Equity and Title IX

Mission Statement

Montclair State University is committed to providing a working and learning environment that is free of discrimination, harassment or bullying, and is inclusive and welcoming to persons from all racial, ethnic, social and cultural backgrounds.  The University community is enriched both educationally and socially by the diversity of its employee and student population, and this diversity enhances our image and success as we continue to grow in stature as an institution of higher education.  Members of the University community bring with them a diversity of thought and experiences and, consequently, it is important that we treat each other with dignity, acceptance and mutual respect. Behavior that violates the civil and statutory rights of any individual or group, or interferes with any individual or group’s ability to benefit from, or contribute to, the employment, educational, and/or cultural opportunities and offerings provided by the University, constitutes a violation of University policy and will not be tolerated.

The University abides by all federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination in employment, education and contracting services; adheres to equal opportunity and affirmative action executive orders and regulations; and seeks to recruit and retain an employee and student population of high quality that is reflective of our diverse society.

As a University community, we are all responsible for creating and fostering an environment that is civil and respectful and for personally exemplifying the principles embodied in this statement in our daily interactions.

We Can Help With

• Equal Employment Opportunity (workplace)
• Equal Educational Opportunity (learning environment)
• Search Committee Training
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Gender Equity and Title IX
• NJ State Policy, Title VII, and Title IX Sexual Harassment Policies
• Prevention and Education on State, Federal, and University Policies
• New Jersey Safe School Verifications

Employment

Montclair State is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex/gender (including pregnancy), age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, civil union status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership status, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information, physical, mental or intellectual disabilities (not related to or interfering with job performance), liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States or any other non job-related criteria.  Equal employment opportunity includes, but is not limited to, recruitment, hiring, retention, tenure, promotion, transfer, compensation, fringe benefits and other terms and conditions of employment in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations.

The University is also committed to employment efforts to correct the underrepresentation of protected classes should it occur, and periodic assessments will be performed to determine the University’s success in these efforts.

Students

The University is committed to the principle of providing equal educational and enrollment opportunities to a diverse student population without regard to race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. Furthermore, the University is committed to providing equal access to education programs and activities (including, but not limited to, admissions, residence life, financial aid, athletics, course offerings, scholarships, student employment and social/recreational programs) without regard to race, creed, color, sex/gender, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, civil union status, physical, mental or intellectual disabilities (not related to or interfering with academic or other related performance areas), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information or any other non academic-related criteria.

Under the provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (as amended), the University has designated Paul Apicella as its Title IX Coordinator. Yolanda Alvarez, Associate Dean of Students, serves as the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Mr. Apicella is responsible for addressing gender-based misconduct (including sexual harassment and sexual assault) complaints filed against university employees or third-party vendors. Ms. Alvarez is responsible for addressing gender-based misconduct complaints filed against students. Mr. Apicella’s office is located within the Office of University Counsel in College Hall, and his telephone number is 973-655-2041. Ms. Alvarez’s office is located in the Student Center, Room 400, and her telephone number is 973-655-7543.

You may access more information regarding the processes by which to file internal complaints involving gender-based conduct at Gender Based Conduct Policy & Procedures.

On-Line Training Programs

Gender-Based Conduct Prevention and Education

Montclair State University and all colleges and universities are required to educate students, faculty and staff on the prevention of sexual assault, including rape, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Montclair State has contracted with Vector Solutions to provide an on-line interactive training program to students, faculty and staff. Employees and students will receive separate training modules directly from Vector Solutions.

All new employees are required to complete the online course within 30 days of receipt of the training module. All employees are required to complete annual refresher on-line training.

Employees will receive an email from Vector Solutions with a link to the on-line course within the first two weeks of hire. If you do not receive a link, please email eeo-aacompliance@montclair.edu.

New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace

Montclair State University is required to abide by the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace.  The State Policy can be accessed at the following site: State Policy.  Procedures for filing internal complaints alleging discrimination in the workplace can be accessed through the University’s website at Discrimination Complaint Procedures for Employees and Applicants for Employment.

Each employee is required to acknowledge receipt of the State Policy and Procedures either through an electronic confirmation or by printing and signing the attached Acknowledgement of Receipt form and forwarding it to Sarah Gaddis, HR Assistant, at Overlook Office 150 Clove Road, Little Falls, NJ 07424. The acknowledgment form will be placed on file in Human Resources. Customized presentations/workshops on the State Policy can be arranged by contacting Mr. Apicella’s office.

If you have any questions regarding the University Statement on Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, the on-line training, or the State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace, please contact: