Nondiscrimination Statement

The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), being committed to respect for diversity and equal opportunity in education and employment, does not discriminate against individuals. The CIA expressly prohibits discrimination against and harassment of individuals on the basis of any protected characteristic, including: race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, religion, disability, age, genetic information, familial status, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected group or classification under the law. In addition, the CIA prohibits Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Exploitation, and Stalking.

This Policy shall apply to conduct that occurs on the CIA’s campus, on CIA technological systems, at CIA-sponsored programs, activities, and events, including: admissions, financial aid, academic matters, career services, counseling, housing, employment policies, scholarship programs, health services, and all other programs, and activities available at the CIA. Further, this Policy applies to conduct off-campus when a person accused of Prohibited Conduct is a matriculated CIA student or when the alleged conduct has a continuing adverse impact upon the CIA work or school environment.

This Policy applies to all members of the CIA Community, including Students, Employees (faculty and staff), Trustees, Interns, and Non-employee Workers. Each Student shall be responsible for their conduct from the time of enrollment through the awarding of a degree, as well as during periods between terms of actual enrollment, study abroad, and leaves of absence or suspension.

Members of the CIA Community who believe that they have been subjected to Discrimination or Harassment are strongly urged to use the resolution procedures described in this Policy. Third Parties visiting CIA facilities (such as guests, visitors, and restaurant patrons) have the opportunity to make reports of Prohibited Conduct for the purpose of this Policy; however, Third Parties accused of violating this Policy are not entitled to the procedural protections set forth below and may be summarily excluded from CIA property, programs, activities, or events.

Compliance Statement

The CIA complies with the applicable federal laws across all campuses, including without limitation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; and the Campus SaVE Act. The CIA also complies with state laws applying to its New York, California, and Texas campuses, including but not limited to: Article 129-B of the New York Education Law; the New York State Human Rights Law; the New York Labor Law; Section 67836 of the California Education Code; Chapter 51 of the Texas Education Code and other federal, state, and local laws governing Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination.

To ensure that it is a safe and equitable place to learn and work, the CIA has established this Policy and training and procedures for reporting, investigating, and adjudicating allegations of violations of this Policy. The information contained in the Definitions and Procedures sections of this Policy is expressly incorporated into this Policy as it provides essential details for the effective implementation of this Policy.

CIA policy as well as federal and state laws prohibit Retaliation against any individual for making a good faith Complaint of Prohibited Conduct or for serving as a witness or otherwise providing information in connection with a Complaint of Prohibited Conduct.

Compliance Coordinators

The CIA has designated and trained personnel to provide support for reporters, Complainants, and Respondents in cases of allegations arising under this Policy. These include, but are not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities/Section 504 Coordinator (the 504 Coordinator) and the Title IX Coordinator/Age Discrimination Act Coordinator.

The Legal Advisor is designated as the CIA Title IX Coordinator and Age Discrimination Act Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating compliance with the complex legal and regulatory framework governing Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination (except for disability-based issues). The Title IX/Age Discrimination Act Coordinator’s responsibilities include overseeing all complaints of Sexual Misconduct and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems. In addition, the CIA has designated a Deputy Title IX/Age Discrimination Act Coordinator. Inquiries and Complaints concerning these issues may be referred to either:

Joanna Smith, JD
Title IX, Age Discrimination Act Coordinator, and Legal Advisor
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Office: Roth Hall, W401F
Phone: 845-451-1614
E-mail: Joanna.Smith@culinary.edu

Or

Danielle Glendenning
Assistant Director—Faculty Relations
Deputy Title IX and Age Discrimination Act Coordinator
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Office: Roth Hall, Room S324
Phone: 845-905-4369
E-mail: Danielle.Glendenning@culinary.edu

The Dean of Academic Engagement and Administration is designated as the CIA Section 504 Coordinator, who is responsible for coordinating compliance under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This law prohibits discrimination based upon disability and requires the CIA to ensure that Students are not excluded from participation in or denied the benefits of any program or activity of the CIA based on disability. Disability-related complaints and associated requests for accommodation are governed by the CIA’s Americans with Disabilities Act/Section 504 Compliance Policy (CMP-023). Any individual who believes they may have been discriminated against in an educational program, activity or employment situation on the basis of a disability may file a Complaint with:

Carolyn Tragni
Dean—Academic Engagement and Administration
Americans with Disabilities/Section 504 Coordinator (504 Coordinator)
The Culinary Institute of America
1946 Campus Drive
Hyde Park, NY 12538
Office: Roth Hall, Room S-319
Telephone: 845-451-1615
E-mail: Carolyn.Tragni@culinary.edu

Or

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Fax: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-877-521-2172
E-mail: OCR@ed.gov

The complete Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Discrimination Policy can be found here. (PDF)