2.2.14 Definition of Unlawful Harassment

The college is committed to providing a safe working and learning environment for all members of the college community. To that end, the unlawful harassment of employees, students and/or third parties working at or visiting the college is expressly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Unlawful harassment consists of unwelcome conduct, whether verbal, written, physical or graphic, that i     s based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, gender identity or expression, veteran status, union membership or any classification protected by state or federal law, and which:      

1.  is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects an individual's ability to perform job functions or creates an intimidating, threatening or hostile working or learning environment;

2.  has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance; or

3.  otherwise adversely affects an individual's employment or education opportunities

Sexual Harrassment

The college has a strict policy prohibiting all forms of sexual harassment at the work place. This policy applies to all employees, supervisors, students, vendors and non-employees who have contact with our employees and students. Sexual harassment includes, but Is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests to an employee for sexual favors, and other visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual or offensive nature when either:

• Submission to such conduct is made an explicit or implicit term or condition of employment, continued employment, or advancement;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting the individual; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

Reporting a Complaint

Any and all complaints of unlawful harassment shall be immediately reported to the immediate supervisor and/or department leader, or to the Human Resources department without fear of retaliation. Prompt reporting of unlawful harassment complaints is important to ensure a timely investigation. Complaints may also be submitted to the college’s title IX or through any of the other reporting mechanisms described in Board Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreements. An employee reporting a complaint can bypass anyone who is involved in the unlawful harassment actions when reporting it. All complaints and related information will be thoroughly investigated and kept confidential to the fullest extent possible in order to conduct a thorough investigation. The results of the investigation will be reported to the person(s) making the complaint(s).

Investigation and Consequences

All complaints and related information will be thoroughly investigated. Any form of unlawful harassment against our employees or students by any individual, including supervisors, other employees, other students, outside personnel or vendors, will not be tolerated. If it is determined that a college employee has engaged in unlawful harassment, they shall be subject to immediate discipline, up to and including termination.