Non-Discrimination

Generally, no. As a rule, federal non-discrimination laws do not permit institutions to differentiate based on any protected status—including sex, race, or other factors—even where the beneficiary group may have been historically underrepresented in a particular area. While a few narrow exceptions exist for things like single-sex sororities, fraternities, and athletics teams, these are rare and governed by specific regulations.

Persons who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in connection with a university program or activity should contact MSU’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance at 662-325-5839 or at titleix@msstate.edu.

Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation are prohibited in connection with any university program, service, opportunity, or activity. This includes but is not limited to all employment, academic, educational, research, extracurricular, athletic, housing and other programs, regardless of where they may occur.

The university’s non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a United States veteran, or any other status to the extent it is protected by applicable federal law.