UMass Transportation Center’s Policy Against Harassment and Discrimination
Scope
This Policy and associated procedures apply to the conduct of, and protect, UMass Transportation Center/Baystate Roads staff, representatives, and those who attend UMTC/Baystate Roads trainings and events.
This Policy is based on the University of Massachusetts Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence which prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment (including sexual harassment), on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, and any other legally protected class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment. University policy further includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees (i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment) and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination or harassment.includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees, i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination.
The UMass Transportation Center (UMTC) is committed to providing an environment for UMTC/Baystate Roads trainings and events that is welcoming to all and free from harassment or discrimination. Event and training participants are expected to maintain a respectful attitude towards other participants at all times.
The UMTC prohibits discrimination and harassment at UMTC/Baystate Roads events and trainings and prohibits retaliatory conduct in response to complaints of harassment and discrimination, in accordance with state and federal nondiscrimination laws, including those that apply to any programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. These laws include, but are not limited to, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, Title I and Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapters 151B and 151C, as amended.
Filing a Complaint of Harassment and Discrimination
Any person who believes that that they have been subjected to harassment or discrimination at a UMTC/Baystate Roads hosted/co-hosted event or training in violation of the UMass Transportation Center’s policies has the right to file a complaint. Complaints may be filed verbally or in writing within 180 days of the alleged occurrence. Complaints should be submitted to Kris Stetson at the UMass Transportation Center, (413) 545-2604 (phone), kstetson@engin.umass.edu (email), or by mail sent to the UMTC, University of Massachusetts, Hampshire House, Room 316, 131 County Circle, Amherst, MA 01003.
Investigation of a Filed Complaint
The investigation of a filed complaint will be conducted in such a way as to maintain confidentiality to the extent practicable under the circumstances. The UMTC’s investigation will include private interviews with the person filing the complaint and with any witnesses. We will also interview the person alleged to have engaged in harassment or discrimination.
When we have completed our investigation, we will, to the extent appropriate, inform the person filing the complaint and the person alleged to have committed the conduct, of the results of the investigation. If it is determined that inappropriate conduct has occurred, the UMTC will act promptly to eliminate the offending conduct, and if it is appropriate, may also seek disciplinary action.
State and Federal Remedies
In addition to the process described above, if you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, you may file a formal complaint with either or both of the government agencies listed below. Using the UMTC’s complaint process does not restrict you from filing a complaint with other agencies.
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination Boston, MA; (617) 994-6000.
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Washington, DC; (202) 514-3847.