Statement of Policy
It is the policy of Nichols College to promote a professional and safe workplace, one that treats all employees, students and visitors with dignity and respect. In accordance with this policy, it is essential that we maintain an environment free from harassment and abuse for the individuals who participate in the College's camp programs during the summer and at other times during the academic year ("campers"). Any action or behavior not in accordance with this policy will not be tolerated. The College will take immediate steps to eliminate the behavior and impose such corrective action as is necessary, including disciplinary action and where necessary, notification of the appropriate law enforcement agency.
A. Prohibited Behavior
Sexual Harassment
There are two kinds of sexual harassment, and both are prohibited by the College. The first is "quid pro quo harassment" whereby a person, (in this case a camper) is threatened or rewarded in exchange for sexual favors. It usually comes from a person in a position of control or influence. Conduct that would be considered sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and visible or physical conduct of a sexual nature such as lewd comments or inappropriate touching. The second type of sexual harassment is "hostile environment" harassment. Here there can be harassment even if the offender is not an authority figure (i.e. a peer or third party). A hostile environment occurs when sexual advances, requests or conduct have the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a camper's campus life and/or performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, humiliating or sexually offensive environment. Some examples may be displaying sexually suggestive objects, pictures or cartoons; inquiries into one's sexual experiences; discussions of one's sexual activities; and/or any unwelcome sexual gesture or comment.
Other Harassment
The College also prohibits non-sexual harassment, which includes conduct that has the purpose or effect of interfering with a camper's college-related activities, or of creating (or intending to create) an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for the camper.Such harassment includes, but is not limited to, conduct that shows hostility toward anindividual because of his or her race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. For purposes of this Policy, conduct that constitutes prohibited harassment includes, but is not limited to: the use of epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping (including jokes); threatening, intimidating or hostile acts; the display or circulation (including display and/or circulation via a computer, such as through email) of written or graphic material that defames or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group; acts of aggression, intimidation, or hostility and threats.
Abuse
Nichols College is committed to the prevention of any form of child abuse. For the College's purposes, the term "abuse" refers to the commission of a non-accidental act by a Caretaker or other party upon a camper that causes or creates a substantial risk of physical or emotional injury, or any sexual contact with a camper. For purposes of this Policy, the term "Caretaker" means a person, whether an adult or a child, that is entrusted with the responsibility for a child's health or welfare, e.g., parents, guardians, stepparents, teachers, babysitters, coaches, counselors and bus drivers. However, all members of the Campus Community must adhere to the terms of this policy.
B. Reporting and Investigating Alleged Misconduct
Because Nichols College will not tolerate harassment or abuse, and because the College feels that campers and other individuals must be able to report it without fear of adverse consequences, we have adopted the following procedure to file a complaint:
Complaints may be made by contacting one of the following individuals at:
Nichols College
Post Office Box 5000
Dudley, MA 01571-5000
(508) 943-1560
Martha Morrison, Facilities Coordinator (ext. 2103)
Rick Woods, Human Resources Coordinator (ext. 2111)
Sue Tellier, Vice President for Administration (ext. 2285)
All College employees, students, parents, and guardians are expected to cooperate fully in any investigation. If the College determines that any employee, student, parent, or guardian has intentionally withheld information or provided false information at any time, appropriate action may be taken. All complaints and/or investigations will be kept as confidential as possible. Any retaliation against a complaint or anyone cooperating with an investigation of harassment or abuse is strictly prohibited; the College will take strong responsive steps if it occurs.
Additional Reporting Duties Required by Law
Massachusetts law dictates requirements for reporting neglect or abuse of a child, even when it occurs outside the College. The law requires that any member of the faculty, staff or administration who has reasonable cause to believe that a child is suffering physical or emotional injury resulting from abuse or neglect (as defined by law) must report it immediately. A member of the faculty, staff or administration who suspects child neglect or abuse should report this information promptly to the local Department of Social Services or to one of the individuals named above, who in turn will assist in contacting the proper authorities. An individual who has reason to suspect abuse or neglect and fails to report it despite this requirement may be subject to criminal penalties.
Guidelines for Employee and Camper Interaction
Employees should be especially careful and conscious of their behavior around campers so as to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Extreme care needs to be exercised in all interactions with campers. Therefore, employees are prohibited from taking overnight trips with campers who are minors and who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, unless such trips are officially sponsored and supervised by the College.