{"id":68,"date":"2020-08-12T08:49:08","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T12:49:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/?page_id=68"},"modified":"2026-04-09T17:59:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T21:59:05","slug":"equal-opportunity-policy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/policies\/equal-opportunity-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"Equal Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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\u2019s 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<\/strong> 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> 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><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last update: April 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I. Overview: Institutional Values and Community Principles<\/h3>
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I. Overview: Institutional Values and Community Principles<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

II. Scope of Policy<\/h3>
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II. Scope of Policy<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

III. Jurisdiction<\/h3>
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III. Jurisdiction<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

IV. Notice of Non-Discrimination<\/h3>
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IV. Notice of Non-Discrimination<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Policy on Accommodation of Disabilities<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Policy of Accommodation of Pregnancy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Role of Associate Vice President for Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance\/Title IX Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Role of the Deputy Coordinators & Civil Rights Resolution Team<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Contact Information<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

V. Privacy and Confidentiality<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
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V. Privacy and Confidentiality<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Privacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Confidentiality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Privilege<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Unauthorized Disclosure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Reporting Responsibilities of Employees<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Reporting Responsibilities Regarding Minors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G. Request for Confidentiality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H. Timely Warning<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I. Release of Information<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J. Student-Athletes and NCAA Information-Sharing Requirements<\/p>\n\n\n\n

K. Recording of Resolution Proceedings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

L. Maintenance of Records<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

VI. Online Harassment and Misconduct<\/h3>
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VI. Online Harassment and Misconduct<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

VII. Inclusion Related to Gender Identity and Expression<\/h3>
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VII. Inclusion Related to Gender Identity and Expression<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

VIII. Prohibited Conduct and Definitions<\/h3>
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VIII. Prohibited Conduct and Definitions<\/a>                                             <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Discrimination<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Harassment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. Discriminatory Harassment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b. Sexual Harassment (Title IX) — incudes sexual violence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c. Sexual Harassment (Title VII and Fair Housing Act)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Other Civil Rights Violations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. Sexual Exploitation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b. Interpersonal Violence under Maine Law<\/p>\n\n\n\n

c. Physical Assault or Threats of Violence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

d. Hazing<\/p>\n\n\n\n

e. Bullying<\/p>\n\n\n\n

f. Indecent Exposure<\/p>\n\n\n\n

g. Retaliation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

h. Failure to Comply\/Process Interference<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Prohibited Relationships by Persons in Authority<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Other Campus Code Violations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

IX. Consent and Related Definitions<\/h3>
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IX. Consent and Related Definitions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Consent<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Force<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Coercion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Incapacitation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Alcohol or Other Drugs<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

X. Resources<\/h3>
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X. Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Awareness and Prevention of Bias, Discrimination, and Harassment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Emergency Support and Response Services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Medical Resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Confidential Support<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Private Resources and Reporting Options<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Additional Community Resources<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

XI. Reporting<\/h3>
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XI. Reporting<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Key Reporting Definitions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Reporting to and Coordination with Law Enforcement<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Campus Reporting Options<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Anonymous Reporting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Reporting Considerations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. Timeliness of Report<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b. Location of Incident<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Student Amnesty for Alcohol or Other Drug Use<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G. False Allegations and Evidence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H. Counterclaims<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I. Reports involving Minors or Suspected Child Abuse<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J. Reluctance by Complainant to Pursue Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

K. Withdrawal of Complaint<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

XII. Supportive Measures and Protective Actions<\/h3>
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XII. Supportive Measures and Protective Actions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Range of Supportive and Safety Measures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Emergency Removal and Administrative Leave<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Court-Issued Protection Orders<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

XIII. Initial Review and Resolution<\/h3>
<\/div><\/div>
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XIII. Initial Review and Resolution<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Overview of Resolution Options<\/p>\n\n\n\n

B. Role of the Title IX Coordinator and Non-Discrimination Team in Resolution Process<\/p>\n\n\n\n

C. Initial Review<\/p>\n\n\n\n

D. Administrative Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E. Informal Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F. Formal Resolution<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

XIV. Procedures for Resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process A)<\/h3>
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XIV. Procedures for Resolving Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process A)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A. Preliminary Concerns<\/p>\n\n\n\n

a. Advisors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. The Role of the Advisor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The Role of the Advisor in Process A Hearing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Sharing Information with the Advisor<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    b. Scheduling of Meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    c. Effect of Pending Complaint on Responding Party<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    d. Appointment and Training of Individuals Involved in Resolution Process<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    e. Agreements Not Recognized by the College<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    f. Time Frames<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    g. Communications<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    h. Standard of Proof<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    i. Effect of Non-Participation of Parties<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    j. The Role and Participation of Witnesses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    k. Complaints with Multiple Respondents or Complainants<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    B. Initiating a Report<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    C. Initial Review<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    D. Informal Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    E. Formal Resolution Procedures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    a. Notice of Investigation and Allegations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    b. Investigation Procedures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Investigator(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Investigation Process<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Investigation Report<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      c. Hearing Procedures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

        d. Notice of Outcome<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        e. Sanctions and Corrective Actions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        f. Appeals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Appellate Officer(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Grounds for Appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Review of Appeal and Notice of Appeal Outcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Sanctions Status During the Appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Appeal Considerations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          g. Long Term Remedies and Other Actions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          h. Failure to Comply with Sanctions and\/or Remedies<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

          XV. Procedures for Resolving Non-Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process B)<\/h3>
          <\/div><\/div>
          \n

          XV.     Procedures for Resolving Non-Sexual Harassment Complaints (Process B)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          A. Preliminary Concerns<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          a. Advisors<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. The Role of the Advisor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Sharing Information with the Advisor<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            b. Scheduling of Meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            c. Effect of Pending Complaint on Responding Party<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            d. Appointment and Training of Individuals Involved in Resolution Process<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            e. Agreements Not Recognized by the College<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            f. Time Frames<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            g. Communications<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            h. Standard of Proof<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            i. Effect of Non-Participation of Parties<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            j. The Role and Participation of Witnesses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            k. Complaints with Multiple Respondents or Complainants<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            B. Initiating a Report<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            C. Initial Review<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            D. Informal Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            E. Formal Administrative Resolution<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            a. Notice of Investigation and Allegations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            b. Investigation Procedures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            1. Investigator(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Investigation Process<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Investigation Report<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              c. Administrative Hearing Procedures<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

                d. Sanctions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                e. Appeals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Appellate Officer(s)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Grounds for Appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                3. Review of Appeal and Notice of Appeal Outcome<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                4. Sanctions Status During the Appeal<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                5. Appeal Considerations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  f. Long Term Remedies and Other Actions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  g. Failure to Comply with Sanctions and\/or Remedies<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

                  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  Bates College values the diversity of persons, perspectives, and convictions. Critical thinking,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":466,"featured_media":0,"parent":365,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_hide_ai_chatbot":false,"_ai_chatbot_style":"","associated_faculty":[],"_Page_Specific_Css":"","_bates_restrict_mod":false,"_table_of_contents_display":false,"_table_of_contents_location":"","_table_of_contents_disableSticky":false,"_is_featured":false,"footnotes":"","_bates_seo_meta_description":"","_bates_seo_block_robots":false,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_id":0,"_bates_seo_sharing_image_twitter_id":0,"_bates_seo_share_title":"","_bates_seo_canonical_overwrite":"","_bates_seo_twitter_template":""},"class_list":["post-68","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","with-sidebar"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/466"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1443,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68\/revisions\/1443"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/here-to-help\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}