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 women and men 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 college 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 identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, or veteran’s status.
Complaints or inquiries concerning the College’s policies and compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations may also 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. A complaint should be filed with the appropriate office within 60 days after you, the grievant, become aware of the alleged violation. The President or appropriate college officer will conduct an investigation and issue a written decision on the complaint, ordinarily within 45 days.
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 College by any student, employee, or other aggrieved person. 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.