A. Purpose of this Policy
Munson (formerly known as Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute) and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design (the “College”), collectively referred to herein as the “Institute,” is committed to creating and promoting a safe learning and working environment free from all forms of sex discrimination. The Institute has adopted this Policy to ensure that all students, faculty, staff, and guests may work, study, and enjoy the campus community without being subjected to sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual assault, or any other form of sexual misconduct.
The Institute’s primary concern relates to the health, safety, and well-being of all members of its community. In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the “Clery Act”), as amended by the Violence Against Women Act/Campus Sexual Violence Act, Article 129-B of the New York State Education Law (“Enough is Enough”) and other applicable federal and state laws, the Institute is committed to maintaining a community free from all forms of sex discrimination, sex-based harassment and sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Persons found in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment of employees and suspension or expulsion of students.
This Policy, which is effective Aug. 1, 2024, is intended to (i) set forth the available resources and reporting options for victims of sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sex-based violence, (ii) define prohibited conduct, (iii) describe the procedures that will be used to respond to complaints of prohibited conduct, including the investigation, hearing and sanctions process. The Policy is designed to consider the rights of the complainant, the rights of the respondent, the safety of the community, all applicable laws and College policies; and to conduct a timely, fair, impartial, and equitable investigation and adjudication process with thoroughness and respect for all involved parties.
B. Nondiscrimination Policy and Notice
Munson and Pratt Munson College of Art and Design do not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment.
Questions regarding Title IX and the Campus SaVE Act may be referred to Munson’s Title IX Coordinator. Munson’s designated Title IX Coordinator is:
Eva Gibbons
Director of Human Resources
310 Genesee St.
Utica, N.Y. 13502
315-797-0000 ext. 2116
egibbons@munson.art
C. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §1681, et seq., a federal law, prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities:
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.
Any recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to create an environment free from sex-based discrimination and harassment for all community members. As such, sex-based harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking, all of which are forms of sex discrimination, are prohibited under Title IX and this Policy. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sex stereotypes, gender identity, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or related conditions.
Under Title IX, the Institute is prohibited from separating or treating any person differently based on sex in a manner that subjects that person to more than de minimis harm, except in the limited circumstances where Title IX regulations allow otherwise, such as in the context of sex-separate living facilities and sex-separate athletic teams. Policies and practices that prevent a student from participating in an institution’s education program or activity consistent with their gender identity impose more than de minimis harm on that student on the basis of sex, and therefore generally violate Title IX’s nondiscrimination mandate.
The Institute has obligations under Title IX to provide certain supports and modifications to applicants, students, and employees experiencing pregnancy or related conditions in order to ensure their equal access to its programs or activities. For example, the College must treat pregnancy or related conditions in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary medical conditions and must allow voluntary leaves of absence. Students, employees, or applicants should contact the Title IX Coordinator for more information about resources, supports, or accommodations relating to pregnancy or related conditions. Employees or employment applicants may also contact Human Resources for more information because additional workplace laws and policies apply.
