I. Justification and Statement of Policy

Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. Grounded in equal opportunity and nondiscrimination, F&M's robust commitment to creating an inclusive environment is fundamental to the College’s mission of nondiscrimination. Therefore, Franklin & Marshall College prohibits unlawful discrimination or harassment based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class. This prohibition applies in employment practices as well as educational programs. 

II. Scope

This policy applies to all faculty, staff, students, volunteers and contractors.

III. Policy

A. Equal Opportunity - As an Employer

The College's employment practices are in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Equal Pay Act, Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act or any other local, state, or federal law protecting individuals from employment discrimination.

It is the College's fundamental policy to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment practice. This policy extends to recruitment and hiring, working conditions, pay and benefits, professional development opportunities, performance review, promotion, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

Prohibited practices include, but are not limited to:

• • harassment or discrimination on the basis of protected class status;
  • denying employment opportunities to a qualified applicant or employee because of marriage to, or association with, an individual of a particular protected class;
  • using genetic information protected by law pertaining to an applicant or an employee, or a member of the applicant's or employee's family, to make employment decisions.

 B. Equal Opportunity - As an Educational Institution

The College’s educational practices are in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and any other local, state, or federal law ensuring that students are not discriminatorily excluded from participation or denied the benefits of any educational program on the basis of a protected class.  

This commitment applies to, but is not limited to, discrimination or harassment in: 

• • Recruitment and admission;
  • Academic, extracurricular, research, and other education programs;
  • Student life activities;
  • Housing and facilities;
  • Access to course offerings;
  • Counseling; or
  • Financial and employment assistance.

C.  Reporting

Anyone who feels their rights under the law or policies have been violated should file a complaint using the College’s online complaint form as outlined in the College’s nondiscrimination and anti-harassment policies. Complaints may also be made directly to the Employee Engagement Officer & Title IX/ADA Coordinator.

D. Anti-Retaliation Policy

Retaliation against a person who files a complaint alleging a violation of this policy or any other act of discrimination or harassment, opposes a charge, testifies, assists, or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing is strictly prohibited.

IV. Related Documents and Forms

Standards of Conduct Policy
Campus Bias Incident Response 

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Policy Maintained by: Office of General Counsel
Original Effective Date: October 10, 2025 (replacing Equal Employment Opportunity Policy)