Important reminders regarding MIT’s commitment to nondiscrimination

In light of discussion recently both within and outside of MIT related to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. Harvard, we offer a few important reminders.

First, MIT has a nondiscrimination policy that applies to all members of MIT’s community and prohibits “discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute administered programs and activities.” MIT is also required to follow several state and federal antidiscrimination laws. Compliance with this policy and applicable laws ensures that all members of the MIT community can take advantage of the range of experiences and opportunities offered by MIT.   

Consistent with our policies and the law, MIT can and must continue to uphold and pursue our values, including our commitment to belonging and community. Our values and the law are not mutually exclusive. As we work together to ensure that our community is a place where “we all feel that we belong,” and where we believe that “talent and good ideas can come from anywhere,” we must, consistent with the law, operate our programs and activities in a way that does not exclude or disadvantage individuals because of their race, ethnicity, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

If any community member has questions or concerns about the administration of any program or activity at MIT, please reach out to the MIT unit or individual that sponsors the program. Program sponsors should contact MIT’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) with any questions or concerns about their programs. If individual community members would rather raise their concerns anonymously, please use the Institute’s reporting hotline. As a reminder, MIT’s non-retaliation policy prohibits any member of the community from retaliating against a person who, in good faith, raises concerns about a possible violation of MIT policy or other wrongdoing.