James Madison University is subject to Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act; the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; Federal Executive Order 11246; Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA); Virginia's State Executive Order Number Two; and all other applicable rules and regulations.

The Office of Equal Opportunity assists in creating and maintaining inclusive, diverse and respectful learning, living and working environments. Members of the team work toward ensuring diverse representation in these environments by providing opportunities for each individual’s full participation and success in every facet of the campus community.

Affirmative Action: The Office of Equal Opportunity provides oversight of university affirmative action efforts and works in concert with departments to ensure adherence to equal opportunity principles as they relate to the search and selection of employees.

Harassment and Discrimination: The Office of Equal Opportunity provides information on dealing with concerns about possible harassment or discrimination, as well as workshops for members of the James Madison community.

University ADA Services: The Office of Equal Opportunity facilitates equal access through individualized accommodation, consultations, physical and programmatic access, education, outreach and review of policies and procedures.

Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a). Harassment of a sexual nature is included in the protections provided by Title IX. The Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2013 (VAWA) requires institutions of higher education to comply with certain campus safety and security-related requirements as a condition of participation in the Title IV, Higher Education Act programs. JMU's Title IX Office provides oversight of the university's Title IX program.