because they do not meet the jurisdictional requirements.