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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, such as 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.

Grievance Procedures

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:

Whom to contact to file a discrimination complaint

On Campus:

Paula MacDonald

Assistant Vice President of Human Resources

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Equal Opportunity Officer

 

Human Resources

101 S. Chester Road, first floor 
Swarthmore, PA 19081
610-690-5667
humanresources@swarthmore.edu

Bindu Jayne
Title IX Coordinator

 

Title IX House

504 Fieldhouse Lane
Swarthmore, PA 19081
610-690-6147
bjayne1@swarthmore.edu

 

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

The College's complaint resolution procedures applying to:

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. 

Non-Retaliation

Swarthmore prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith effort to appropriately disclose perceived wrongdoing and the College makes every effort to redress such situations. In all cases, members of the community should report their concerns when they feel they are being subjected to unethical, illegal, or unsafe activities or when they become aware of such activities going on at the College.

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.

Definitions

Harassment Based on Protected Class

Harassment based on a protected class is defined as unreasonable, unwelcome conduct that is based on an individual’s sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, medical condition, veteran status, disability, or any other College-recognized protected classification. This type of harassment can occur in any form and can be directed at individuals or groups. When appropriate, minor infractions can oftentimes be resolved informally and with remedial steps, including training, counseling, or mediation. When this harassment objectively and subjectively harms the person by severely, persistently, or pervasively interfering with the person’s educational opportunities, peaceful enjoyment of residence and community, or terms of employment, it is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion/dismissal. In all cases, the College encourages individuals to seek support and assistance as soon as harassing conduct occurs. Before any conduct can be considered for the disciplinary action, it must be clear that no substantial free expression interests are threatened by bringing a formal charge of harassment.

Retaliation

Retaliation is any act or attempt to retaliate against or seek retribution from any individual or group of individuals involved in the investigation and/or resolution of a complaint. Retaliation can take many forms, including continued abuse or violence, bullying, threats and intimidation. Any individual or group of individuals, not just a complainant or respondent, can engage in retaliation.

Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Intimate Partner Violence (including Domestic Violence and Dating Violence), Stalking, and Related Prohibited Conduct

Sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and intimate-partner violence are broad terms designed to capture a spectrum of behavior. Sexual assault, sexual harassment and intimate-partner violence (including domestic violence and dating violence) are specifically defined within the Sexual Assault and Harassment Policy. In general, sexual violence refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to incapacitation. In general, sexual misconduct is a broad term that refers to all of the prohibited behaviors under this policy.

Additional information, resources and policies can be found by visiting and of these linsk below:

  • Title IX Office - supports the well-being of our students and the safety of our community, as well as providing ongoing training and programming about sexual violence prevention and Title IX compliance. 
  • Share (Sexual Harassment / Assault Resources & Education) -  This portal is home to information and resources for the reporting of sexual misconduct and intimate partner violence for members of the Swarthmore College community.  
  • Title IX and College-Defined Sexual Misconduct Policy - These policies prohibit all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence and domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, and other misconduct that is sex or gender based, or in the context of an intimate partner relationship including: bullying and intimidation, physical assault, and discrimination.