Sexual Harassment

It is the policy of the college to provide a work and study environment free from sexual harassment. The campus community should be aware that the college will not tolerate any conduct that constitutes sexual harassment and will take measures to ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations. Formal complaints may be led with the district, using the district unlawful discrimination form.

Sexual harassment refers to sexually oriented verbal or nonverbal behavior that is not welcome, personally offensive, debilitates morale, and interferes with the behavioral effectiveness of members of the campus community. Sexual harassment is discriminatory and unlawful.

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual, (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s academic or professional performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment, educational, or living environment.

Accountability for compliance with this policy rests with all members of the campus community. The president’s designee shall take appropriate steps to disseminate this policy, and the campus community shall be regularly informed of the policy.

Any member of the campus community who believes he or she has been sexually harassed should promptly report the facts of the incident or incidents and the name or names of the individual or individuals involved to the president’s designee. All such claims will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken. Please note that sexual harassment is a violation of the law; should an individual choose to proceed through the district, substantiated complaints may result in disciplinary action.

References/authority: Title VII, Section 703; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Procedures for complaints may be obtained from the office of the vice president of student services or from the SRC Student Services Office.