Community Response Team

The Community Response Team ensures incidents of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are investigated and appropriate actions are taken.

Those actions include:

  • Provide guidance on how to respond to incidents of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation
  • Assist with the implementation of the response and monitoring of the situation.
  • Assist with the development of campus/community-wide communications regarding the incident

University definitions of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation

PRP 4789 - Harassment and Discrimination Policy

1) Harassment –Verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of the individual’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and that is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so as to have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational environment, which substantially limits or interferes with an individual’s employment or educational performance or opportunities.

2) Discrimination – Actions, including different treatment of an individual in employment or educational performance or opportunities, based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, that are sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive so as to have the effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive employment or educational environment, which substantially limits or interferes with one’s employment or educational performance or opportunities.

3) Retaliation – Actions taken against the Complainant as a result of filing a harassment or discrimination complaint, or against any participant for their participation in or objection to any matter brought under this policy, is a violation of this policy and the individual will be subject to disciplinary action and University sanctions.

The University is committed to freedom of thought, discourse, and speech and the attainment of the highest quality of educational and academic pursuits. Nothing in this policy is meant to infringe upon the First Amendment or other constitutional rights of any individual.

 

Reporting

1. Complaints against university students

Or file in person at The Dean of Students Office (Student Services Building, Room 150, Phone: 570-389-4734)

2. Complaints against faculty, a non-faculty university employee, A university vice president:

Please contact:

Mr. Albert Jones, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, ajones@bloomu.edu, 570-484-2015 

Or file in person at The Office of Social Equity in Carver Hall

3. Complaints against The president of the university or an individual from the Office for Social Equity*

Ms. Tena Maurer, Associate Vice President for Human Resources, tmaurer@bloomu.edu, 570-389-4590

Or file in person at HR Connect, Arts & Administration Building, Third Floor, Room 320

*As the University President and Interim Director of Social Equity are a part of The Office of the President, Human Resources was designated as the place to file complaints


Process After Report is Filed

Please see: PRP 4789 - Harassment and Discrimination Policy for full details.

Mr. Albert Jones, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer

Ms. Jennifer Umberger, Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Mr. Scott Kane, Dean of Students

Ms. Amy Cunningham, Director of Residence Life

Mr. Leo Sokoloski, Director of Bloomsburg University Police

Ms. Belinda Deleon, Safety Administrator  

Ms. Madelyn Rodriguez, Staff Co-Chair President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director of the Multicultural Center

Mr. Dan Knorr, Director of External & Government Relations

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Resources

All parties have access to a variety of campus, community, state and federal resources. Below is a list of some of those resources. Questions regarding confidentiality and privacy may be directed to the resource.

Campus Resources

LGBTQA Resource Center
(Location: 349 Kehr Union, #140, Phone: 570-389-3933, Hours: M-F 10:00 am to 4:00 pm)

The LGBTQA Resource Center is committed to making Bloomsburg University a safe and welcoming space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, asexual, and allied students. This is done through education, programming, advocacy, and public policy.

LGBTQA Website

The Office of Multicultural Affairs
(Location: Kehr Union Building, #29

Phone: 570-389-4510, Hours: M-F 9:00 am to 5:30 pm)

The Multicultural Center provides programming and educational services that address specific challenges to all students and issues faced by historically underrepresented individuals and groups, including African- American, Asian, Hispanic, Latino, Chicano and indigenous decent, disabled, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender individuals, women and religious groups.

Multicultural Website

The Office of Military and Veteran Resources
(Location: Student Services Center, #204, Phone: 570-389-3856, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)

The Office of Military and Veterans Resources is your one-stop-shop for all things “military” at Bloomsburg University. The office is open to anyone; we typically deal with current and former military members, spouses, or dependents of service members, and anyone who is a military supporter. We have a dedicated lounge space for people to relax in; we have coffee, computers, and good company.

Veterans/Military Website

Cultural Affairs and Support Services
(Phone: 570-389-4091)

Cultural Affairs and Support Services advocates for underrepresented students. It provides support and structure that facilitates student achievement through programming and networking in an effort to increase their academic and social awareness.

President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is appointed by the president and charged with examining diversity, equity and inclusion practices, recommending a vision for diversity, equity and inclusion to the president, recommending high-impact action steps, and assessing the implementation of those action steps.

https://bloomu.edu/diversity-inclusion-commission

Commission for Gender and Sexuality (Formerly known as the LGBTQA Commission)

The Commission for Gender and Sexuality works for social justice for students, faculty, staff and administration who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and our allies (LGBTQA) particularly on issues related to sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression when we educate campus and community, advocate for equality and enhance visibility. The Commission for Gender and
Sexuality continues to support the campus and area communities via advocacy, education, and resources.

LGBTQA Commission

Confidential Resources: Physicians, Consulting Psychiatrists, Licensed Psychologists, Psychological Counselors and Religious/Pastoral Counselors are employees who are not required to report information to the Title IX Coordinator.

Center for Counseling & Human Development – (confidential resource)
(Location: Warren Student Services Center, #240,

Phone: 570-389-4255, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)

This office helps students develop human relations skills and personal growth. Typical counseling concerns may include study skills, depression, relationship issues, stress management, assertiveness and effective communications, racism, sexism, homophobia, human sexuality, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, survivors of rape, incest, and sexual assault, depression, ACOA and family issues, self-esteem. You have the right to a confidential relationship with your counselor. Information you share in counseling will not be revealed outside the center without your written permission.

Catholic Campus Ministry

(Location: Newman House, 353 E. 2nd St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-784-3123)


CCM supports students of all needs, so that everyone can feel welcome as a part of CCM and as a young adult growing in faith.

Protestant Campus Ministry

(Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Corner of Main and Iron Streets, Phone: 570-520-0878)


Protestant Campus Ministry (PCM) is a multi-denominational fellowship staffed by an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Limited Confidential Resources:

Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Physician Assistants, University Sexual Misconduct Advocates and the Coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center are employees who are required to report non-identifying information to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Student Health Center
(Location: Kehr Union Building, #324, Phone: 570-389-4451, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 6:00 pm)


The SHC mission is to provide high quality, basic health care services to Bloomsburg University students. Our strong emphasis on health promotion and preventative health education is designed to ensure our students reach their educational goals. The SHC adheres to the general principles and standards of ethical conduct endorsed by the American College Health Association: to do no harm, provide service in a caring manner, respect autonomy, protect privacy, maintain competence, promote justice and respect diversity. Victims of assaults may seek a variety of services and referrals from the Student Health Center. The Health Center Staff will review a victims’ options and available resources, and may need to refer students to a hospital for more specific services such as a rape kit exam.

Women’s Resource Center Coordinator
(Location: Schuylkill Hall, entrance on right across from Old Science,

Phone: 570-389-5283, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)


The WRC is a safe and inclusive place for all students. The Women’s Resource Center is dedicated to improving the status of women students, faculty, and staff at Bloomsburg University. We do so through the development and implementation of educational programs, community outreach, victim advocacy, and referral services.

Additional Resources: All other resources and employees are required to report identifying information to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure resources and information are provided and to assess campus safety. In all cases the highest privacy will be respected within those professional parameters.

Dean of Students Office
(Location: Kehr Union Building, #101, Phone: 570-389-4734, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)


This office can connect a student with advocacy and support but is primarily responsible for a student related Title IX (sexual misconduct) investigation and judicial process. A sexual misconduct complainant against a student may also be filed with The Office of the Dean of Students. This office has a designated professional who works specifically with sexual misconduct (Title IX) cases, this is the Associate Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students.

Disability Services
(Location: Warren Student Services 043, Phone: 570-389-4491)


While encouraging self-advocacy, this office works in partnership with members of the university community to provide access to individuals with disabilities.

Residence Life Office
(Location: Elwell Hall, Phone: (800) 287-7543, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)


This office serves students both academically and personally. Residence Life Staff are knowledgeable about University and local resources and can help you connect with various agencies and offices, receive medical help, attend meetings as an ally, and be a support person. If you wish to contact a staff person after 4:30pm please use our on-call number (570)336-8550 and speak with our on-call staff member.

Title IX Coordinator
(Location: Elwell Hall, Phone: 570-389-4808, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)


The Title IX Coordinator oversees the University’s response to Title IX reports and complaints, identifies and addresses any systemic problems, and takes any necessary steps to ensure the safety of the Bloomsburg University community. The Title IX Coordinator is advised of all reports and complaints raising Title IX issues. The Title IX Coordinator or designee will evaluate requests for confidentiality in light of the University’s responsibility to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all students. In addition, The Title IX Coordinator will ensure that victims of sexual misconduct are aware of available resources, services, and interim safety measures to assist with the physical and emotional aftermath of the incident, as well as all complaint filing options.

University Police
(Location: Rear of Andruss Library, Phone: 570-389-2211, Hours: 24/7)

The Bloomsburg University Police Department employs commissioned police officers who enforce Pennsylvania Crime and Vehicle Codes and University Policies. Developing a safe and secure environment in an academic institution is the responsibility of the entire community. Within our community, the University Police Department is assigned the responsibility to identify programs, methods, and approaches to assist the institution toward achieving a safe and secure environment.

Financial Aid Office
(Location: Arts & Administration Building, Room 106, Phone: 570-389-4297, Hours: M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm)
http://www.bloomu.edu/aid

Community Government Association - Campus Lawyer
(Location: Kehr Union Building, Room 411)
Availability per schedule posted on their website: bloomu.edu/offices-directory/community-government-association
Student specific resource
Community Resources

Caring Communities
(Location: Bloomsburg, Hazleton, and Wilkes- Barre, Phone: 570-829-2700)

Caring Communities strive to provide a system of comprehensive services to prevent, test, and treat public health disparities while creating educated, stigma-free communities. Caring Communities offer STD clinics, free case management and retention services, PrEP services, and condom distributions.

https://caringpa.org/

Coalition for Social Equity
(Phone: 570-231-4575)

The Coalition for Social Equity works together to promote a community that embraces respect, fairness, and support for the human dignity of all persons. The Coalition for Social Equity works in groups on racial equity, LGBTQ equity, cultural and religious understanding, and youth and family outreach.

Columbia County Victim Witness Program
(Location: 35 West Main Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-389-5658 Fax: 570-389-5682)


The Columbia County Victim Witness Program is a free program dedicated to assisting all Crime Victims with the rights and service to which they are entitled under the Pennsylvania Crime Victims Bill of Rights and the standards set forth by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. If you are a Victim of Crime and in need of assistance, please contact the Victim Witness Coordinator.

Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital
(Location: 549 Fair St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-387-2111, Hours: 24/7)


The hospital employs trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who use a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, often referred to as a Rape Kit, to preserve forensic evidence. Hospital staff may also provide health services such as STD testing, morning after pill, HIV/AIDS testing, etc.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville
(Location:  100 North Academy Ave., Danville PA 17822, Phone 570-271-6211)


The hospital employs trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners who use a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, often referred to as a Rape Kit, to preserve forensic evidence. Hospital staff may also provide health services such as STD testing, morning after pill, HIV/AIDS testing, etc.
 
Planned Parenthood Wilkes Barre Medical Center
(Location: 63 North Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Phone: 570-824-8921)


Planned Parenthood provides services on a walk-in basis, with or without insurance, that include pregnancy testing, the Morning-After Pill, STD testing and treatment, HIV testing, abortion referrals, and general women’s and men’s health care.

The Women's Center, Inc.
(Location:  111 North Market Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone:  570-784-6631, 24 Hour Hotline 800-544-8293 or 570-784-6631)


The philosophy of the Women's Center is that all individuals are equal to one another and have the right to live in a non-violent environment. Services include emergency shelter for battered women and children, individual and group counseling, medical advocacy, support groups, safety planning, advocacy and accompaniment. Emergency services are also available to men. All services are free and confidential. Information shared with an advocate from a Rape Crisis Center, such as The Women's Center, Inc., is confidential.

Town of Bloomsburg Police Department
(Location: 301 East Second St, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-784-4155, Emergency Phone: 911, Hours: 24/7)


The Town of Bloomsburg Police Department’s mission is to protect life and property, to serve the public with integrity and professionalism, and to achieve an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation with all citizens. The Bloomsburg Police are responsible for investigating all sexual assaults that occur off campus and can assist a victim with transportation to a hospital for a forensic examination (rape kit).

Columbia County Public Defender
(Location: 16 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, Phone: 570-416-5792)
http://columbiapa.org/publicdefender/index.php

North Penn Legal Services: Columbia & Montour County Office

(Location:  168 E. Fifth St., Bloomsburg, PA 17815-2206, Phone:  570-784-8760, Toll Free 877-515-7079) 

http://www.northpennlegal.org/

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR)
(Sexual Assault Hotline: 888-772-7227, Hours: 24/7)
The mission of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) is to work to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault. PCAR works at the state and national levels to prevent sexual violence. Incepted in 1975, PCAR continues to use its voice to challenge public attitudes, raise public awareness, and effect critical changes in public policy, protocols, and responses to sexual violence.

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)
(Location:  333 Market St., 8th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210; Phone: (717) 787-4410 (717) 787-7279 TTY users only Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. M-F phrc@pa.gov
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, or PHRC, enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination: the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, which covers discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property, education and public accommodations; and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, which is specific to postsecondary education and secondary vocational and trade schools. In general, PA law prohibits discrimination based on race; color; religious creed; ancestry; age (40 and over); sex; national origin; familial status (only in housing); handicap or disability and the use, handling or training of support or guide animals for disability. Retaliation for filing a complaint, opposing unlawful behavior or assisting investigations is also illegal. PHRC investigates employment discrimination complaints on behalf of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC. These partnerships protect the rights of complainants under both state and federal law.

Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN)
(Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673, Hours: 24/7)
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline in partnership with more than 1,100 local rape crisis centers across the country. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. Services are confidential and note if they are free.

State Employee Assistance Program (for BU employees only)
(SEAP Hotline: 800-692-7459, TTY Hotline 800-824-4306)
The State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) is a free assessment and referral service that is designed to assist commonwealth employees and their family members in resolving a wide variety of personal problems that may lead to deteriorating employee job performance. SEAP offers services related to substance abuse, mental health issues, family issues, financial issues, legal services, and mediation.

Victims Compensation Assistance Program
(Location: PO Box 1167, Harrisburg, PA 17108-1167, Phone: 800-233-2339 or 717-783-5153)
This program covers the cost of the forensic examination if the victim presses charges and cooperates in the criminal prosecution. All of your medical information will remain confidential. Remember, you must request this once you are in the hospital emergency room.

Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC)
(Location: 801 Market Street, Suite 1300, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3127, Phone: For general inquiries or to begin the process of filing a complaint of discrimination, please call 1-800-669-4000. If you have existing business with the Philadelphia District Office or know the name of the person you are trying to reach, please call 1-866-408-8075, Fax: 215-440-2606, TTY: 1-800-669-6820)
The Philadelphia District Office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in hours for filing a charge are Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.


If you live outside Philadelphia and surrounding vicinities (20-25 mile radius) or a disability prevents you from coming in person, please mail your Intake Questionnaire to our office.


The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect against employment discrimination when it involves: Unfair treatment because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information; harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in the workplace, because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information; denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation needed because of religious beliefs or disability; retaliation because of complaints about job discrimination, or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit. If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work, you can file a "Charge of Discrimination." Not all employers are covered by the laws PHRC enforces, and not all employees are protected. This can vary depending on the type of employer, the number of employees it has, and the type of discrimination alleged. Also, there are strict time limits for filing a charge that complainants should be aware of.
 
Office of Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education
(Location: Philadelphia Office, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Suite 515, Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323, Telephone: 215-656-8541, FAX: 215-656-8605; TDD: 800-877-8339, Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov)


OCR enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive Federal funds from the Department of Education. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin, sex, disability, and on the basis of age. These laws extend to all state education agencies, elementary and secondary school systems, colleges and universities, vocational schools, proprietary schools, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, libraries, and museums that receive U.S. Department of Education funds. OCR also has responsibilities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (prohibiting disability discrimination by public entities, whether or not they receive federal financial assistance).

illustration of Carver Hall

Contact Information