Nondiscrimination Guidance – Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University follows federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment of people based on their race, color, sex, national origin, or other protected categories¹. These laws apply even when the goal is to advance important University goals, such as building an inclusive community, celebrating diversity, or encouraging people to learn about other cultures.

To comply with these laws and regulations, Wake Forest schools, departments, and programs must follow these key guidelines:

Open Participation

• Programs and activities² should be open to all individuals, regardless of their race, sex, religion, or other protected category.
• Membership or participation should not be restricted or separated based on these categories, except in limited circumstances³.
• Participation should be based on criteria other than a protected category, such as on an individual’s interest or alignment with the organization’s mission.

No Preferential Treatment

• No preferences should be given based on a protected category in admissions, financial aid, hiring, employment, or other processes or practices.
• Decisions should be based on criteria such as individual experiences, skills, accomplishments, or other neutral factors — not race, sex, or other protected categories.

Clarity in Program Names and Materials

• If a program, scholarship, or award is linked to a protected category in its name, materials should clearly state that all individuals are welcome to participate. Materials should also be made widely available.

Respectful and Inclusive Practices

• Programs should promote educational and cultural awareness without employing or reinforcing stereotypes or showing bias.

External Opportunities

• The University may not endorse or support external programs, scholarships, or awards that limit participation based on a protected category.
• Schools and departments should not promote or assist students with applying for such restricted opportunities.

This general guidance is intended to help those who organize, manage, or operate Wake Forest programs and activities comply with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. For additional information regarding Wake Forest’s non-discrimination and harassment policies, please visit the Office of Institutional Equity’s website at https://oie.wfu.edu/. 

Additionally, if you have questions about these guidelines or about the University’s compliance obligations, contact the Legal Department at legal@wfu.edu.

1.  The University’s Non-Discrimination Statement includes a full list of protected categories. ↩︎
2. Programs and Activities should be interpreted broadly to include all services provided or sponsored by the University. ↩︎
3. For example, single-sex social fraternities and sororities are exempt from Title IX, whereas professional fraternities and sororities, as well as service and honor societies, are not.  ↩︎