Office of Equity & Inclusion

We safeguard an equitable and inclusive university community for all by responding to concerns in the work and learning environment, and raising awareness of individual differences and similarities.

Incident Self-Report Form Third Party Report Form

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

For inquiries or complaints related to non-discrimination policies, please contact:

Dawn Barker Floyd, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
305 Hullihen Hall, Newark, DE 19716
302-831-8063
titleixcoordinator@udel.edu

For complaints related to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and/or the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact:

Elizabeth Reed
Director, Office of Disability Support Services
Alison Hall, Suite 130
Newark, DE 19716
302-831-4643
ecreed@udel.edu

OR contact the U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights.

More information on Accessibility at UD

Title IX Injunction

In April, the U.S. Department of Education announced revisions to Title IX, a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination at schools that receive federal funding.

A federal court in Kansas—in the matter of Kansas v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ., C.A. No. 24-4041 (D. Kan.)—issued an order temporarily enjoining the U.S. Department of Education from enforcing new Title IX regulations previously required to be implemented by schools on or before August 1, 2024.

The Kansas order is unique in that it was not limited to certain states, but instead applies to any school attended by members of the Young America’s Foundation and Female Athletes United, regardless of the school’s location. The decision impacts over 700 colleges and universities across the United States, including the University of Delaware.

The injunction creates challenges and uncertainties, as schools may chose to follow the 2024 Title IX regulations, while others may continue to adhere to the 2020 Title IX regulations for the time being. Schools must navigate this uncertain legal landscape, potentially adjusting their policies and other compliance measures based on ongoing legal developments.

The University of Delaware will keep its current Non-Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Title IX Policy in place while it awaits further guidance from courts and the U.S. Department of Education. The University will, however, proceed with operational improvements that are informed by best practices and supported by both the 2020 and 2024 Title IX regulations, and will remain ready to implement the 2024 regulations when/if the injunction is lifted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an injunction?

An injunction is a court order that enjoins (i.e., blocks, stops, etc.) something from happening while litigation is ongoing. Many types of injunctions have been ordered by courts, including injunctions stopping enforcement of regulations (like in the Kansas case).

What other Delaware schools are subject to injunctions?

As of August 1, 2024, the University of Delaware is the only Delaware school that is impacted by an injunction related to the 2024 Title IX regulations.

Why did certain States and private organizations seek injunctions?

There were multiple legal arguments made in lawsuits related to the injunctions. Those arguments include, but are not limited to, that the regulations force States to violate state laws, that the regulations may cause conflicts with First Amendment rights, that the Department of Education exceeded its scope of authority in issuing the 2024 Title IX regulations, that the regulations contradict the plain language of Title IX, that Title IX does not apply to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, that the regulations require schools to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and that the regulations create a lower standard for sexual harassment, contrary to U.S. Supreme Court precedent.

Where can I keep up with the latest information about injunctions related to the 2024 Title IX regulations?

The Office of Equity and Inclusion has established a dedicated space on its homepage with the latest news about injunctions related to the 2024 Title IX regulations, which you can find here: Office of Equity and Inclusion Homepage. In addition, Grand River Solutions has an Injunction Junction on their website. You can keep track of the states and institutions affected by injunctions at Grand River Solutions Injunction Junction. You may also find information about the injunctions from your trusted news source.

Location & Office Hours

University offices are closed for the holiday break from December 23-January 1, 2025. OEI staff will be working remotely on January 2nd and 3rd. Regular in person office hours will resume on Monday, January 6, 2025.

Office of Equity & Inclusion 305 Hullihen Hall, Third Floor The Green Newark, DE 19716 Phone: (302) 831-8063 E-mail: oei@udel.edu	Monday	9:00am – 4:30pm	In-person
	Tuesday	9:00am – 4:30pm	In-person
	Wednesday	9:00am – 4:30pm	In-person
	Thursday	9:00am – 4:30pm	In-person
	Friday	9:00am – 4:30pm	In-person