Title IX – Sex Discrimination, Harassment & Assault

MWCC is committed to fostering a community that promotes prompt reporting of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking in any form and the timely and fair resolution of complaints.

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What Is Title IX?

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 provides:

  • No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
  • Sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX.

Why Is It So Important To Report To The Title IX Coordinator?

The College has a duty to promptly respond to all complaints of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct; whether on or off campus incidents.  The purpose is to prevent sex discrimination on campus, promptly address reported incidents, limit the effects of harassment on the educational environment, and prevent its recurrence.

How To Report:

Faculty, staff and student employees who receive complaints of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct are obligated to report complaints to the Title IX Coordinator and/or their supervisor or department head.

Reporting Options – Campus Resources:

MWCC Campus Police
Gardner Campus
978-630-9150
24 hours – 7 days a week

Title IX Coordinator:
Peter Sennett, Title IX Coordinator
978-630-9160
Arthur F. Haley Academic Center
First Floor, H102A

In the absence of the Title IX Coordinator, complaints can be directed to:

Jason Zelesky
978-630-9139
Arthur F. Haley Academic Center
First Floor, Room H128B

Confidential Resources:

MWCC Mental Health Counselor
Leeanne Hadsel, M.Ed., CAGS
Arthur F. Haley Academic Center; Gardner Campus
First Floor, Room H113  lhadsel@mwcc.mass.edu  978-630-9292

What is a Responsible Employee?

Allegations involving Title IX offenses, including sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, domestic and dating violence, shall be reported by all “Responsible Employees” to the Title IX coordinator or official designee as soon as the employee becomes aware of it. A Responsible Employee includes any College employee: who has the authority to take action to redress Title IX offenses; who has been given the duty of reporting Title IX offenses to the Title IX Coordinator or other appropriate school designee; or whom a student could reasonably believe has this authority or duty. Responsible Employees shall include, but are not be limited to, College trustees, administrators, department chairs, program coordinators, campus police, club/activity advisors, coaches, managers or supervisors. Responsible parties are trained using the Title IX Coordinator an Investigator Training Class

Domestic/Dating Violence & Sexual Assault Resources
Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

It’s On Us

  • To recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault
  • To identify situations in which sexual assault may occur
  • To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given
  • To create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported