The following is a summary of the Harassment and Discrimination Grievance Procedure. The full policy is in MyBC in Student Resources at https://www.bridgewater.edu/life-at-bridgewater/services-for-students/grievance-procedures/ under Harassment and Discrimination Grievance Procedure.
This procedure is available for any student who believes that he or she has been harassed or discriminated against by any member of the College community based on the student’s race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status, or political affiliation. Allegations of sexual misconduct, including harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation, are addressed in a separate policy.
Informal Resolution
Any student that believes that he or she has been harassed or discriminated against is encouraged, but not required, to discuss their concerns directly with the person or persons involved, either in person or in writing. If a student is uncomfortable directly discussing her or his concern with the involved individual(s) or, after discussing it, believes that the concern is not adequately resolved, the student may utilize the formal process described below. Generally, no record will be maintained regarding a grievance resolved informally.
Formal Resolution
A student may file a formal grievance regarding an allegation of harassment or discrimination by a student or a faculty or staff member, by written notification (which may be in an electronic format) to the director of student conduct, if the act or omission giving rise to the grievance relates to conduct by a student(s), or the director of human resources, if the act or omission giving rise to the grievance relates to conduct by a college employee(s). The grievance must be filed within thirty (30) days following the act or omission giving rise to the grievance.
A student must include the following information in the notification:
- Name and phone number of the person filing the grievance
- The name(s) of the individual(s) or office against which the grievance is being alleged
- A detailed description of the act or omission serving as the basis for the grievance (to include how the student has been harmed or treated unfairly) and what the student believes would be a fair and equitable resolution
- The date or period of time that the action occurred
- A list of any other people who were either involved or witnessed the action
Once notified, the director of student conduct or the director of human resources, as the case may be, will seek to help the student resolve the grievance informally, if possible. If an informal resolution is not accomplished, the procedure described below will be followed.
If the allegation relates to conduct by another student, the grievance will be reviewed and resolved pursuant to the College’s existing student conduct procedures, including any appeal process provided in those procedures.
If the allegation relates to conduct by an employee of the College, the director of human resources or designee will investigate the allegation and determine an appropriate resolution within a reasonable timeframe. The director of human resources will inform the appropriate vice president of the nature of the grievance and of progress in resolving the grievance. The resolution of the grievance will be communicated to the student who asserted the grievance, the person whose alleged conduct gave rise to the grievance, and the appropriate vice president. Disciplinary action imposed under this paragraph, if any, may include a requirement not to repeat or continue the offending conduct, separation of the parties, attendance at relevant education programs, reprimand, reassignment, denial of pay increase, demotion, suspension, or termination of employment with the College. The decision of the director of human resources or designee is final and there is no appeal from the decision.
While all grievances are handled discreetly, the student asserting a grievances should understand that the College cannot guarantee confidentiality in the investigative and resolution process. College action and legal action (criminal or civil) are not mutually exclusive, and a student may pursue all remedies available to the student.
It is a violation of College policy for anyone to retaliate against any person asserting a grievance or against any person cooperating in the investigation of (including testifying as a witness to) any grievance. For these purposes, “retaliation” includes intimidation, threats or harassment against any complainant, respondent, or third party. Retaliation should be reported promptly to campus police and safety or the department of student life and may result in disciplinary action independent of the sanction or interim measures imposed in response to the underlying allegations.
Documentation of Grievances
The office of the director of student conduct or the office of the director of human resources, as the case may be, will maintain records related to grievances under this policy, as appropriate.