Grievance Procedures

Grievance Procedure for Review of Allegations of Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment

Introduction

Buffalo State, in its continuing effort to seek equity in education and employment and also comply with Federal and State anti-discrimination legislation, has adopted a complaint procedure for the prompt and equitable investigation and resolution of allegations of unlawful discrimination/harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or marital status.

This procedure may be used by any Buffalo State student or employee. This procedure will not replace employee grievance procedures established through negotiated contracts, academic grievance review committees, student disciplinary grievance boards, and any other procedures defined by contract or local by-laws, including those of outside enforcement agencies, such as the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office for Civil Rights of the Department of Education, and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance of the Department of Labor.

Rather, the complaint procedure for the Review of Allegations of Unlawful Discrimination/Harassment provides a mechanism through which the college may identify and resolve incidents and allegations of unlawful discrimination and harassment. The college recognizes and accepts its responsibility in this regard and believes that the establishment of this internal, non-adversary grievance process will benefit students, faculty, staff, and administration alike, permitting investigation and resolution of problems.

Requirements for Filing

A grievance must be submitted in writing on forms provided by the Equity and Campus Diversity Office and the State University of New York.
An employee or student must file a complaint within 90 calendar days following the alleged discriminatory/harassing act or the date on which the complainant first knew or reasonably should have known of such act if the date is later. Students may file a complaint against the teacher of a course in which the student is enrolled at the time of the discriminating/harassing act, within 90 calendar days following the alleged discriminatory/harassing act or 90 calendar days after a final grade in that course is received, if that date is later.
Grievances must be filed with the Equity and Campus Diversity Office.
Any use of the word "day" or "days" refers to calendar days.