Complaint filed against NCI for discrimination against men
Tulane University has been notified of a complaint filed with the Office for Civil Rights under the US Department of Education accusing the Newcomb College Institute of discriminating against men.
The complaint relates to “certain types of financial assistance/grants, experiential learning opportunities, and student programs, activities and groups offered through NCI,” Michael Strecker, Executive Director of Tulane University Public Relations, said.
According to an email sent out to students Tuesday afternoon, NCI is now opening participation in its programs to all undergraduate students. The decision to expand programming had unanimous support of the Newcomb Foundation Board and the Tulane Board of Administrators.
“In cases where funding was given to NCI with specific gender restrictions, the institute will honor those restrictions to the extent allowed by law,” Julie Henriquez Aldana, Administrative Assistant Professor of Women’s Leadership Director of Student Leadership and Engagement, said in the email.
Some students may be contacted by NCI in order to update the constitution of Newcomb organizations.
Bronte Foley, President of NCI-sponsored organization Women in Politics, said she is disturbed by the complainant’s misunderstanding of NCI’s purpose and gender-based discrimination.
“NCI does not work to put women above men, but rather to elevate women from their disadvantaged status so they may be afforded every opportunity to advance themselves,” Foley said. “There is a clear pattern of disrespect for women and gender minorities on Tulane’s campus and throughout the world. I view this complaint as yet another display of that attitude. Of course, NCI will respond with grace in order to avoid being shut down all together. But frankly, that shouldn’t be necessary.”
NCI will be working with the OCR to ensure they are honoring restriction put forth by the law.
This story has been updated as of 11/1/18. This is an open and ongoing investigation.
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Charlie • Nov 17, 2018 at 12:09 pm
The HORROR! Men asking to be treated equally.
Vincent • Nov 1, 2018 at 7:49 pm
The article mentions that these programs were gender restrictions, but defends it on the basis that it’s trying to even the playing field. As I understand, the are more women in college than men these days. And if a program aimed at exclusively helping women is needed at this college, wouldn’t that imply that Tulane college needs a program to keep it from discriminating against women?
There is no doubt that historically, women and minorities have suffered many disadvantages, but a program that gives financial assistance to a present day college student isn’t going to do anything for women or minorities from the past.
In addition, it makes it out as if there are 2 categories of people. Rich white guys who have everything handed to them, and minority women.
Not all white men come from privileged backgrounds. Some have come from very disadvantaged homes, many have even been homeless. Many have physical, educational, emotional, and/or mental challenges.
Many suffer discrimination because of their race, their orientation, or other reasons. Based on this, you would think a black transgendered male student with a learning disability and physical handicap is thought of by Tulane as having the world handed to them on a silver platter.
Even the comments by President Foley are troubling. In essence, whoever felt that a policy that actively discriminates against male students is proving that men still deserve to be treated in an unfair way to make up for past wrongs.
To put it bluntly, you can’t battle gender discrimination with more gender discrimination.
Time to grow up, Tulane.
John Doe • Nov 1, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Please ignore the comment above, since no rational male student would automatically apply to a program that advertises itself as “women’s” or “women only.” Tulane has the obligation to create programs that support the male minority, or abolish all these frivolous programs altogether.
John Doe • Nov 1, 2018 at 6:10 pm
That’s a ridiculous claim. No male student is going to apply to programs that advertise themselves as “women’s” or “women only.” The burden is upon Tulane to create similar programs for the male minority, since MEN ARE A MINORITY AT TULANE, or open all current programs to both sexes.
Howard Bear • Oct 31, 2018 at 10:25 am
For there to be real discrimination, it would seem the aggrieved party would have to show some harm. Really? Are there men clamoring to participate in these Newcomb programs and were denied? The anonymous complainant should stand up and let the campus know about his mistreatment!