534.0

Prohibition of Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Other Forms of Harassment

All forms of discrimination and harassment degrade the quality of work and diminish the academic mission and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment, because of its nature, has received special attention within Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Further, because of the unique relationship between student and faculty member or supervisor and subordinate, and the inequities in power, sexual harassment is especially troublesome in the academic environment. Sexual harassment not only violates the law and College policy, but also can damage personal and professional relationships, cause career or economic disadvantage, and expose the College to legal liabilities and other financial consequences.

Sexual and other forms of harassment can be prevented through instilling knowledge and awareness. This policy is intended to increase awareness and provide practical information regarding sexual harassment by making available information, resources, and the availability of guidance on the subject.

Even consensual sexual or romantic relationships may be perceived as or become occasions of sexual harassment. For more information, individuals should refer to Policy 434.1/534.1, Romantic or Sexual Relationships.

Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other unwelcome written, verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• submission to such conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education, employment, or participation in College activity;
  
• submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for decisions affecting that individual’s academic standing, employment status or participation in a College program or activity;
  
• such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic or work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for that individual’s employment, education, or participation in a College program or activity. (This third situation is commonly known as hostile environment sexual harassment.)

Any student who believes that he or she has been the subject of sexual or other harassment should report the alleged act immediately to the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, 636-922-8356, Room SSB 2110 or as an alternative, the Director of Student Development, 636-922-8238, Room ADM 1204. The College will respond in a prompt and equitable manner to allegations of harassment and will respond appropriately to those who violate this policy, up to and including termination of employment or dismissal from the College, as applicable.

The method for reporting harassment is also outlined in the St. Charles Community College Reporting Discrimination and Harassment (Complaint Procedure). A copy of that document may be obtained from the following locations:

Information Desk, Administration Building
Office of Human Resources
Office of Academic and Student Affairs
Office of Administrative Services
Department of Marketing and Communications