Non-Discrimination Policy

Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran 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 of its faculty and staff.  Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations.

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


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. Bates College maintains a continuing commitment to identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in every phase of college operations.

The Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, Gwen Lexow, coordinates 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. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual misconduct (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), and complaints may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, Lane Hall 202A.

Non-Retaliation

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.


Bates Contact

Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance

Gwen Lexow
Lane Hall 202-A
207-786-6445
titleix@bates.edu

 


Federal and State Agencies

Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education

Boston Office
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Phone: 617.289.0111 | Fax: 617.289.0150
ocr.boston@ed.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Boston Office
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
475 Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
Phone: 800.669.4000 | Fax: 617.565.3196 | TTY: 800.669.6820

Maine Human Rights Commission

#51 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207.624.6290 | Fax: 207.624.8729

The Maine Human Rights Commission is the State agency charged with enforcing Maine’s anti-discrimination laws, including the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA). To learn more see The Maine Human Rights Act: What it and how it works