Policy: Section III

III. Notice of Non-Discrimination

Bates College is committed to principle of equal opportunity and 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.


A. Policy on Accommodation of Disabilities

Bates is committed to ensuring full access to its educational programs and activities for students and employees with disabilities.  In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA), as well as other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with disabilities, the college will work collaboratively to make reasonable accommodations for individuals with documented disabilities.  All accommodations are made on an individual basis.

Students seeking accommodations should contact the Office of Accessible Education and Student Support, which coordinates services and support for students, to initiate the process.  Employees who wish to request accommodations should contact the Human Resources Office.

The college is committed to providing reasonable accommodations and support to qualified individuals to ensure equal access to the reporting and resolution process.  Any person needing accommodations to assist them in reporting alleged violations, seeking support, or to ensure full access to the resolution process should notify the Title IX Coordinator, the Director of Accessible Education, or the Human Resources Office.


B. Policy on Accommodation of Pregnancy

Bates is committed to ensuring the protection and equal treatment of pregnant individuals, people with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents.  In compliance with Title IX, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, the Maine Act to Protect Pregnant Workers, and the Maine Human Rights Act (MHRA), as well as other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to pregnancy, the college will work collaboratively to make reasonable accommodations for individuals who are pregnant or experiencing pregnancy-related conditions.  All accommodations are made on an individual basis.

Students seeking accommodations may contact the Title IX Coordinator, the Associate Director of Health Services for Student Support, or Office of Accessible Education and Student Support to initiate the process.  Employees who wish to request accommodations should contact the Human Resources Office.

C. Role of the Associate Vice President for Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator

The President of Bates College has designated Gwen Lexow, Associate Vice President for Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance, to serve as the college’s Title IX Coordinator (hereafter, “Title IX Coordinator”). The Title IX Coordinator oversees the college’s compliance with all civil rights laws, including Title IX, and the implementation of its policies on equal opportunity, non-discrimination, and anti-harassment.  As the leader of the Title IX Team, the Title IX Coordinator has the primary responsibility for the college’s centralized review, investigation, and resolution of reports of bias, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, retaliation, and other civil rights violations.

Trained in college policies and procedures and relevant state and federal laws, the Title IX Coordinator is available to meet with any community member who wishes to report a potential violation of this policy or desires more information about this policy, support resources, possible resolution options, or other courses of action at the college and in the community.

The Title IX Coordinator acts with independence and authority free from bias and conflicts of interest. 


D. Roles of the Title IX Team and Civil Rights Resolution Team

The Title IX Coordinator is assisted by Deputy Title IX Coordinators in athletics, student affairs, human resources, and the dean of faculty offices. These Deputy Title IX Coordinators have a shared responsibility for supporting the Title IX Coordinator and are accessible to any member of the community for consultation and guidance. 

The Civil Rights Resolution Team works in conjunction with the Title IX Team and includes individuals involved in the resolution of reports, such as advisors, investigators, hearing officers, and appellate officers.  Any individual involved in the resolution of complaints under this policy receives specific training designed to assist them with the execution of their role in the resolution process.

All members of the Title IX Team and Civil Rights Resolution Team are vetted and trained to ensure that they are not biased for or against any party in a specific case, or for or against Complainants or Respondents generally.  Any concerns regarding bias or potential conflict of interest of a Title IX or Civil Rights Resolution team member should be brought to the attention of the Title IX Coordinator.  Any concerns regarding the Title IX Coordinator should be brought to the attention of the President (president@bates.edu or 207-786-6100).


E. Contact Information

Reports of potential policy violations or inquiries or complaints concerning the application of this policy may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or any Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Associate Vice President for Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance/Title IX Coordinator
Gwen Lexow
Lane Hall 202-A  |  207-786-6445  |  glexow@bates.edu or titleix@bates.edu
www.bates.edu/here-to-help

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Athletics
Celine Cunningham, Senior Associate Athletic Director
Alumni Gym | 207-786-6342  |  ccunning@bates.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Faculty
Don Dearborn, Associate Dean of Faculty and Professor of Biology
Lane Hall 120 | 207-786-6107 |  ddearbor@bates.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinators for Staff and Visitors
Hope Burnell, Assistant Vice President for Human Resources & Environmental Health & Safety
215 College Street | 207-786-8388 |  hburnell@bates.edu

Patty Rooney, Human Resources Director
215 College Street | 207-786-6935 |  prooney@bates.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
Andee Bucciarelli, Associate Director of Residence Life for Health Education
Chase Hall, Room 001E |  207-786-6215  |  abucciar@bates.edu

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

Individuals who participate in activities funded by federal grants (such as NASA, National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Justice, etc.) may also report concerns directly to the funding agency.