Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy

Bates College values the diversity of persons, perspectives, and convictions. Critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and open discussion of a full range of ideas lie at the heart of the college’s mission as an institution of higher learning. The college seeks to encourage inquiry and reasoned dialogue in a climate of mutual respect. The application of the Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy strives to ensure that we uphold our institutional values and community principles in order to maintain a community free from the harmful consequences of sexual and gender-based harassment. Harassment and discrimination threaten our ability to thrive personally, academically, and professionally at Bates and violates a person’s rights, dignity, and integrity, as well as our community principles and the mission of the college. To ease navigation of the policy, use the buttons below, or click here to expand every section. A printed copy of this policy is available by contacting Gwen Lexow, Associate Vice President for Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator.

A pdf version of the policy can be downloaded here.

Last update: August 2023

I. Overview: Institutional Values and Community Principles

II. Scope of Policy

X. Initial Review and Resolution

X. Initial Review and Resolution

A. Overview of Resolution Options

B. Role of the Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Team in Resolution Process

C. Initial Review

a. Violence Risk Assessment

b. Title IX Dismissal

  1. Mandatory Dismissal Criteria
  2. Discretionary Dismissal Criteria

D. Administrative Resolution

E. Informal Resolution

a. Alternative Resolution Mechanism

b. Acceptance of Responsibility by Respondent

c. Negotiated Resolution

F. Formal Resolution

a. Investigation

b. Hearing

c. Appeal

XI. Procedures for Resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process A)

XI. Procedures for Resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process A)

A. Preliminary Concerns

a. Advisors

  1. The Role of the Advisor
  2. The Role of the Advisor in Process A Hearing
  3. Sharing Information with the Advisor

b. Scheduling of Meetings

c. Effect of Pending Complaint on Responding Party

d. Appointment and Training of Individuals Involved in Resolution Process

e. Agreements Not Recognized by the College

f. Time Frames

g. Communications

h. Standard of Proof

i. Effect of Non-Participation of Parties

j. The Role and Participation of Witnesses

k. Complaints with Multiple Respondents or Complainants

B. Initiating a Report

C. Initial Review

D. Informal Resolution

E. Formal Resolution Procedures

a. Notice of Investigation and Allegations

b. Investigation Procedures

  1. Investigator(s)
  2. Investigation Process
  3. Investigation Report

c. Hearing Procedures

  1. Hearing Officer(s)
  2. Evidentiary Considerations in the Hearing
  3. Scheduling Considerations and Notice of Hearing
  4. Alternative Participation Options
  5. Pre-Hearing Preparation
  6. Pre-Hearing Meetings
  7. Hearing Logistics
  8. Order of Hearing

d. Notice of Outcome

e. Sanctions and Corrective Actions

f. Appeals

  1. Appellate Officer(s)
  2. Grounds for Appeal
  3. Review of Appeal and Notice of Appeal Outcome
  4. Sanctions Status During the Appeal
  5. Appeal Considerations

g. Long Term Remedies and Other Actions

h. Failure to Comply with Sanctions and/or Remedies

XII. Procedures for Resolving Non-Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process B)

XII.     Procedures for Resolving Non-Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process B)

A. Preliminary Concerns

a. Advisors

  1. The Role of the Advisor
  2. Sharing Information with the Advisor

b. Scheduling of Meetings

c. Effect of Pending Complaint on Responding Party

d. Appointment and Training of Individuals Involved in Resolution Process

e. Agreements Not Recognized by the College

f. Time Frames

g. Communications

h. Standard of Proof

i. Effect of Non-Participation of Parties

j. The Role and Participation of Witnesses

k. Complaints with Multiple Respondents or Complainants

B. Initial Review

C. Informal Resolution

D. Formal Administrative Resolution

a. Notice of Investigation and Allegations

b. Investigation Procedures

  1. Investigator(s)
  2. Investigation Process
  3. Investigation Report

c. Administrative Hearing Procedures

  1. Hearing Officer(s)
  2. Evidentiary Considerations in the Hearing
  3. Review of Investigation Report, Response, and Evidence
  4. Deliberation and Decision-making
  5. Notice of Outcome

d. Sanctions

e. Appeals

  1. Appellate Officer(s)
  2. Grounds for Appeal
  3. Review of Appeal and Notice of Appeal Outcome
  4. Sanctions Status During the Appeal
  5. Appeal Considerations

f. Long Term Remedies and Other Actions

g. Failure to Comply with Sanctions and/or Remedies