The Complaint Process
Any member of the College community who witnesses or who has been subjected to actions or words constituting harassment is encouraged to report the situation to the Director of Diversity and Inclusion as soon as possible. All complaints will be investigated promptly and in as impartial and confidential manner as possible. All members of the College community are required to cooperate in any investigation of a harassment complaint. A timely resolution of each complaint will be reached and communicated to the parties.
Employees and students are encouraged to notify the alleged harasser that the behavior in question is offensive and unwelcome. However, failure to do so will not preclude filing a complaint. In addition, by utilizing the College’s complaint process, the complainant does not lose the right to file a complaint with any outside enforcement agencies.
The Director of Diversity and Inclusion or designee will investigate all complaints. Every effort will be made to respect the confidentiality of all persons involved, consistent with the officer’s duty to investigate and resolve such complaints under Federal and State regulations. An attempt will be made to resolve the complaint on an informal basis. If the matter cannot be resolved on an informal basis, the complainant will be encouraged to file a formal complaint. A copy of the complaint will be provided to the person against whom the complaint is being made. The Director of Diversity and Inclusion or designee will notify the President of the complaint and conduct a prompt and impartial investigation. The Director of Diversity and Inclusion or designee will endeavor, whenever possible, to report the results of the investigation, including the response of the person against whom the complaint is made, to the President within 45 working days of receipt of the formal complaint. The Director of Diversity and Inclusion will notify the parties of the action to be taken.
Any attempt at retaliation or threat of retaliation against any person exercising the right to make a formal or informal complaint, or to testify or offer evidence connected with a complaint is a violation of this policy.