Simmons University Notice of Non-Discrimination and Grievance Procedure
Chartered in 1899 and opened in 1902, Simmons is first and foremost an academic community whose primary goals are to prepare individuals to be well informed, open-minded, and sensitive to values. To attain these goals, Simmons seeks to create an atmosphere within which students may learn to become actively engaged members of society and to develop the resources to lead rich personal lives. The active and continuing exchange of ideas among students, faculty, and the general university community is central to achieving these goals.
To ensure that these goals are attained, Simmons has committed itself to the following principles:
Simmons supports the principle and spirit of equal employment opportunity for all persons based on each individual’s qualifications and fitness. In accordance with applicable law, Simmons administers its employment and personnel policies with-out regard to race, color, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
veteran’s status.
Simmons administers its educational programs and activities in accordance with the requirements and implementing regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008.
Simmons strives to ensure that all decisions concerning hiring and promotion of faculty and staff, or the educational process of students, are based on considerations appropriate to an academic institution and not on factors such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran’s status.
Complaints or inquiries concerning the University’s policies and compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations may be directed to the Office of the General Counsel, Room C-208, 617-521-2074. A complaint should contain your name and address and a brief description of the action you believe is in violation of state or federal law. Simmons is able to respond most effectively when a complaint is filed with the appropriate office as soon as a grievant is aware of an alleged violation. The University will take the appropriate steps to address alleged violations of that are brought to its attention.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct
If you believe you have been subjected to gender-based misconduct (sexual harassment, sexual violence, gender discrimination, stalking, exploitation), please contact our Title IX Coordinator, at 617-521-2768. She is located in the Room E-200 in the Main Campus Building.
Reporting Discrimination or Retaliation
If you are a student and you believe you have been subjected to unlawful discrimination or retaliation, please contact the Dean of your College, the Director of your Program, or the Dean for Student Life. The Dean for Student Life can be found in C-115 of the Main Campus Building and at 617-521-2117.
Reporting a Web/online Accessibility Barrier
We are committed to making our programs and activities accessible to all individuals. Use this form.
For Advice on Whom to Contact about a Concern or Incident
If you are unsure of where to bring complaints or concerns about unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, please contact the Office of the General Counsel in E-200 in the Main Campus Building or call 617-521-2276.
Grievance Procedure
A written complaint alleging violation of the federal sex and disability discrimination laws and/or regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106 and 45 C.F.R. Part 86, implementing Title IX; 34 C.F.R. Part 104 and 45 C.F.R. Part 84, implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act; and 45 C.F.R. Part 83, implementing Section 855 of the Public Health Service Act) may be filed with the University by any student, employee, or other aggrieved person and will be handled accordingly, under the corresponding policy. Complaints under this procedure will not be processed from applicants for employment or admission. A University employee’s allegation that they have been subjected to discrimination prohibited by the regulations will be processed under the relevant employee grievance procedure.
Inquiries concerning the application of non- discrimination policies may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 330 C Street, Washington, DC 20202.