Bates College is committed to principle of equal opportunity to providing an educational and work environment free from any discrimination against, harassment of, or retaliation against any member of the college community on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, primary or native language, marital status, parental status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship status, HIV status, and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment and terms and conditions of employment of its faculty and staff. Bates College shall adhere to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations.

The college is dedicated to ensuring access, fairness, and equity for all persons in its educational programs, related activities and employment, including those groups who have faced historical barriers to full and fair integration and participation. When brought to the attention of the college, Bates will take corrective action necessary to stop, prevent, and remedy discriminatory, harassing, and retaliatory behavior following the processes and procedures described in this policy.  In addition, the college maintains a continuing commitment to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of college operations.

All Bates College faculty, staff, students, contractors, consultants, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.

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Leadership

The Associate Vice President for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, Gwen Lexow, oversees the college’s efforts to comply with any and all federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of one or more of the protected characteristics listed above.  This includes coordinating its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 as amended (“Title IX”). Title IX prohibits discrimination in educational programs on the basis of sex or gender. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking) as defined by the college’s policies.

Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and Maine Human Rights Act), as well as reports or complaints, may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Associate Vice President for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, Lane Hall 202-A.

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Non-Retaliation Policy

Retaliation against an individual who has raised claims of illegal discrimination or has cooperated with an investigation of such claims is prohibited. An individual who retaliates against someone who has reported a claim of illegal discrimination in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment and/or dismissal from the college.

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Reporting and Inquiries

To make a report or inquiry, please contact:

Associate Vice President for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Gwen Lexow
Lane Hall 202-A
207-786-6445
titleix@bates.edu

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Inquiries may also be directed to the following government agencies:

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100
800-421-3481  |  TTY: 800-877-8339  |  OCR@ed.gov
www.ed.gov/ocr

Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education — Boston Office
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02109-3921
617-289-0111  |  ocr.boston@ed.gov

Maine Human Rights Commission
#51 State House Station, 19 Union Street, Augusta, ME 04333
207-624-6290  |  TTY:  Maine Relay 711  |  Request@mhrc.maine.gov
www.maine.gov/mhrc/

Employees may also contact:

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
131 M Street, NE, Washington, DC 20507
800-669-4000  |  TTY: 800-669-6820  |  ASL Video: 844-234-5122  |  info@eeoc.gov
www.eeoc.org

United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — Boston Office
JFK Federal Building, 15 New Sudbury Street, Room 475, Boston, MA 02203-0506
800-669-4000  |  TTY: 800-669-6820  |  ASL Video:  844-234-5122