Nondiscrimination Policy
Duke University is committed to encouraging and sustaining a learning and work community that is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. The university prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, genetic information, or age in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, employment, or any other university program or activity. The university also makes good faith efforts to recruit, employ, and promote qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. It admits qualified students to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students.
The university also does not tolerate harassment of any kind. Sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are forms of sex discrimination and prohibited by the university. Duke University has designated Dr. Benjamin D. Reese, Vice President of the Office for Institutional Equity, as the individual responsible for the coordination and administration of its nondiscrimination and harassment policies:
Phone: 919.684.8222
E-mail: ben.reese@duke.edu
The Office for Institutional Equity is located in Smith Warehouse, 114 S. Buchanan Blvd., Bay 8, Durham, North Carolina 27708.
Questions or comments about harassment or discrimination can be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity, 919.684.8222. Additional information, including the complete text of the harassment policy and appropriate complaint procedures, may be found by contacting the Office for Institutional Equity or visiting the Office for Institutional Equity website.
For further information on notice of nondiscrimination, visit the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to find contact information for the federal office that serves your area, or call 1.800.421.3481.
Student Organization Contact Information
Faculty Contact Information
Laurence R. Helfer
Harry R. Chadwick, Sr. Professor of Law
Phone: 919.613.8573
E-mail: helfer@law.duke.edu
Administrator Contact Information
William J. Hoye
Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs
Phone: 919.613.7020
E-mail: hoye@law.duke.edu
Jason Belk
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Phone: 919.613.7007
E-mail: belk@law.duke.edu
Course Titles and/or Descriptions
Domestic Partnership Benefits
Information on same-sex spousal equivalent benefits can be found at Benefits at Duke.
Additional Information
Duke Law School has a dedicated and active LGBT community. The official student group, OUTLaw, welcomes any gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or allied student who is interested in becoming active in LGBT issues. The group usually has between 10 and 20 members each year. OUTLaw is an active student group, especially given its smaller size compared to larger law schools located in metropolitan areas. Each year, the group hosts several activities, the most important of which is the Spring Fling, a large dance party open to the entire Duke community that routinely raises thousands of dollars for AIDS research. The Spring Fling is one of the most well attended and popular social events of the year. It is entirely free, but accepts donations at the door. In addition, OUTLaw sponsors several "awareness" events throughout the year, targeted at raising informational awareness of LGBT issues in the community. These events include Freedom to Marry Day, National Coming Out Day, and the National Day of Silence. OUTLaw also frequently cosponsors civil rights-related events with other student organizations.
Academically, LGBT issues are sometimes raised outside of specific LGBT-related courses. Issues such as same-sex marriage, domestic partner laws, and same-sex adoption tend to come up most frequently in courses such as constitutional law, civil rights law, family law, and federal courts.
Overall, the climate for LGBT individuals in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area may be more favorable than any other region of the state. While North Carolina does not legally recognize any form of same-sex relationships, the Triangle tends to be much more progressive and accepting. Durham has an active LGBT community and sponsors North Carolina Pride, one of the largest festivals on the East Coast, as well as offering a wide range of organizations and clubs for LGBT individuals.
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