Rights & Responsibilities

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

In addition to Title IX, State Center Community College District’s Student Code of Conduct along with its Nondiscrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy prohibit sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence of any kind. Retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint, who participates in any complaint-related process, or is perceived to have participated in any complaint related process, is not tolerated.

THE PROCESS

State Center Community College District has equitable procedures in place to promptly, thoroughly and fairly address concerns and complaints of harassment or discrimination, while being mindful of the rights of all parties. Both parties have an opportunity to meet (separately) with the Title IX Investigator to present their perspectives, provide witnesses or other information, to bring a representative to their meetings, to ask questions, and to seek clarification.

After a review of the information and facts of the complaint, the Title IX investigator will submit an investigation report with findings to college administration who will decide whether it is more likely than not that a violation of code or policy took place, and if appropriate, will issue sanctions. All parties will receive options for appeal.

Interim actions may be taken before any decisions on the alleged conduct are made. These are short-term, remedial measures to ensure the safety of all individuals involved and the fairness of the complaint process. These can include, but are not limited to no-contact orders, changes to on-campus housing, changes to class schedules or class activity, and suspension.

THE COLLEGE'S RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Respond promptly and effectively.
    If our college knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment or sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, the school must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. Even if you or your parent (in the case of a minor student) does not want to file a complaint or does not request that the college take any action on the student’s behalf, if your college knows or reasonably should know about possible sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must promptly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual harassment or sexual violence does not relieve the school of its duty under Title IX to resolve complaints promptly and equitably.
  2. Have and distribute a policy against Sex Discrimination.
  3. Have a Title IX Coordinator.
    The coordinator’s responsibilities include overseeing all complaints of sex discrimination and identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise during the review of such complaints.

YOUR RIGHTS

  • The college/district must conduct an adequate, reliable, and impartial investigation.
  • You have the right not to report to law enforcement.
  • You have the right to present witnesses and evidence.
  • You have the right to have a representative with you during any meetings.
  • The college/district must resolve the complaint based on a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard (what they think is more likely than not to have happened) or a clear and convincing evidence standard.
  • You have the right to be notified in writing of the general outcome of the complaint, any appeal rights, and any sanctions that directly relate to you.
  • You have the right to have any proceedings documented, which may include written findings of fact, transcripts, or audio recordings.
  • You have the right not to “work it out” with the alleged perpetrator in mediation.
  • The college/district must provide remedies as necessary.