Policy on Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Bias

Pratt Munson College of Art and Design is dedicated to providing equal access to all its programs and activities. Diversity, inclusion, and an environment free from discrimination and bias are central to our mission.

The College admits students and provides services without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

We are committed to preventing conscious or unconscious bias against any community members. Behavior or expression that targets individuals or groups based on these protected characteristics is not tolerated.

Examples of prohibited bias conduct include:

  • Using offensive terms.
  • Mocking or imitating someone’s disability, cultural attire, or traditions.
  • Jokes or comments based on stereotypes about race, culture, or ethnicity.
  • Using racial or ethnic slurs.
  • Posting biased or harmful comments about someone’s identity on social media.

Retaliation against individuals who report or oppose discrimination or bias, or who participate in a related investigation, is also prohibited.

Definitions of Prohibited Conduct

  • Discrimination is treating someone less favorably because of their protected characteristics, such as race, religion, sex, or disability.
  • Harassment is unwelcome behavior based on a protected characteristic that disrupts someone’s academic or work environment by creating an intimidating, hostile, or abusive atmosphere.
  • Bias incidents are offensive acts that may not violate specific laws or policies but go against Pratt Munson’s values of respect and inclusivity. If a bias-related incident falls under another policy [e.g., Sex Discrimination, Sex-Based Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy (Title IX)], it will be handled through those processes, with bias considered an aggravating factor.

Complaint Procedures

Pratt Munson is committed to addressing complaints of discrimination, bias, or retaliation promptly, fairly, and consistently. The Student Life Director is available to handle these complaints, and we have established procedures to guide the complaint and investigation process.