Non-Discrimination Policy

Policy Statement

The San Diego Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This policy applies to all aspects of SDIT's operations, including but not limited to: educational programs and activities, admissions, fellowships and program applications, volunteer and contributor opportunities, hiring (when applicable), and any other institutional activity.

Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to:

• Prospective and current students and fellows
• Curriculum contributors and volunteers
• Faculty, staff, and board members
• Any person participating in or seeking to participate in SDIT programs or activities
• Online programs and activities conducted through the Site or affiliated platforms

Harassment based on any protected characteristic — including verbal, written, or physical conduct that creates a hostile environment — is a form of discrimination and is prohibited under this policy.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

SDIT does not discriminate based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity. This includes admissions, access to educational programs, and all institutional activities.

Inquiries concerning Title VI compliance may be directed to the Non-Discrimination Coordinator listed below or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

SDIT does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of sex-based misconduct.

SDIT has designated a Title IX Coordinator responsible for overseeing compliance with Title IX requirements, receiving and responding to reports of sex discrimination, and ensuring equitable resolution of complaints.

Any person may report sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or other Title IX concerns to the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made in person, by mail, by telephone, or by email. Reports may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act

SDIT does not discriminate on the basis of disability. SDIT is committed to providing equal access to its programs and activities for qualified individuals with disabilities, and to providing reasonable accommodations where required by law.

Individuals who require an accommodation to access SDIT programs or activities should contact the Non-Discrimination Coordinator. SDIT will engage in an interactive process to identify appropriate and effective accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

The digital accessibility of our Site and online curriculum is an ongoing priority. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us at brandon@sandiegotech.org.

Age Discrimination Act of 1975

SDIT does not discriminate on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. This applies to all persons, regardless of age.

California Law

In addition to federal law, SDIT complies with all applicable California anti-discrimination requirements, including the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act. California law provides protections against discrimination based on additional characteristics including sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, and medical condition.

How to Report a Concern

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in connection with SDIT programs or activities, you are encouraged to report it. Reports may be made:

• By email: brandon@sandiegotech.org
• To the Title IX Coordinator (for sex-based concerns): brandon@sandiegotech.org
• By mail: San Diego Institute of Technology, Attn: Non-Discrimination Coordinator, San Diego, CA

Reports will be handled promptly, equitably, and with appropriate confidentiality. SDIT prohibits retaliation against any person who makes a good-faith report of discrimination or participates in a related investigation.

External Reporting Agencies

In addition to reporting directly to SDIT, you may file a complaint with the following external agencies:

U.S. Department of Education — Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

California Civil Rights Department (CRD)

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Non-Discrimination Coordinator

Questions about this policy or SDIT's non-discrimination obligations should be directed to: