Student Freedom from Discrimination and Harassment Policy

I. Non-Discrimination Policy

Bowdoin College strives to provide a place of study and work free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct, and gender-based violence of any kind. In compliance with the Maine Human Rights Act, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other federal and state laws, Bowdoin College prohibits any member of the faculty, staff, administration, student body, or third party (including persons visiting campus, patrons, independent contractors, and vendors) from harassing or discriminating against any member of the Bowdoin College community based on a person’s race, color, ethnicity, ancestry or national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status, or physical or mental disability, or any other legally protected status in connection with hiring or employment, admission or financial aid, or other aspects of its educational programs or activities.

This policy applies to complaints of harassment and discrimination made against any College employee, except that the policy does not apply to complaints against student employees. Complaints regarding gender-based discrimination will be governed by the Bowdoin College Title IX Policy.

II. Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

Bowdoin students who believe they have been subjected to discrimination or harassment in violation of this policy are encouraged to bring these concerns forward. Concerns may be brought directly to one of the following Bowdoin officials: 

Katherine O'Grady 
Executive Director of Institutional Equity and Compliance
Title IX Coordinator
(207) 725-3493 
kogrady@bowdoin.edu 

Benje Douglas 
Senior Vice President for Inclusion and Diversity 
(207) 721-5189 
bdouglas@bowdoin.edu 

In addition to the above, employees may also contact the following individuals for concerns involving staff:

Cassie Christie
Assistant Director of Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees and Visitors
(207) 725-3468 (office)
cjchris@bowdoin.edu

Upon receipt of a report of discrimination or harassment, the Office of Inclusion and Diversity (OID) will promptly review the complaint and determine the appropriate next steps.    

  • Matters involving Title IX will be referred to the Title IX Office.
  • Matters involving faculty members will be governed by the processes outlined in the Faculty Handbook.
  • Matters involving staff members will be governed by this policy and other relevant policies in the Employee Handbook.
  • Matters between students and matters involving student employees will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students and will be governed by the appropriate student policy, such as the Social Code, in the Student Code of Community Standards

Confidentiality. When a report is made, the College will treat the identities of the parties and the substance of the claims as confidential, except as is reasonably necessary to carry out the investigative process and to ensure the safety of the community.

Retaliation. Bowdoin College policy explicitly prohibits retaliation, academic or otherwise, against students for bringing complaints of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct forward or for participating in good faith in the investigation of a complaint.