Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity (PAA)
Learn about BCC's nondiscrimination policy as included within the PAA including Title IX, Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
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Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity
BCC is committed to creating and maintaining an educational and workplace environment where every individual is treated with respect and dignity. Under our PAA Policy (download DOC), discrimination, discriminatory harassment, retaliation and sexual harassment are strictly prohibited.
The PAA serves as the foundational policy under which BCC ensures compliance with all federal and state nondiscrimination laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Together, these laws and policies reflect BCC's dedication to equity, fairness, and inclusion for all members of our community.
What Is Title IX?
Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 provides: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX.
Why Is It So Important to Report to the Title IX Coordinator?
The College has a duty to promptly respond to all complaints of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; whether on or off campus incidents. The purpose is to prevent sex discrimination on campus, promptly address reported incidents, limit the effects of harassment on the educational environment, and prevent its recurrence.
Who are considered mandated reporters?
Mandated reporters include faculty, staff and student employees who receive complaints of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and that an individual might reasonably believe have authority to take action or a duty to report. This includes, but is not limited to:
- All instructors, including full-time professors, adjuncts, lecturers, and any others who offer classroom instruction or office hours to students;
- All advisors;
- All coaches and other athletic staff;
- All student affairs administrators;
- All supervisors and college officials; and
- All employees who are not confidential employees.
Duty to Report
Mandated Employees must report incidents of sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator (mmacbain@berkshirecc.edu), the Deputy Title IX Coordinator (cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu) or the Executive Director of HR (jsinger@berkshirecc.edu) as soon as possible. Once a report is made, the college is deemed to be on notice and must take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred.
Reporting to Title IX Coordinators does not mean that the individual will be required to bring a formal complaint or file a formal report with police or participate in any college investigation or procedures. It will ensure that information regarding resources, assistance, reporting options, rights and protections, is provided. It can also help the college in preventing future incidents.
Distribution and Maintenance of the Policy
BCC ensures that its Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity is accessible to all students, employees, applicants and community members. The policy is published on the College's website and available in print across key campus locations, including:
- The Library
- The Office of Human Resources
- The Dean of Students Office
Printed copies are available upon request to any student, employee, or member of the public.
The College reviews and updates the policy regularly to maintain compliance with current state and federal requirements. Any revisions or updates are communicated to the campus community through official channels such as the BCC intranet, email notifications and other campus-wide communications.
For additional information about the College's Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity (PAA) and how it is implemented throughout the College, please visit BCC's Affirmative Action Committee webpage.
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This checklist outlines the obligations of both the College and its community members under Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity.
- Maintain and publish a clear nondiscrimination and affirmative-action policy (the PAA: Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity) that defines prohibited conduct (discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, retaliation) and covers protected traits including pregnancy, parental status, gender identity, etc.
- Designate and widely publicize the contact information of the Title IX Coordinator and Officer responsible for oversight of the policy, complaints, investigations and training.
- Provide accessible reporting mechanisms for concerns or complaints (online, in person, by mail/email) and ensure these are prominently communicated to students, faculty and staff.
- Respond promptly and equitably to reports of prohibited conduct: assess jurisdiction, implement interim/supportive measures, investigate where appropriate, and offer remedies.
- Prohibit retaliation against anyone who files a complaint or participates in a proceeding under the policy.
- Offer reasonable accommodations and resources for students and employees with pregnancy, parental or lactation needs, or other protected conditions, to ensure equal access to programs and benefits.
- Provide and require regular training for students, faculty, staff, and administrators regarding the PAA/Title IX rights and responsibilities, complaint procedures, prevention of harassment/discrimination, and how to get help.
- Monitor campus climate, review compliance data, evaluate effectiveness of policies, and periodically update the policy and procedures to reflect current legal/regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities of Community Members (Students, Faculty and Staff)
- Familiarize yourself with the College’s PAA/Title IX policy, understand your rights and obligations under it, and make this knowledge available to people you supervise or advise.
- Contribute to a respectful, inclusive campus by avoiding behavior that discriminates, harasses, retaliates or otherwise undermines the equal-opportunity climate of the College.
- Report or assist others in reporting conduct believed to violate the PAA or Title IX policy whether as a complainant, witness, or concerned community member (faculty and staff also have mandatory reporting duties).
- Cooperate in investigations or resolution processes when asked: provide requested information honestly, adhere to any interim measures, and respect the confidentiality of the process to the extent permitted under policy.
- Engage in prevention: attend the required training, create inclusive learning/work environments, and intervene safely (as a bystander) when you observe behavior contrary to the policy.
- Ensure academic and professional integrity by not allowing protected characteristics (pregnancy, parenting, gender identity, disability etc.) to limit access to programs or unfairly disadvantaged students or employees.
