Persons under 18 (“minors”) may be students or may be engaged in activities sponsored by the University or by third parties utilizing University facilities. Where an employee has reasonable cause to believe that a minor is suffering from abuse, sexual abuse or neglect, including the sexual misconduct prohibited by this Policy, the employee and/or the University may be obligated to comply with the mandatory child abuse reporting requirements established at Massachusetts G.L. c. 119, §§ 51A-E. In such cases, the employee must immediately report the matter to University Police/Public Safety, who, in consultation with other officials, shall contact the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) and/or outside law enforcement. An employee may also directly contact law enforcement or DCF in cases of suspected abuse or neglect.
Massachusetts law also imposes mandatory reporting requirements for certain occupations where abuse or neglect of individuals with disabilities or who are over age 60 is suspected. For more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or University Police/Public Safety.