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The office reviews reports, discusses support, and explains the policy that applies. The EOP has separate procedures for discrimination complaints and Title IX sexual harassment formal complaints. The summaries below describe the current Plan; the complete Plan and written notices control the steps in a particular case.

Rights throughout the process

  • A fair and impartial process and protection from retaliation.
  • An advisor of your choice, who may be an attorney or, for union employees, a union representative.
  • Notice of allegations and opportunities to provide information and respond as specified by the process.
  • Privacy protected as reasonably possible, with information shared when needed for the process or as required.
  • A determination using the preponderance of evidence standard: whether a violation is more likely than not.
  • A presumption that the respondent is not responsible until a final determination.

Discrimination complaint process

Step Description
Intake and review The Equal Opportunity Officer reviews the concern, considers support, and determines whether it proceeds under the Plan or is screened out* or referred.
Investigation The Parties receive notice, may provide evidence, and may meet with the investigator. If so, Parties have a right to an advisor.
Preliminary findings The Parties receive a preliminary report and have 10 business days to submit optional rebuttal statements. Findings at this stage are not final.
Final report and decision The investigator submits final findings and recommendations to a separate designated decision-maker, who issues the College’s written decision.
Appeal  A party may appeal the decision to the President within 10 business days on the permitted grounds.

*A discrimination screen-out may be appealed to an Impartial Employee within 10 business days. The separate supportive-measure review procedure is described on Support and Confidential Resources.

Title IX sexual harassment formal complaint process

Step Description
Formal complaint filed and jurisdiction review The Title IX Coordinator reviews the signed complaint and the Title IX requirements, provides information to the Complainant, and discusses support.
Investigation and evidence review Parties and advisors have opportunities to inspect and respond to the evidence and investigative report. The Plan provides a 10-business-day response period.
Live hearing A separate decision-maker conducts a hearing. Advisors conduct questioning under the hearing rules and relevance review. 
Written determination The decision-maker issues a written outcome including any sanctions or remedies, and appeal information.
Appeal  Any party may appeal the final determination to the President within 10 business days on the permitted grounds.**

**A party may also appeal a dismissal outcome or specified emergency-removal decision to the President within 10 business days on the permitted grounds.

A Title IX screen-out does not necessarily prevent action under another College policy.