Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action/Title IX

Fitchburg State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity, and affirmative action. We strive for a campus free from all forms of sexually harassing and violent behavior. The University is dedicated to providing an educational, working, and living environment for students, employees, and other members of the campus community.

This webpage has been created and designed to serve as a central source of information for the following, as they relate to Title IX, the Campus SaVE Act, the Clery Act, and university policy:

  • Non-discrimination
  • Equal opportunity
  • Diversity
  • Affirmative action
  • Sexual harassment
  • Sexual violence
  • Relationship violence
  • Stalking

Discrimination

The University does not discriminate unlawfully in admission, access to, or treatment or employment in its educational programs and activities on the basis of the following:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • National origin
  • Gender, gender expression, or gender identity
  • Marital or parental status
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Sexual orientation
  • Genetic information
  • Veteran status

The University prohibits unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment on all of those bases.

Discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Such behavior violates these policies and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion.

Violence, Harassment, and Stalking

When sexual harassment, sexual violence, relationship violence, or stalking occur, it deeply affects our entire community. Therefore, we are committed to creating and sustaining a culture of prevention and education. Expectations are clear, reporting processes are easily navigable, resources are readily available, and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

These policies apply in all university programs and activities, including, but not limited to:

  • Athletics
  • Instruction
  • Grading
  • University housing
  • University employment

These policies apply to all members of the University community, including, but not limited to:

  • Students
  • Faculty
  • Staff
  • Employees
  • Applicants
  • Campus visitors and guests

These policies also apply to off-campus conduct that negatively affects an individual’s experience on campus or the overall university environment.

Contact

All claims of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, and retaliation complaints from and about students, applicants, employees, faculty, staff, and visitors to the University may be addressed to:

Retaliation

The University prohibits retaliation against any person who:

  1. Files a claim, complaint, or charge under these policies or applicable law, or;
  2. Assists or participates in an investigation or resolution of such claim, complaint, or charge.

In addition, no university employee or agent may retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce or otherwise discriminate against any individual for exercising their rights or responsibilities under these policies. Retaliation is a serious violation of university policies and the University will take strong responsive action if it occurs, including disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal from campus.

Title IX

We will continue to support all members of our community and promote a culture free from harassment, violence and discrimination. However, we can't do it alone. We need your participation, feedback, ideas, and commitment.

Section 504/Title II of the ADA

Jessica Murdoch
Vice President for Human Resources and Payroll Services
jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu

The Office of Civil Rights may assist with Title IX concerns.

Title IX Coordinator

Rebecca Newell
Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity
rnewell7@fitchburgstate.edu

  • Kimberly Page, Director of Human Resources
  • Lindsay Carpenter Connors, Director of Career Services and Advising Center
  • Joseph Flanagan, Assistant Director for Care and Community Standards, Student Affairs
  • Tim St. John, Dean of Students
  • Matthew Lechter, Executive Director of Housing and Residential Services
  • Kristina Braun, Associate Director of Housing Operations

Learn how to report concerns

We will continue to support all members of our community and promote a culture free from harassment, violence and discrimination. However, we can't do it alone. We need your participation, feedback, ideas, and commitment

Learn more about your rights as a pregnant or parenting student.

Learn more about our Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) who ensure students, faculty, and staff affected by bias or a bias-related incident have access to appropriate resources and assists the university in its response in situations that may impact the overall campus climate around diversity and inclusion. 

Fitchburg State University is an institutional member of the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA). See Title IX Team trainings

Fitchburg State University is committed to equal and integrated inclusion of individuals with disabilities and is continually improving accessibility of our campus, programs and activities. Learn more about our ADA Compliance.