Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination against students or employees based on sex in educational programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. The regulations prohibit discrimination, exclusion, denial, limitation, or separation based on gender.
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Examples of programs and activities that are subject to Title IX protection include athletics, recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Under Title IX, sex discrimination also includes sexual harassment, violence, and assault.
Tri-County Community College (“College”) strives to make its campus and centers safe and welcoming learning environments. Pursuant to the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Campus SaVE Act and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, the College hereby adopts these procedures when investigating, disciplining and educating the College community about sexual harassment and sexual-based violence.
Also, pursuant to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations, the College prohibits discrimination in its services and programs based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, gender identity, sex, age, disability, genetic information and veteran status.
An individual who has questions or concerns regarding possible discrimination based on sex should contact TCCC’s Title IX Coordinator or U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. TCCC’s Acting Title IX Coordinator is Julia Hall, whose office is in the Harper Building, Administrative Wing. This office can be contacted by phone at (828) 835-4299 or by email at jhall@tricountycc.edu.
Sexual Misconduct
All members of the College community are expected to engage in conduct that contributes to the culture of integrity and honor upon which Tri-County Community College is grounded. Acts of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating, violence, domestic violence and stalking, jeopardize the health and welfare of our campus community and the larger community as a whole.
The College has established procedures for preventing and investigating allegations of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking that are compliant with Title IX federal regulations.
Reporting
Reports regarding an alleged violation of Title IX including those taking place off campus, such as sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking; sexual misconduct incidents involving minors, guests and third party users; and any allegation of inequity in educational programs and activities should be reported to any College responsible employee and communicated to the Title IX Coordinator.
Campus Security Reporting
Tri-County Community College is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all members of the College’s community and visitors. The College shall comply with the Crime Awareness and Security Act of 1990, as amended by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
Process
The Title IX Coordinator ensures that the report is addressed through the identified resolution procedures and policies, and that the incident is resolved in a timely, fair, and impartial manner. Reports are examined based on the policies and procedures of the College where compliance with Title IX is of the utmost importance.
Education
Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination (SaVE) Act require colleges to provide sexual harassment, sexual violence and sexual discrimination prevention education for students and employees annually.
Tri-County Community College adopted a policy that states:
All new students and all employees shall be required to participate in a primary prevention and awareness program that promotes awareness of discrimination, harassment and sexual-based violence. This program will be held annually at the beginning of each fall semester.
