Equal Opportunity and Title IX

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The University is committed to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action. The University is dedicated to providing educational, working, and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people.  

The University does not unlawfully discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or parental status, or Veteran status. The University prohibits unlawful discrimination or discriminatory harassment on all of those bases. Such behaviors violate the University’s Policy of Nondiscrimination, will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. 

Furthermore, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy, childbirth, and other related conditions, and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. Such behaviors violate the University’s Policy of Nondiscrimination, will not be tolerated, and may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. 

Read the University’s EO Plan, including the full Policy of Nondiscrimination and complaint resolution procedures.

Submit a Report

Bias and Discrimination

Discriminatory conduct is targeted at an individual because they are a member of a protected class, are perceived to be a member of a protected class, or are associated with a member of a protected class. Discriminatory conduct can also be directed at members of a protected class as a whole.

Sex-based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

Sex-based discrimination can be due to sex (female, male, intersex), sexual orientation, gender identity and expressions thereof, and pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions. Sex-based discrimination explicitly includes sex-based harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and sex-based stalking.

Contact

Federal compliance, reporting and investigatory functions involving discrimination and harassment (Title VI and VII), gender equity and sexual misconduct (Title IX) and grievances related to accessibility/disability (ADA/504) may be addressed to:

Bias and Discrimination

Equal opportunity is centered on the idea that all individuals should have equal access to the University, regardless of membership in a protected class. Some of the laws incorporated into the body of equal opportunity law include Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.

Learn more about our Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) who ensure students, faculty, and staff affected by bias or a bias-related incident have access to appropriate resources and assists the university in its response in situations that may impact the overall campus climate around diversity and inclusion. 

Retaliation is prohibited under this policy. Retaliation may include adverse treatment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the University, a student, or an employee, or other person authorized by the University to provide aid, benefit, or service under the University’s education program or activity, (1) for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy, or (2) because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy, or (3) because the person is suspected of having filed such claims, complaints, or charges, or (4) the person has protested practices alleged to be violative of the nondiscrimination policies of the University, the BHE, or local, state or federal regulation or statute.  

The following resources are listed for convenience.  External websites are not monitored for content or accessibility.

  • Fitchburg State University Center for Diversity and Inclusiveness for students
  • Fitchburg State University Employee Resource Groups (link to ERGs – under development)
  • DHE Resources for Addressing Hate and Protecting Free Speech on Campus
  • Civil Rights Organizations
  • Interfaith Calendar
  • Sample Syllabus Language - Please find below language that can be incorporated into syllabus/syllabi:
    My priority as your professor is to ensure a safe, respectful education environment where all students can learn and thrive. The University does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment (including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking)  based on protected characteristics (e.g., race, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, pregnancy, etc.). All faculty are obligated to report prohibited conduct to the Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity.   This obligation, grounded in law and policy, is designed to protect the safety of students and the broader Fitchburg State community, as well as ensure that students receive information about available supportive measures and resolution options to enable them to make informed choices. Supportive measures include reasonable academic accommodations available with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint.
    • To Contact Title IX / EO directly, email TitleIX@fitchburgstate.edu or visit (insert report page link.)
    • If you would like to speak confidentially about sexual violence/misconduct contact Emily Stark, the University’s designated Confidential Resource Provider at estark2@fitchburgstate.edu.
    • If you are pregnant, have recently experienced childbirth, and/or have medical needs related to  childbirth, please contact TitleIX@fitchburgstate.edu for information on your rights and support.
    • If you are a student with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to meaningfully participate in this course, please contact the Disability Services at your earliest convenience.
    • If you need reasonable accommodations for a religious observance, please submit a request to me by email as far in advance as possible.
      Accommodations do not relieve you of the responsibility for completion of any part of the coursework you miss as the result of a religious observance. If you have questions or concerns about your request, you may contact TIX / EO.

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

There are multiple ways for students, employees, and community members to share concerns regarding inappropriate behavior or actions. You can do so online, by phone, in person or anonymously. For all your reporting options, visit the Reporting page. 

The EO Officer/Title IX Coordinator or designee will review the submission and follow up with the reporter(s) and/or the impacted person(s) to discuss their options for how to proceed. The Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity continues to work with the person(s) who submitted the report (and any potential stakeholders) until the issue is resolved.

The University is committed to providing equal access to otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. The University recognizes that individuals with disabilities may need reasonable accommodations to have equally effective opportunities to participate in or benefit from educational programs, services, activities, and employment. Learn more about our ADA Compliance.

The University’s Title II/Section 594 Coordinator is:
Jessica Murdoch, Vice President for Human Resources and Payroll Services
jmurdoch@fitchburgstate.edu or 978.665.3308
Any member of the University community who seeks reasonable accommodation for a disability, including any applicant for employment or admission who seeks assistance in the application process, may contact:

Kimberly Page, Director of Human Resources
kpage3@fitchburgstate.edu or 978.665.3850

Students seeking reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and/or academic adjustments for a disability must contact:

Emily Stark, Director of Disability Services
estark2@fitchburgstate.edu or 978.665.4029

Students and employees will receive an e-mail with a link to any assigned trainings.  To visit the portal directly click the following:  

Training is available for departments, student leaders, clubs and organizations by request. Email titleix@fitchburgstate.edu to schedule an in-person or virtual workshop or presentation.

Fitchburg State University is an institutional member of the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA). See Title IX Team trainings. 

Sex-based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

“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

Team members listed below are trained to support the Title IX Grievance process in a variety of ways. They also serve as an internal advisory board ensuring the University complies with state and federal laws while supporting prevention and awareness efforts.  The Team welcomes new members throughout the year. Contact titleix@fitchburgstate.edu for more information.

TIX Coordinator:  Rebecca H. Newell, Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity 

TIX Deputy Coordinators:

  • Joseph Flanagan, Assistant Director for Care and Community Standards, Student Affairs
  • Tim St. John, Dean of Students
  • Matt Lechter, Executive Director of Housing and Residential Services
  • Kristina Braun, Associate Director of Housing Operations

TIX Partners:

  • Bettiann Pura, Assistant Director of Athletics
  • Emily Stark, Director of Disability Services
  • Jason Smith, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs
  • Kimberly Page, Director of Human Resources
  • Lindsay Carpenter Connors, Director of Career Services and Advising Center
  • Mathew Burke, Senior Director for Athletics and Recreation
  • Michael Cloutier, Chief of Police
  • Michael Kennedy, Director of Student Development

Retaliation is prohibited under this policy and may include adverse treatment, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against any person by the University, a student, or an employee, or other person authorized by the University to provide aid, benefit, or service under the University’s education program or activity, (1) for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by this policy, or (2) because the person has reported information, made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy, or (3) because the person is suspected of having filed such claims, complaints, or charges, or (4) the person has protested practices alleged to be violative of the nondiscrimination policies of the University, the BHE, or local, state or federal regulation or statute

The following resources are listed for convenience. External websites are not monitored for content or accessibility.

Confidential Resource Providers

Confidential Resource Providers (CRP) - Unless otherwise required by state or federal law, a confidential resource provider shall not disclose confidential information without the prior written consent of the reporting party who shared the information.  The University has identified the following individuals as CRPs.

Emily Stark is the University’s designated CRP for Title IX related concerns.
estark2@fitchburgstate.edu or 978.665.4029

Upon the request of the reporting party or responding party, the confidential resource provider shall provide information on: (i) reporting options and the effects of each option; (ii) counseling services available on campus and through a local, community-based rape crisis center or domestic violence program; (iii) medical and health services available on campus and off campus; (iv) available school-based supportive measures related to academic and residence life; (v) the disciplinary process of the institution; and (vi) the legal process carried out through local law enforcement agencies.  Parties may request interim school-based supportive measures to change an academic, living, campus transportation or working situation in response to alleged sexual misconduct and shall not require the reporting party to file a formal complaint for Title IX purposes.

Campus and Community Partners The following list includes internal and external partners with varying levels of confidentiality based on legal expectations related to their service and/or licensure.  Fitchburg State University has entered into a memorandum of understanding with community-based partners including law enforcement and sexual assault crisis services to provide alternatives for students and employees to receive related services.

The following resources are listed for convenience.  External websites are not monitored for content or accessibility.

Jeanne Clery Act

The Clery Act is a consumer protection law enacted in 1990 that aims to provide transparency around campus crime policy and statistics.  The Clery Act requires annual reporting of statistics and policies related to sexual violence including sexual assault, stalking, domestic and dating violence.  Read the Fitchburg State University Annual Security Report.

Additional Resources

Title IX and the University’s EO Plan protects members of the campus community from discrimination based on pregnancy or related conditions. Upon notice of a student’s pregnancy, University employees must inform the student of the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information. Find the detailed Pregnancy and Related Conditions Policy and Information.

To Request Adjustments or Accommodations email titleix@fitchburgstate.edu or contact:

Students learn more about your rights as they relate to pregnancy and other related conditions.

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

There are multiple ways for students, employees, and community members to share concerns regarding inappropriate behavior or actions. You can do so online, by phone, in person or anonymously. For all your reporting options, visit the Reporting page. 

The EO Officer/Title IX Coordinator or designee will review the submission and follow up with the reporter(s) and/or the impacted person(s) to discuss their options for how to proceed. The Director of Title IX and Equal Opportunity continues to work with the person(s) who submitted the report (and any potential stakeholders) until the issue is resolved.

All degree-seeking students enrolled in the spring 2025 semester will be invited to participate in this important study. The survey will be conducted by an outside party (Grand River Solutions) and all results will be deidentified to preserve anonymity. Participation is completely voluntary. To promote transparency and inform the community of the outcome and next steps, an analysis of the results will be posted here at the conclusion of the study.

All students and employees must participate in annual training which has been updated to be in compliance with the new Title IX regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education and went into effect on August 1, 2024. To facilitate this federal requirement, Fitchburg State University has partnered with Vector Solutions. Members of the Fitchburg State University community will receive an e-mail with a link to their assigned training. To visit the portal directly click the following:  

Training is available for departments, student leaders, clubs and organizations by request.  Email titleix@fitchburgstate.edu to schedule an in-person or virtual workshop or presentation.

TIX Team members are required to participate in extensive and role specific training.  Fitchburg State University is an institutional member of the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA). See Title IX Team trainings for a sample of completed team member training.