Legal Compliance

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OFFICE OF ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Director, LaDonna Bridges

LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Massachusetts Constitution Article 114 prohibit discrimination against and protect the civil rights of persons with disabilities.  Colleges may not deny access to programs and activities on the basis of disability or perceived disability for students who are otherwise qualified for post-secondary education.

To qualify as a person with a disability under Section 504, the ADA, and Massachusetts Constitution Article 114, an individual must:  have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; have a record of such an impairment; or be regarded as having such an impairment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Created on the basis of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

"No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States ... shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance."

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.  As an extension of Section 504, the premise of the ADA is to guarantee civil rights for all persons with disabilities.  The ADA provides equal opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities in education, employment, public accommodations, public transportation, and state and local government services.

Massachusetts Constitution Article 114

The Massachusetts Constitutional Amendment, known as Article 114, was adopted in 1980 and mirrors Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

"No otherwise qualified handicapped individual shall, solely by reason of his handicap, be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in the Commonwealth."

Article 114 is not limited to programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.  In 1990, the Massachusetts Equal Rights Act was passed, providing an additional law under which Amendment 114 can be enforced.

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For further information, please contact Ms. LaDonna Bridges at 508-626-4906 or lbridges@frc.mass.edu

Faculty Rights & Responsibility

Faculty Guidelines

Confidentiality Statement

Syllabus Statements

Teaching Resources

Last Updated: 08/16/2007
Web manager:  Kathleen Bohner, Center for Academic Support and Advising, Phone: 508-626-4509/ Fax: 508-626-4913