Statement of Non-Discrimination
Berkshire Community College is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, maternity leave, military service and national origin in its educational programs or employment pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B and 151C, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Americans with Disabilities Act, and regulations promulgated thereunder, 34 C.F.R. Part 100 (Title VI), Part 106 (Title IX) and Part 104 (Section 504).
All inquiries concerning application of the above should be directed to Deborah Cote, Vice President for Human Resources and Affirmative Action Officer, and Coordinator of Title IX and Section 504, located in the Susan B. Anthony Annex (A-21) at 413-236-1022. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Community Colleges’ Affirmative Action Plan, which is avail- able in the Human Resources Office, contains a full explanation of this specific policy.
Persons with Disabilities
BCC recognizes the multitude of barriers that confront persons with disabilities in access to both employment and education. Consistent with state and federal statutes that affirm and protect the equal opportunity right of persons with disabilities, the College has adopted a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. In all matters of employment, disabled persons will receive full and fair consideration.
The College will take measures to ensure equal opportunity in all areas of employment including recruitment, selection, upgrading, opportunities for training and development, rate of compensation, benefits and all other terms and conditions of employment.
Reasonable accommodations will be afforded to any qualified disabled employee to enable such employee to perform the essential duties of the job. Reasonable accommodations will also be afforded disabled applicants for employment to enable them to adequately pursue a candidacy for any available position. Any reasonable accommodations provided by Berkshire Community College will be provided to the extent that such accommodations do not impose any undue hardship on the College.
Specific efforts will be undertaken by the College to ensure equal opportunity for disabled persons. It is recognized that all facilities at the College may not be available and accessible at a particular time. A copy of the full policy is available in the offices of the Dean for Student Affairs and the Vice President for Human Resources.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that can damage the immune system and destroy the body’s ability to fight off illness. AIDS by itself does not kill but allows other infections that can kill (such as pneumonia, cancer and other illnesses) to invade the body.
Under the Massachusetts Constitution, Article 114, and Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 151B, it is unlawful to discriminate against a person on the basis of his/her handicap. These laws, as well as other state laws, offer various forms of protection to people with AIDS and those perceived to be at risk of having AIDS.
In addition, various federal laws prohibit AIDS-related discrimination. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against people with AIDS or those perceived to be at risk of having AIDS by federal agencies, federal contractors, and sub- contractors, and by institutions receiving federal funds. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 may protect against discriminatory practices associated with AIDS where such practices have disproportionate impact on persons of a particular gender, race or national origin. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with AIDS.
Because there is presently no specified cure for AIDS, the most important goal of this policy is to increase awareness and pro- vide education to prevent further spread of the disease. The most effective means of addressing this issue is to ensure that persons with AIDS are not discriminated against; to educate students and employees about AIDS; and to develop reasonable policies, precautions, and procedures.