DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION / TITLE IX
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School fosters an inclusive environment that values the diversity of our school community and respects individual differences. Each individual is embraced, celebrated, and treated equitably. We aim to foster a dialogue conducive to learning, acceptance, and cultural enrichment. GNB Voc-Tech promotes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through discussion, education, and promotion of an environment that encourages scholarship, learning, and respect for diverse backgrounds and viewpoints to prepare students for lives in a multicultural society.
At Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, we are committed to serving students from New Bedford, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven with cutting edge, relevant instruction in both the academic and career and technical areas. The Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech community believes in equal opportunity for all students and is committed to preparing students with real-world skills. The education students receive at GNBVT ensures they are ready to take on college, the workforce or the armed forces.
All are welcome at Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech.
Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance
Title IX Coordinator: Yolanda Dennis
p: Ext. 563
Room: J138
If you’re experiencing harassment or discrimination, it’s important to speak up. You have the right to be treated with respect. Don’t stay silent. Report any incidents by submitting a completed Student Incident Form to Security, Assistant Principals or directly to the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Compliance.
Your voice matters, and together, we can create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Message from the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance & District Title IX Coordinator:
It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as the Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance at GNBVT. Our school is deeply committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive—whether working, studying, or learning. At GNBVT, we strive to prepare our students to become future leaders who will serve the diverse needs of our surrounding communities.
I am dedicated to creating an environment at GNBVT that intentionally celebrates and promotes the diverse strengths of our students, faculty, and staff. Our school has taken proactive and meaningful steps to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to these principles.
Contributing to GNBVT’s ongoing transformation is a privilege I hold with great pride. Effecting meaningful change often requires navigating difficult conversations, but these dialogues open doors to transformative possibilities. Together, by amplifying marginalized voices, fostering resilience, and working collaboratively, we can cultivate a culture rooted in respect, acceptance, and the celebration of diversity.
At GNBVT, we honor and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives of every individual. We are committed to creating brave, safe spaces where all students, faculty, and staff are heard, supported, and valued—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.
In Solidarity,
Yolanda Dennis
Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Compliance & District Title IX Coordinator
Meet Our DEI & Community Specialist
I am delighted to serve as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Specialist at GNBRVTHS. My work is rooted in the school’s mission to provide a safe, supportive environment where every student can achieve academic and technical excellence – regardless of background.
By partnering with students, families, and staff, I aim to cultivate a culture that actively uplifts the diverse voices of our community. Beyond advocacy, I am here to provide tangible support by connecting families with essential resources, including food, housing, clothing, and behavioral health services
GNBRVTHS has a long-standing tradition of excellence. By leaning into our core values of Preparation, Perseverance, and Passion, I look forward to working together to ensure every student has the tools to succeed.
In service,
Maria E. deMelo
Title IX COORDINATOR
The Title IX Coordinator is the responsible district employee who provides leadership and direction in overseeing the prevention, response, and remediation related to sexual harassment. This includes receiving reports and providing supportive measures. Any student or employee who believes they have been discriminated against or harassed should report their concern promptly to the Title IX Coordinator. In the event that the Title IX Coordinator is unavailable, including unavailability due to a conflict of interest, the Superintendent shall designate another appropriately qualified and trained individual to serve as the Title IX Coordinator in that case.
Yolanda Dennis, Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Compliance is designated as the district Title IX Coordinator. Any student and/or employee who believes that they have been discriminated against or harassed, including disparities in athletics, please report promptly and contact Ms. Dennis at Yolanda.dennis@gnbvt.edu or call 508-998-3321 ext. 563. The Title IX office is located in J138, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Title IX Coordinator Certifications:
- K-12 Title IX Coordinator & Administrator One: Foundations, October 2022
- K-12 Title IX Coordinator & Administrator Two, October 2022
- K-12 Civil Rights Investigator One: Foundations, October 2022
- K-12 Civil Rights Investigator Two, October 2022
The District attended the following training to comply with the new regulations and requirements. This list will be expanded based on mandated training and workshops required under Title IX.
- ATIXA Conference, October 2025
- Title VI Compliance Foundations Level One for Educational Settings, October 2025
- Title IX Coordinator Foundations Level Two: Notice, Initial Assessment, and Resolution Process for K-12 Education, October 2025
- Title IX Regulations: Comprehensive Training for Title IX Coordinators, Administrators, and Relevant Personnel, The Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc., October 2025
- Best Practices for K-12 Interviews, October 2025
- Navigating Large Scale Investigations: A Guide to Investigating Patterns of Discrimination and Harassment within Schools, Departments, and Offices on Your Campus, University of Kansas, Office of Civil Rights & Title IX October 2025
- Pregnancy Protections Under Title IX: What Schools Must Do Now, University of Maryland, October 2025
- School Employee Sexual Misconduct: Legal Requirements and Best Practices for Prevention and Response, May 2022, Utica National Insurance Group.
- Title IX, Course Completion, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), July 2022.
- Compliance Training for Title IX Team, Melissa R. Murray, Norris, Murray & Peloquin, LLC, August 2020
- The First Amendment and Title IX: An OCR Short Webinar
- OCR Short Webinar on How to Report Sexual Harassment under Title IX
- Conducting and Adjudicating Title IX Hearings: An OCR Training Webinar
- OCR Webinar on Due Process Protections under the New Title IX Regulations
- OCR Webinar on New Title IX Protections Against Sexual Assault
- OCR Webinar: Title IX Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment
Title IX Additional Resources: