Rhode Island School of Design does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law in admission to, participation in, or administration of its educational programs and activities; in employment; or in its other programs and activities.

RISD complies with all applicable state and federal statutes, including Title IX of the federal Higher Education Amendment of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex under any education program or activity receiving federal financial aid. Sexual assault and sexual harassment are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Learn more about RISD’s commitment to Title IX.

The following staff members handle inquiries regarding Title IX:

Sydney Lake
Title IX Coordinator
20 Washington Place | room 436
401 427-6919
[email protected]

Elizabeth Rainone
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
Director of Employment and Employee Development
20 Washington Place | room 354
401 454-6427
[email protected]

The following staff members handle inquiries regarding Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

Brittany Goodwin
Director of Disability Services
Carr House | room 207
401 709-8460
[email protected]

Marissa McNally
Senior Benefits Administrator (for employees)
20 Washington Place | room 359
401 454-6428
[email protected]

The following staff members handle other/general inquiries regarding bias/discrimination:

Maggie Balch
Dean of Student Affairs
Carr House | 3rd floor
401 454-6655
[email protected]

Anthony Johnson
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
Carr House | 2nd floor
401 454-6638
[email protected]

Elizabeth Rainone
Director of Employment and Employee Development
20 Washington Place | room 354
401 454-6427
[email protected]

In addition, under applicable federal laws and regulations, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is authorized to investigate complaints regarding discrimination in programs and activities. The address for the regional office is:

Office of Civil Rights
United States Department of Education
33 Arch Street | Suite 900
Boston, MA 02110-1491

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), RISD attempts to make its classes, programs, events and services accessible to everyone. Reasonable accommodations are made for people with disabilities or special needs who request assistance. These accommodations may include relocation of the class, program, event or service, if necessary; duplication in an accessible location; provision of a comparable substitute at a fully accessible institution; and/or interim measures authorized by federal law.

If you need assistance to participate in any class, program, event or service offered at RISD, please contact Director of Disability Support & Academic Support Brittany Goodwin at [email protected] or 401 709-8460.

RISD upholds the federal Equal Employment Opportunity act and employs individuals based on personal capabilities and qualifications without unlawful discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other protected characteristic as established by law.

RISD values cultural, ethnic, intellectual and other diversity among applicants and employees as enriching to the environment on campus. Human Resources works to make employment opportunities widely known and give full consideration to all qualified candidates.

RISD is committed to the following principles and procedures:

• upholding EEO provisions in making employment-related decisions in areas such as recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment
• ensuring that employment policies are administered fairly and lawfully
• ensuring that unlawful harassment is not tolerated

Each year the Department of Public Safety publishes a report on security and fire safety on campus to inform the RISD community about security policies, important safety initiatives and relevant statistics.

Download the current report here.