Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination Policy
Policy approved by Mercy College Board of Trustees, June 2022
To commit to the practice of nondiscrimination on the bases of race, color, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, military status, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, and any other legally-protected class in employment, admissions and other educational programs, services and activities, in accord with applicable federal and state law at Mercy College of Ohio (“the College”).
This policy applies to all College employees, students, applicants for employment or admission, as well as certain third parties conducting business on behalf of the College or otherwise visiting the College.
This policy applies to conduct that occurs on campus or other College property; in connection with College programs or activities, whether on or off-campus, including academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic and other programs and activities; impedes equal access to any College educational program or activity or adversely impacts the education or employment of a member of the College community, regardless of where the conduct occurred; or otherwise threatens the health or safety of a member of the University community.
Discrimination occurs when persons are excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, a College program or activity because they are a member of a legally-protected class. Discrimination can involve subjecting someone to unwelcome conduct that creates a hostile environment (i.e., harassment). To reflect its commitment to nondiscrimination, the College has adopted the following nondiscrimination statement.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Mercy College of Ohio is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the bases of race, color, national and ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, military status, religion, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, and any other legally-protected class in employment, admissions and other educational programs, services and activities, in accord with applicable federal and state law.
The College will promptly and thoroughly investigate all allegations of discrimination. If an individual is found to have violated the College’s nondiscrimination statement, the College will take appropriate action to stop discrimination and/or harassment, prevent recurrence of the discrimination and/or harassment and take steps to correct its discriminatory effects on the complainant and others, if appropriate. Individuals found responsible for discrimination and/or harassment in violation of this policy will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination. Any member of the College community who is a witness to or victim of discrimination and/or harassment should immediately notify the Director of Compliance and Risk Management or another member of the College’s administration. Any College employee who receives notice of a complaint of discrimination or harassment must immediately convey the same to the Director of Compliance and Risk Management. The College prohibits retaliation based upon exercising rights protected under this policy, including reporting of violations and/or participating in a process pursuant to this policy.
Complaints of Discrimination:
Any person may file a complaint alleging discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy’s nondiscrimination statement and scope. Complaints may allege discrimination or harassment carried out by employees, students, or third parties. Complaints should be directed to:
Stacey Brown
Director of Compliance and Risk Management
419-251-1710
Complaints of Sexual Harassment (which includes Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment, Hostile Environment Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking) will be processed pursuant to the procedures contained in Policy 522 Sexual Harassment.
Complaints of disability discrimination, including disability harassment, will be processed pursuant to the procedures below, which constitute the College’s Section 504 grievance procedures. Complaints of all other forms of discrimination and harassment will also be processed pursuant to the procedures set forth below.
Related Policies and Procedures:
Conduct that is of a discriminatory or harassing nature may also implicate other College policies. The following policies and procedures may be relevant to complaints of discrimination and harassment
- Accessibility/ADA/504 Policy
- Hazing Policy
- Student Code of Conduct
Questions about the Accessibility/ADA/504 Policy should be directed to the Section 504 Coordinator:
Christine Miller
Director of Accessibility and Testing Services
419-251-1784
christine.miller@mercycollege.edu
Questions about the Hazing Policy or Student Code of Conduct should be directed to:
Marc Adkins
Vice President of Student Affairs & Dean of Students
419-251-1512
marc.adkins@mercycollege.edu
Outside Options for Resolution of Complaints:
Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education at the following address:
Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education
1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 325
Cleveland, OH 44115-1812
Telephone (216) 522-4970
FAX: 216-522-2573; TDD: 800-877-8339
Email: OCR.Cleveland@ed.gov