Affirmative Action
Date : June 2017
Philosophy and Purpose: Bowdoin College is committed to creating the conditions for a diverse and civil educational community. This policy indicates that the College welcomes students and employees of all backgrounds since this diversity enriches our College community.
Policy: As a liberal arts college, Bowdoin College recognizes the educational value of diversity in its faculty, students, and staff and the educational importance of including varied perspectives in the classroom and throughout the campus. Consistent with its own bylaws and applicable federal and state statutes and regulations, the College therefore pursues a hiring policy designed in part to expand faculty and staff diversity. It adopts search and recruitment practices that will assist in seeking out highly qualified candidates, and it uses all legal and equitable means to increase and encourage the retention of people of color and women among its faculty and staff at all ranks. The candidates Bowdoin selects will meet the College's high standards, and Bowdoin will not be influenced by criteria irrelevant to its educational goals.
Respect for the rights of all and for the differences among us is essential for the Bowdoin community. Consistent with the bylaws of the College, Bowdoin is in conformity with all applicable federal and state statutes and regulations with respect to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. Discrimination or harassment of others because of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry and national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, marital status, place of birth, genetic predisposition, veteran status or against qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other legally protected statuses has no place in an intellectual community. If members of the Bowdoin community experience or witness any apparent incident of harassment or discrimination, by students, faculty, staff or others, they should report the incident; they may discuss their concerns or request advice from supervisors, department heads, workplace advisors, or Human Resources staff. Such practices violate both the ideals of the College and its Social Code* and are subject to appropriate disciplinary sanctions. When such incidents violate the statues of the State of Maine, criminal prosecution may be pursued.