Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy

Specific responsibilities of the Committee may include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Advise and assist the President and the Affirmative Action Officer in developing, implementing and evaluating the College's Affirmative Action Program;
2. Recommend changes in the programs or policies;
3. Represent the concerns of all employment areas of the College as these concerns relate to equal opportunity;
4. Be informed about the rules and procedures of the College as well as federal and state laws and regulations governing affirmative action and equal opportunity;
5. Meet as necessary, but not fewer than two (2) times a year; and
6. Help sensitize and educate the College community regarding the affirmative action issues facing higher education and the larger society and to help broaden understanding of diversity in our society as well as to encourage behaviors appropriate to a pluralistic society.

• Colin Adams, Associate Professor of Sociology
• Karen Carreras-Hubbard, Coordinator of Library Services
• Sean Grady, HR Manager
• Barbara Kotelnicki, Associate Professor of Education
• Lisa Mattila, Personal Counselor
• Jonah Sykes, Director of Marketing and Communications
• Sandra West, Administrative Assistant in Nursing
• Ex Officio Member: Beth Dolan, Executive Director of Human Resources

If you believe that you have been harassed or discriminated against based on your sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity; race, color, national origin; religion, creed; age; disability; or based on membership in any other class protected by law or by the College's Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy, you may file a complaint with the College. Likewise, you may file a complaint if you believe you have been retaliated against for reporting harassment or discrimination or for cooperating in an investigation concerning the same.

Informal Resolutions

Any of the parties involved in a particular matter may request the intervention of the Title IX Coordinator to assist in resolving that matter informally. Likewise, where appropriate, the BCC Title IX Coordinator may attempt to reach an informal and prompt resolution of an issue. An informal resolution is achieved through open or closed dialogue between the parties that allows for the airing of any misunderstandings or disputed issues. Parties reserve their right to withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the Complaint process at any time. If the parties come to an informal resolution, its terms are reduced to writing and the matter is thereafter considered resolved. Please note, however, that this informal procedure shall not be used as a sole measure in cases involving sexual harassment or violence, or in cases involving student allegations of sexual harassment or violence of any type by an employee.

Confidential Reporting Resources

Persons who have experienced prohibited forms of sexual harassment may share information confidentially with designated employees ("Confidential Employees") who cannot reveal identifying information to any third party unless one or more of the following conditions is present:

• The individual has provided written consent to disclose information;
• There is a concern about imminent harm to self or others;
• The information concerns the neglect or abuse of someone who is a minor, elderly, or disabled; or
• An employee is responsible for providing non-identifiable information for purposes of the Clery Act.

Confidential Employees at Berkshire Community College are listed below:

Lisa Mattila, Personal Counselor
413-236-1609
BCC Personal Counseling

Formal Resolutions

Please use this form to report a violation of the College's Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy (including claims of sexual violence):

Title IX Reporting Form

Please use this form to report a violation of the College's Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy (other than sexual harassment and sexual violence claims):

Affirmative Action and Discrimination Complaint Form

For more guidance on the Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy and complaint procedure, to submit a complaint, or for resources, please contact La Wanza Lett-Brewington, Title IX Coordinator and Affirmative Action Officer, at llett-brewington@berkshirecc.edu

Students may also contact Celia Norcross at cnorcross@berkshirecc.edu to speak about options.

College's Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Download Diversity Policy (PDF)