Harvard reshapes equity policy with new super office for gender equity and anti-discrimination
Harvard University has launched a sweeping administrative overhaul by combining its gender equity and anti-discrimination efforts into a single, centralised body: the Office for Community Support, Non-Discrimination, Rights, and Responsibilities (CSNDR). The new structure brings together Harvard’s key Title IX and Title VI functions under one umbrella in response to growing federal scrutiny and the need for streamlined support for students and staff. The move is seen as a major reorganisation of how the University handles sexual harassment, bullying, racism, and religious bias on campus.
One office, unified purpose
Announced on Monday by Nicole M. Merhill, Harvard’s Title IX coordinator, the CSNDR merges the Office for Gender Equity (OGE) and the Office for Community Conduct (OCC). Merhill wrote in a university-wide message that the reorganisation aims to eliminate confusion caused by separate offices managing overlapping issues and to make support systems more accessible.As reported by The Harvard Crimson, Merhill, who previously served in the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, will lead the new office. She noted that the consolidation will strengthen Harvard’s ability to respond to reports of discrimination and improve internal compliance procedures.
Three specialised teams
CSNDR will function through three focused teams:
- SHARE Team: Offers confidential, survivor-centred support.
- Prevention Team: Leads educational efforts and harm-reduction training.
- Non-Discrimination and
Title IX Compliance Team: Oversees investigations into sexual misconduct, bullying, and bias incidents.
This multi-pronged structure is intended to streamline civil rights efforts while allowing for specialisation in critical areas.
Federal pressure and policy shifts
The move comes amid increasing scrutiny from the Trump administration, particularly over Harvard’s handling of Title VI complaints concerning antisemitism and other discrimination. According to The Harvard Crimson, a Department of Health and Human Services investigation initiated in February was referred to the Department of Justice in July after Harvard allegedly refused to implement proposed changes.In response, Harvard has hired a dedicated Title VI Coordinator and is recruiting two deputies to support informal resolutions and community response efforts.
New training for students and staff
As part of the overhaul, Harvard has also launched a mandatory e-learning module for all students, faculty, staff, and postdoctoral fellows. The module details how to access support under Title IX and Title VI, and includes specific content on antisemitism and Islamophobia — a response to recent legal settlements and growing campus concern.In line with previous reporting by The Harvard Crimson, the University reaffirmed its adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism, though it clarified that accompanying examples will be applied only “to the extent they are useful” in assessing discriminatory intent — a stance that has drawn mixed responses from advocacy groups and academic circles.
LGBTQ+ protections under uncertain future
Harvard has also adjusted some of its policies in response to executive orders from President Trump. These include removing its Transgender Inclusion Policy for student-athletes and omitting references to gender identity from its interim Title IX sexual harassment policy.Still, Harvard has pledged to maintain internal protections for LGBTQ+ students, even though such safeguards are no longer federally mandated under the Trump administration’s interpretation of Title IX.
No settlement yet, but pressure mounts
While other institutions, such as Columbia University, have restored federal funding through civil rights compliance settlements, Harvard has not yet reached an agreement with the federal government. President Alan M. Garber has stated privately that no deal is imminent, although negotiations continue.For students, educators, and administrators alike, Harvard’s reorganisation reflects a shift toward more centralised and transparent civil rights compliance. It also highlights how major universities are navigating political, legal, and ethical pressures in today’s polarised landscape — working to ensure that campuses remain safe, supportive, and inclusive.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
