At MassBay we celebrate the intrinsic worth of all who work and study here. We acknowledge our responsibility to create and maintain an environment that affirms the diversity of people and ideas. We support and pursue an institution of inclusiveness that recognizes, values and reflects the diversity of the community we serve and the world in which we live.
MassBay is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment for their students, employees, and other members of the College community, which values the diverse backgrounds of all people. In addition, MassBay is in full compliance with all federal and state laws mandating universal access and equal treatment for all.
The Board of Higher Education and the Boards of Trustees of the Massachusetts community colleges maintain and promote a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of protected class(s)/classification(s) as follows:
The Policy of Affirmative Action (PAA) outlines the College’s policies and procedures on sex-based harassment, sex discrimination, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and retaliation towards those who report such incidents
For more information on the definitions of each of these violations, please visit Definitions in the PAA.
We want to make it clear to all community members that all forms of sex discrimination have no place on our campus and prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
—Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities such as:
MassBay is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal and effective access to all programs provided by the College in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Per the College's non-discrimination and accommodation for persons with disabilities section of the Affirmative Action Policy, it is illegal to discriminate against an otherwise qualified individual with a disability.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, including assault or harassment, get to a safe place and seek help immediately.
Title IX forbids discrimination against students due to pregnancy or related conditions, ensuring equal participation, excused absences, and comparable special services.
Consent is informed, voluntary, mutual, and can be given through clear words or actions. It cannot be given under coercion, intoxication, or incapacitation, and may be withdrawn anytime.
Reporting to the College is personal and difficult. The College supports individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination, offering resources and options regardless of when or where it occurs.