Bentley To Launch Office Of Institutional Equity This Summer

WALTHAM, MA — Bentley University in Waltham will launch a new Office of Institutional Equity in the next few months, with a plan to begin the search for a director in the spring and get the office up and running by summer.

The new office has been established to address discrimination, harassment, and bias in the school community. It will also support existing sexual violence prevention efforts on campus and bring important new resources to our community.

"The administration and I will always support and listen to students who speak up for what they believe is right, said Bentley President Brent Chrite in a letter to the school community. "I raise my voice today in support of the goal on which our students are speaking out: that all of us, as a community, work together to create a culture where sexism, gender-based inequality, discrimination and harassment are simply not tolerated."

"This new office is one of many steps we have taken to address sexual violence, harassment and discrimination on campus, and it’s crucial that we be diligent and consult with stakeholders across campus prior to its launch,” he continued. "We will share search updates with the community as they are available and will continue to keep this important process on track.”

Until the office is up and running, Chrite shared the following list of resources available to the Bentley community:

• Reporting resources for students, faculty or staff.
• 24-hour resources for those who experience sexual assault, relationship violence and/or stalking.

• Monthly trauma-informed disclosures training for employees.
• Bystander training sessions coordinated by the Wellness Office. Staff and faculty can email prevention@bentley.edu to learn more.
• Anonymous reporting through the Bentley EthicsPoint.

"Again, there is no place at Bentley for sexism, gender-based inequality, discrimination and harassment,” said Chrite. "It will take the commitment of each member of our community to create a culture that stands against these intolerable acts. I promise to do my part to support this effort, and I expect every member of this community to join me."