Dear Berklee Community,

Berklee is a diverse community composed of individuals with different life experiences, viewpoints, belief systems, and identities. A welcoming and inclusive culture is essential to maintaining the college’s role as a leader in music education and Berklee highly values the dynamic environment that results when students, faculty, administrators, and staff from diverse backgrounds come together to learn, live, and work. Berklee’s Equity Policy and Process and the Student Code of Community Standards prohibit discrimination and harassment.

Specifically, the Equity Policy and Process prohibits and addresses sexual misconduct, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and discrimination and/or harassment based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, mental illness, military/veteran status, national and ethnic origen, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, or any other characteristic protected by law (collectively referred to as “protected characteristics”), whether that characteristic is actual or perceived.

This prohibition includes all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and relationship violence, which are also prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972:

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

Berklee is committed not only to compliance with this and other federal mandates, but also to promoting a culture that is in line with the values our civil rights laws envision. The Equity Policy and Process was designed to further Berklee’s goal of inclusion, respect, and equality for all community members, and affirms Berklee’s commitment to promote fairness and equity in all aspects of the institution.

It is important that all members of our community know where to turn if they have a concern, need assistance or support, or would like to file a complaint. We hope this information is a helpful compilation that assists students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Berklee community.

Best,

Christopher M. Kandus-Fisher
Vice President of Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion

Kelly Downes
Chief Equity Officer and Title IX Coordinator