Equal Opportunity Policy and Procedures

Recognizing that diversity greatly enhances the workplace and opportunities for learning, Berkeley is firmly committed to providing a working, learning and living environment that is free from unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and strives to afford fair and equitable treatment and equal access to all members of the College community, regardless of their membership in any legally protected class. 

Berkeley College prohibits under its Equal Opportunity Policy (a) discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and the status of being transgender; (b) discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, nationality, age, genetic characteristics, ancestry, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, civil union or partnership status, alienage or citizenship status, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait and any other classes protected by applicable state or local law; and (c) bullying among students, including but not limited to cyber-bullying, when a student directs the bullying at a specific group or individual based upon that group or individual’s inclusion in one of the protected classes outlined above. This Policy also prohibits “hate crimes” as that term is defined in this Policy. Retaliation is also prohibited under the Policy. No person covered by the Equal Opportunity Policy shall be subject to an adverse action (employment or educational) because that person, in good faith, reports an incident, complains, provides information or testimony, or otherwise assists in any investigation connected with the Equal Opportunity Policy or with a complaint or investigation/adjudication in an external administrative or judicial forum.

Violations of the Policy may result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, termination of employment (for associates) or dismissal from the College (for students). The complete Equal Opportunity Policy as well as Procedures (for how to make a complaint and the investigation/adjudication/appeal processes) can be found here.

Sex or gender-based harassment is also prohibited by the College and is addressed in the College Title IX (and Non-Title IX) Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and related procedures. For information regarding prohibited conduct under this Policy and how to make a complaint of sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, please see the:

College Title IX (and Non-Title IX) Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy 

College Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Procedures