Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The College expressly prohibits any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of any College-recognized protected classification, including sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or involvement in a College program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, The Equal Pay Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, and the Borough of Swarthmore Ordinance on Non-Discrimination.
See the Swarthmore College Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy for the College's Policy and procedures regarding reporting, review, investigation, and resolution of all sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment concerns against students and employees.
Statement Against Retaliation
It is a violation of College Policy and law to retaliate against an individual or a group because the individual or group reported to the College an allegation or participated in an investigation or resolution of a complaint of Discrimination, Harassment and/or Retaliation. The College recognizes that Retaliation can take many forms, may be committed by an individual or a group against an individual or a group, and that a Respondent can also be the subject of Retaliation by the Complainant or a Third Party. The College will promptly respond to any report of Retaliation and may pursue disciplinary action as appropriate.
Statement of Privacy
The College is committed to protecting the privacy interests of all individuals involved in a report of Discrimination or Harassment. In any report, investigation, or resolution of an allegation made under this Policy, every effort will be made to protect the privacy interests of the individuals involved in a manner consistent with the need for a thorough review of the allegation and the protection of any individual or the broader campus community. Information related to a report under this Policy will be shared only with those College employees who “need to know” in order to assist in the investigation and/or resolution of the complaint. At all times, the privacy of the Parties will be respected and safeguarded. All College employees who are involved in the review, investigation or resolution of a report will only share information with others on a need-to-know basis.
The College expects all community members involved in any report, investigation, or resolution of an allegation made under this Policy to respect the privacy of all parties involved, including the Complainant, the Respondent, and all witnesses.
Students or employees wishing to obtain confidential assistance or access to campus resources without making a report to the College may do so by speaking with professionals who are obligated by law to maintain confidentiality. These professionals, who are identified in the Confidential Resources section of this Policy, include individuals in the Student Health and Wellness Center, Counseling and Psychological Services, spiritual advisors, and confidential resources available to regular College employees through the Employee Assistance Program.
If a Complainant requests that their name or other identifiable information remain confidential, the College will seek to respect the request of the Complainant, and where it cannot do so, the College will communicate with the Complainant about the reasons why the request for confidentiality cannot be honored. In cases where confidentiality is requested, the College will balance this request with its obligation to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all College Community members. Depending on the information provided, maintaining the confidentiality of a Complainant may limit the College’s ability to take action in response to a report.
All resolution proceedings are conducted in compliance with the requirements of FERPA, the Clery Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, College Policy, and all applicable federal, state and local laws. No information shall be released from such proceedings, or other aspects of addressing reports received under this Policy, except as required or permitted by law or College Policy.
Procedures to Resolve Allegations of Discrimination & Harassment
Swarthmore College, as an educational community, will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of discrimination and harassment based on a protected classification in order to eliminate the discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects on any individual or the community.
Inquiries or complaints may be directed as follows:
On Campus: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Alison Berk Director of Equity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Parrish Hall | Matt Walsh Title IX Coordinator
Parrish Hall | Susan Smythe ADA Compliance Program Manager
Facilities Management Service Building 106 | |
Off Campus: | ||
|---|---|---|
| US Dept of Education, Office for Civil Rights 215-656-8541 OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov | US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: 1-800-669-4000 | PA Human Relations Commission: (215) 560-2496 |
More information about the College’s resolution process of complaints implicating this notice can be found in the Swarthmore College Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation and Procedures for Resolving Allegations of Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation. To make inquiries or file a complaint, please contact the Swarthmore College Equal Opportunity Officer at eoo@swarthmore.edu.
External Hotline (866) 292-7713
If you do not feel comfortable with any of these options, the Swarthmore College Hotline, 866-292-7713, is another avenue you may choose. This toll-free line is available 24/7 and there will always be someone available to speak with you. The line is managed by an outside company that will listen to your concern and direct it to the appropriate college official for prompt and corrective action. You may remain anonymous or you may choose to identify yourself. Regardless of your decision, your information will be documented and addressed appropriately.
Statement of Equal Opportunity
Swarthmore College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons without discrimination against any person by reason of any College-recognized protected classification, including sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, or disability.
In keeping with the long-standing traditions of the College and the spirit and letter of the federal and state equal opportunity laws, we affirm it the standing policy of the College to realize equality of opportunity in education and employment; to guard against discrimination contrary to that aim; and to correct discriminatory behavior if found to exist within the College community. Consistent with maintaining an educational program of the highest quality, our standing policy includes affirmative efforts to achieve the above goals in employment and education.
The above policy has been and shall be further implemented by the President and by members of the faculty and administration designated by the President for that purpose. (Adopted by the Board of Managers 1 March 1975, with amendments 24 April 1976, 3 December 1977, 7 December 1985, and 5 March 2007.)
These policies apply to all College community members, including faculty, staff, students, and volunteers.
