Equity and Title IX Policies and Processes

Your Rights

If you have experienced or witnessed any act that violates Berklee's Equity and Title IX Policies and Processes, we are here to support you.

If applicable, you have rights under Title IX—a federal law designed to protect people from gender-based and/or sex-based discrimination in education programs—and under our Equity Process to take action so Berklee can help you reduce the effects of sexual harassment and misconduct. Every member of the Berklee community deserves to be treated fairly and with respect.

We are committed to providing all members of the Berklee community with comprehensive and compassionate care that meets whatever additional needs you may have, restores justice, and ensures the safety of our community.

The Equity and Title IX Policies prohibit acts of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct, including, but not limited to, sexual assault or harassment, domestic/dating violence, and stalking. Such acts undermine Berklee’s community values and are strictly prohibited. These policies and the institution’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and diverse climate are a fundamental part of a Berklee community where all can study, live, and work together in an environment of equal opportunity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect.

All community members are encouraged to contact the Equity Office to report any instances of potential violations of either the Equity or the Title IX policy and receive additional information, options, and supportive measures.

Reporting does not obligate any community member to participate under either policy.

The Equity Policy and Process

The Equity Policy and Process was designed to further Berklee’s goals of providing all community members with inclusion, respect, fairness, and equity in all aspects of the institution. The Equity Policy and Process is intended to broadly address and resolve complaints involving any legally protected characteristics. While some sections of this policy focus on sex and gender-based harassment, the Equity Policy applies equally to all forms of harassment based on a protected characteristic.

Interim Title IX Policy and Process

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities. The Department of Education’s Title IX Regulations, published May 19, 2020, require that specific processes apply under a narrower set of circumstances than may be covered by the Equity Policy. The changes required by the regulations are summarized here.

Which policy applies?

Only cases meeting the Title IX criteria set forth below will follow the Title IX Policy. Cases that do not meet these criteria may be handled through the Equity Policy. Neither policy is more important or more serious than the other. Differences between the two are simply a reflection of federal regulations that apply only to a specifically identified set of cases.

This Title IX Process Chart (PDF) provides an overview of the circumstances under which the Title IX Policy or the Equity Policy may apply.