Responsible Employee Policy
Who is a responsible employee?
All Berklee employees are responsible employees, except for Berklee's survivor advocate and Counseling Services professional counselors acting in their professional capacity.
What are my obligations?
If you observe or learn about any violation or possible violation of the equity or Title IX policies (including discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct), you must report it to Berklee’s chief equity officer:
Tracy Kennedy, Interim Title IX Coordinator and Chief Equity Officerequity@berklee.edu
617-747-3156
Why must I report?
Reporting ensures that the affected individual receives timely information about their rights and how to access support following an incident. In addition, reporting is required under Berklee policy and Title IX.
How do I report an incident as a responsible employee?
Contact Tracy Kennedy, interim Title IX coordinator and chief equity officer, by calling 617-747-3156 or emailing equity@berklee.edu.
What happens when I make the report?
The chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator or their deputy will reach out to the affected person to let them know about their rights and options for support and resolution. The affected individual can choose whether to respond, meet with the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator or deputy, or decline to do so.
How do I explain my reporting obligations to someone?
Tell the individual that you are required to share certain information with Berklee, and explain the information you will be required to share, with whom, and why.
For example, you may say something like, “As part of my position at Berklee, I am required to report situations of discrimination or harassment, including sexual assault. I will not be able to keep what you tell me confidential. The information you provide will be shared with the Title IX coordinator, and a member of the equity and Title IX team will reach out to you about your options for support and formal reporting. You can choose whether to talk with the staff member, and I will not share anything you tell me beyond those who need to know.”
What kind of incidents must I report?
Discrimination or harassment based on any protected status, sexual and interpersonal violence, and stalking must be reported. You must report all incidents regardless of where they take place (either on and off campus).
What kind of training is available and/or required?
Responsible employees will be offered training at least yearly, and training can be requested at any time by contacting Tracy Kennedy, interim chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, at 617-747-3156 or equity@berklee.edu.
What can I do for someone who discloses an incident to me?
Listen without judgment, share information about resources on campus and in the community, and inform the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator so supportive measures may be taken. Inform the reporting party that confidential resources on campus are the survivor advocate in Health and Wellness (for students), licensed counselors in the Office of Counseling Services (for students) or the Employee Assistance Program (for employees).
- The reporting party may contact local law enforcement directly to make a report if they wish (Berklee will assist if requested to do so).
- The reporting party may contact Public Safety directly to make a report if they wish (the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator, or that person’s designee, will assist if requested to do so).
- The reporting party may contact Berklee’s chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator to discuss reporting and support options.
What happens if I do not report allegations of sexual misconduct that I receive, as a responsible employee, to the chief equity officer/Title IX coordinator?
The United States Department of Education is charged with enforcing Title IX and may level civil penalties against Berklee. In addition, you may face disciplinary action by Berklee.