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.

• Read our EEO/Affirmative Action Plan
• Non Discrimination and Diversity Policy
• Confidentiality and Reporting Chart

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:

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

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.