Accreditation & Compliance

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design values diversity, equity, and inclusion and affirms its commitment to a college community where all are treated with respect and dignity. PCA&D has an institutional commitment to equal opportunity and is committed to creating and fostering positive educational, working, and living environments where all community members can participate fully and equally and are free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation. Discrimination is antithetical to our core values. Each member of the PCA&D community—including faculty, staff, and students—is responsible to foster a culture of respect and uphold the College’s non-discrimination policy:

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design prohibits discrimination against and harassment on the basis of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, family or marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other protected class in any aspects of its employment process, admissions process, and programs and activities. Pennsylvania College of Art & Design prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Policies & Nondiscrimination Guidelines, City of Lancaster General Legislation Chapter 125/Ord. No. 10-2001, and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Pennsylvania College of Art & Design takes seriously all complaints of discrimination and harassment. Any member of the PCA&D community has the right to raise concerns or make a complaint regarding discrimination and/or harassment without fear of retaliation. The College will take prompt and appropriate steps when it becomes aware that a member of the campus community has been subjected to or affected by discriminatory and/or harassing behavior based on a protected characteristic. The College will review the matter promptly, conduct an investigation if necessary, take appropriate actions to end a hostile environment if one has been created and to stop and prevent the recurrence of discrimination and harassment. Although the actions of and response by the College will vary based on the details of each case, disciplinary action will be taken against individuals who engage in discriminatory or harassing behavior based on all protected classes and characteristics.

PCA&D actively works to address and eliminate harassment, hate, and violence that negatively impact the ability of our community members to learn, work, or create. We will engage in this intentional work together to ensure our community remains an equitable place of learning and creativity. Students, staff, and faculty are asked to come forward and report concerning behaviors (i.e., which relate to discrimination and harassment), so they can be addressed in a timely and thoughtful manner. PCA&D community members may report concerning behaviors to any PCA&D staff or faculty member.