Community Rights, Protections, and Resources

Cooper Statue

The Cooper Union was founded on the fundamental belief that an education “equal to the best" should be accessible to all members of society without regard to gender, race, religion, or economic status. It is that founding mission and commitment to diversity and inclusion that make Cooper the community it is today.

A diverse community brings perspectives, approaches, and experiences that can challenge embedded worldviews and enrich social and intellectual life. Different viewpoints, voices, and experiences are essential to questioning the status quo of a learning environment. Cooper's commitment to inclusive pedagogy and curricula aims at fostering engagement, collaboration, shared understanding, and common purpose. 

 

1. COOPER UNION POLICIES & PROCEDURES
2. COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

It is hoped that minor differences can be resolved without requiring a formal complaint process. Nonetheless, there are situations where a formal process is needed to settle disputes through reasoned discussion and mediation. This process does not supplant formal processes associated with student conduct issues; administrative or academic processes and rules; or provisions of collective bargaining agreements. In addressing student complaints, we strive to respect the concerns of the complainant, respondent, and any other parties involved, while fully addressing the underlying events leading to the complaint.

3. RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Accordion contentThe Office of Student Affairs is a starting point for any student seeking information and guidance related to discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. 

Office of Civil Rights Resources


New York Resources

4. STAFF COORDINATORS
  • Accordion coEqual Opportunity Officer
    Natalie Brooks, Chief Talent Officer
    Office: 30 Cooper Square, 
    7th Floor, New York, NY 10003
    Email: natalie.brooks@cooper.edu 
    Phone: (212) 353-4156
     
  • Title IX Coordinator
    Grace Kendall, Associate Dean of Students
    Office: 29 3rd Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003
    Email: grace.kendall@cooper.edu 
    Phone: (212) 353-4053
  • Student Medical & Disability Support
    Alex Fischer, Director of Student Care and Support
    Office: 29 3rd Avenue, 
    3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003
    Email: alex.fischer@cooper.edu  
    Phone: (212) 353-4130ntent.
5. LEGAL PROTECTIONS

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the landmark legislation prohibiting discrimination in several areas including housing, employment, and education. The sections of the Act relating to education are Title IV, which authorizes the Attorney General to address certain equal protection violations based on race, color, national origin, sex, and religion in public schools and institutions of higher education; Title VI, prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the basis of race, color, and national origin; and Title IX, permitting the United States to intervene in pending suits alleging discrimination. Additionally, the Equal Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 prohibits, among other conduct, deliberate segregation on the basis of race, color, and national origin.

  • Federal Civil Rights laws include:
  • Discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • Discrimination on the basis of sex is prohibited by 
    Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
  • Discrimination on the basis of disability is prohibited by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • Discrimination on the basis of age is prohibited by the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.
  • The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety.

These civil rights laws are enforced by OCR and “extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds.

Higher Education Areas covered by Title VI may include, but are not limited to: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, counseling and guidance, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical education, athletics, housing, and employment.

A school, college, or university violates Title VI when:

  • harassing conduct on the basis of race, color, or national origin is sufficiently serious as to limit or deny a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational program, i.e., creates a hostile environment;
  • a responsible employee of the school knew, or should have known, about the harassment; and
  • the school failed to take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent the harassment from recurring, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.  

Title VI’s protection from race, color, and national origin discrimination extends to students who experience discrimination, including harassment, based on their actual or perceived: (i) shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; or (ii) citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity. Federal civil rights laws which are enforced by other federal agencies also prohibit religious discrimination in schools, colleges, and universities. Religious discrimination by public schools and colleges is addressed by the U.S. Department of Justice. A student with a complaint about religious discrimination should contact the Office of Justice Programs.

Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination Act may also be directed to:

  • U.S. Department of Education
    Office for Civil Rights
    New York—Region II
    32 Old Slip, 26th Floor
    New York, NY 10005
  • Telephone: (646) 428-3800
    Email: OCR.NewYork@ed.gov

 

6. GUIDELINES FOR PROTESTS AND DEMONSTRATIONS  

Cooper Union’s policies affirm the freedom of our students, faculty, and staff to pursue their scholarly, artistic, intellectual, and professional interests in a vibrant working, learning, and living environment that is conducive to academic endeavors and that respects the fundamental dignity and worth of all individuals to be free from discrimination and harassment.  

The information provided in the sections below is intended to serve as a guideline for clarifying policies and to offer examples of activities and behaviors that are permitted and are not permitted on campus.  The noted policies are the most relevant but do not preclude adherence to all Cooper Union policies currently in effect.  

We prioritize a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Policies & Protections

We have several policies in place to provide the structure for ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. Links to those policies are here:

Relevant Policies:

In addition, we comply with federal civil rights laws that protect against:

Discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Discrimination on the basis of sex and gender under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Discrimination on the basis of disability under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Discrimination on the basis of age under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975.

 

We also comply with The Clery Act which requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, support victims of violence, and publicly outline the policies and procedures they have put into place to improve campus safety.

Examples of actions or activities that are prohibited include:

  • Targeting individuals for harassment or intimidation on account of their protected characteristics.
  • Using words or performing actions that incite or threaten violence.
  • Excluding individuals from campus activities, academic learning, or Cooper Union programs.  
  • Blocking entrances and exits to Cooper Union buildings.

Expectations for Language and Content

While expressing views or engaging in debates about highly charged or political issues may cause other individuals to feel uncomfortable, it is important to recognize the difference between the use of words that may make someone feel uncomfortable and the use of words that intimidate, threaten, or harass.  It is never acceptable to intimidate, threaten, or harass others.  These expectations apply to spoken and posted language and content.

What Is Permissible

  • It may be acceptable to criticize the policies and actions of entities, such as governments, companies, trade organizations, and organized groups, provided such criticism does not otherwise violate existing campus policies.  
  • Calls for protests or demonstrations that do not otherwise violate existing campus policies are acceptable.

What is Not Permissible

  • Words or actions that incite or threaten violence.
  • Words or actions that exclude people from participation in, or access to, Cooper Union’s programs and activities.
  • Words or actions that mock individuals based on their protected characteristics.  
  • Harassment of any kind as described in the Policy Upholding Human Rights and Title IX Protection, the Student Code of Conduct, the Non-Discrimination and Harassment in the Workplace Policy, the Non-Discrimination Statement, or any other Cooper Union policy.  

Posted Content Must Conform to Applicable Policies

  • Content may be posted in the dedicated spaces for posters and signs enumerated in Cooper Union’s Posting Policy.
  • With the exception of special posting needs as approved by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Deans, or Department Leaders, nothing may be posted in areas not in compliance with the policy such as on walls without pinup boards, or on structural columns, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, elevators, and furniture.
  • Postings promoting activities or communications of unaffiliated groups or unaffiliated individuals require prior approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Deans, or Department Leaders.
  • Postings must comply with all of Cooper Union’s policies, including the Code of Conduct, the Non-Discrimination and Harassment Workplace Policy, the Policy Upholding Human Rights and Title IX Protections, and the Non-Discrimination Statement.  Postings may not contain intimidating and/or discriminatory language that violates any such policies.  Signs may not promote harming individuals or damaging/destroying property.  
  • Individuals are prohibited from removing or defacing posters, fliers, signs, or other materials that are appropriately placed in approved spaces and do not belong to them.

Conversations and content on social media  

The College reserves its right to reach out to social media platforms when they are made aware of an individual or group claiming to represent the College, who are unauthorized to do so. The College also reserves its right to report content to Meta, Twitter/X, and other social media outlets if that content threatens the health, safety, or security of any member(s) of the College.  

Doxxing - the action of posting or publishing private or identifying information on the internet, including on social media - of a fellow member of the community is prohibited under our Code of Conduct and Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Policy. Publicly targeting members of the Cooper Union community via social media posts for purposes of online harassment or intimidation that results in psychological, professional, or financial harm of the person targeted is prohibited.

Expectations for Protest Activity

Some ground rules that apply to any protest activity:

  • Community members may engage in peaceful protest on Cooper Union property that does not prevent or hinder operation of college and academic activities or violate Cooper Union policies, such as the Code of Conduct, the Policy Upholding Human Rights and Title IX Protections, and other campus policies.  
    • Cooper Union’s property is limited to the Foundation Building, 41 Cooper Square, 30 Cooper Square 2nd and 3rd floors, The Fish House, and the Residence Hall. The sidewalks outside of the buildings and Peter Cooper Park are public New York City spaces within the jurisdiction of the New York City Parks, the Department of Transportation, and the NYPD.
  • Community members who choose to protest inside Cooper buildings must swipe in at the security desks according to our standing security procedures.
  • All protest participants must follow the directions issued by Cooper Union facilities and security staff or other college personnel.    
  • Access to certain locations may be temporarily limited due to protest activity.

The following protest activities may be appropriate:  

  • Holding signs that conform to Cooper Union posting rules, and handing out fliers is permitted, so long as they do not disrupt or interfere with regular College activities and programs and so long as the content of signs or fliers does not violate our Code of Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy, the Policy Upholding Human Rights and Title IX Protections, or other standing/applicable College policies.  You may reach out to the Acting Dean of Students if you have any questions regarding which spaces and times may be appropriate.
  • Messaging on clothing is permitted so long as the content does not violate our Code of Conduct, Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy or the Policy Upholding Human Rights and Title IX Protections.  

All organizers and participants of a protest or demonstration on campus are responsible for the conduct of the event, including the actions of any people not affiliated with Cooper Union who are participating in the event, should that occur. Cooper Union furniture or Cooper Union equipment may not be moved to alternative rooms/spaces/or outdoors by individuals or clubs (both affiliated and unaffiliated) without the prior approval of Facilities Staff, a Dean, or a Department Leader. The College may impose restrictions on guests, or any people not affiliated with Cooper Union and/or require them to leave the premises, and those directives must be followed.  

During campus events, lectures, or programs, silent protests that do not interfere with speakers and audience are permissible. For example:

  • Displaying signs and banners that do not block the view of other attendees.
  • Displaying signs and banners that are consistent with our Posting Policy and do not include content that violate our Code of Conduct or Non-Discrimination and Workplace Harassment Policy or other relevant campus policies.
  • Turning one’s back to the speaker.
  • Walking out is permissible as long as it is not disruptive to the event or program.

 

Some protest activities are never permitted:

  • Protest activity inside Cooper Union buildings that disrupts classes, labs, studios, library, or academic study is not permitted.  
  • Loud or disruptive behavior in campus buildings is not permitted; nor is the use of amplified sound (e.g., bullhorns, speakers, musical instruments, etc.) in campus buildings.  
  • Protesting inside the library, and any other common space that is disruptive to study, classroom and/or administrative activities is not permitted.
  • Assaulting anyone who is participating in a protest is not permitted.  
  • Attempting to sabotage protest materials and/or equipment is not permitted.  
  • Encampments and overnight demonstrations in campus buildings are never permitted.  Once the buildings close each day, protesters are required to leave. Should protesters refuse to follow security directions to leave the buildings, the protests will be in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
  • Erecting any type of unauthorized barrier inside campus buildings is not permitted.
  • Blocking entrances and exits is not permitted.
  • Interrupting, impeding, disrupting, or otherwise interfering with any college event, lecture, or program, including student group or club events, so that a speaker is unable to speak, or audience members are unable to hear or see the program is not permitted.  
  • Using Cooper Union facilities and equipment to produce protest materials (such as banners, posters, and fliers) without approval from a Dean or Department Leader is not permitted.

 

In Conclusion

We are all members of a shared learning community.  Peaceful protest and other forms of expression can play a crucial role in challenging unjust systems and sparking social change. However, conduct and content that conflict with our Community Rights and Protections come with consequences.  We urge that all members of the Cooper Union community understand these distinctions and are mindful of their actions. Most importantly, we encourage everyone to be respectful of all community members.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.