Sent to All Student, Faculty & Staff - June 11, 2024
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Equity & Access Update Fall 2023 |
June is Pride
Pride month is about celebrating the diverse tapestry of identities within the Stony Brook University community.
Pride is powerful affirmation of our commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. It serves as a reminder of the progress we've made towards equality and the work that still lies ahead to create a truly inclusive society.
Pride is also about celebrating the work of LGBTQ+ people, LGBTQ+ history and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.
As we celebrate Pride Month, let us also recommit ourselves to creating a campus culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our lives. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride in who they are.
New Title II of the ADA and Title IX Regulations
As you may be aware, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Title II of the ADA) and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) are critical components of federal civil rights law that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability (Title II of the ADA) and sex (Title IX). Title II of the ADA requires state and local governments to give people with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit for their programs, services and activities. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. These laws play a pivotal role in ensuring equal access and opportunity.
This spring the US Justice Department (DoJ) and the US Department of Education (DoEd) issued regulations for Title II of the ADA and Title IX, respectively. These new regulations aim to strengthen protections for individuals covered under Title II of the ADA and Title IX, as well as provide guidance to institutions on their legal obligations.
Stony Brook University is committed to promoting an inclusive environment where all members of our community can thrive, as such, we will be working to ensure in the coming weeks and months to be sure that we comply with these new regulations in accordance with the law.
The Title II regulations have a compliance date of April 25, 2026 and the Title IX regulations require changes by August 1, 2024 As needed, we will be provide any necessary information to ensure that the University community is aware of any policy or procedural changes as a result of our efforts.
We encourage you to stay informed and engaged in this process, as your support and cooperation are essential to our collective efforts to foster a culture of equality and respect on our campus. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these efforts, please contact oea@stonybrook.edu.