Peninsula College recognizes its responsibilities for investigation, resolution, implementation of corrective measures, and monitoring the education environment and workplace to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination.
Discrimination is:
Unfavorable treatment of a person based on that person’s race, creed, color, religion, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, including gender identity, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. This treatment is sufficiently severe or pervasive so as to substantially deny or limit that person’s ability to benefit from or fully participate in educational programs or activities or employment opportunities.
Harassment can take different forms. It is unwelcome and offensive conduct, including verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct. It is directed at a person because of the person’s protected status and is sufficiently serious as to deny or limit the ability of the person to participate in or benefit from employment or educational program. It can also create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for other college community members. The conduct can be carried out by college employees, students, or visitors.
Harassment includes, but is not limited to:
a. Racial epithets, "jokes," offensive or derogatory comments, or other verbal or physical conduct based on an individual's race/color.
b. Ethnic slurs, workplace graffiti, or other offensive conduct directed towards an individual's birthplace, ethnicity, culture, or foreign accent.
c. Verbal or physical abuse, “jokes” or offensive comments based on an individual’s age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
d. Making, posting, e-mailing, or circulating demeaning or offensive pictures, cartoons or other materials in the workplace that relate to race, ethnic origin, gender or one of the other protected categories listed above.
How can I take action?
- Don’t ignore it. Pay attention to cues, comments, instincts, and experiences. Address unwanted contact immediately.
- Say no. Tell the person that the conduct is unwanted. Tell them to stop it.
- Report it and/or tell someone. If you are a student, tell a teacher, a counselor, a college administrator, or the Human Resource Director. If you are an employee, tell your supervisor, a union representative, a college administrator, or the Human Resource Director. They will advise you of the college process.
Which college official is designated to coordinate compliance with federal laws concerning sexual harassment? The Director for Human Resources has oversight of the College’ s compliance with Title IX, the federal regulation that prohibits sexual harassment. The Human Resource Office is in the “C” Building and the Human Resource Director’s phone number is (360) 417-6212.
Where can I get help as a victim?
The Peninsula College C.A.R.E. Team connects students, faculty and staff with resources to help them be successful and safe.
Is someone you know struggling with life, isolating themselves socially, or experiencing a decline in work or academic performance?
Click here to submit a private report to get them connected to the resources they need. The C.A.R.E. Team is here to help.
Contact Email:
PCCares@pencol.edu
Peninsula College Student Services provides professional, confidential, no-cost crisis counseling services to students. To schedule an appointment call 360-417-6340 or stop by Pirate Central in the Student Services Building “D.”
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program provides professional, confidential, and no-cost services to college employees. Their toll-free number is: 1-877-313-4455.
Does the College have an official procedure?
Yes. The College has an official policy and procedure. It is outlined in WAC 132A-350-015 and WAC 132A-350-020. You may also receive a printed copy from the Title IX Coordinator.
Who should report?
Any person who believes that he or she has been the subject of discrimination or sexual harassment may file a complaint. Click here to submit a complaint.
How does the College respond to a complaint?
The College takes any complaint about discrimination or sexual harassment very seriously and will investigate the complaint in a prompt, thorough, and impartial manner. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the discrimination or sexual harassment/violence occurred. The College respects the rights of both the complainant and the person(s) addressed in the complaint.
Depending on the facts of the situation, the College may proceed with actions consistent with its due process procedures, Office of Civil Rights guidance, personnel policies, collective bargaining agreements, and Student Rights and Responsibilities Code. While an investigation is under way and/or as part of its resolution, the College may takes steps to prevent the person(s) addressed in the complaint from contact with the complainant. If the behavior may be criminal, you have the right to file a criminal complaint. This will not delay the College in doing its own work to resolve the complaint promptly and equitably.
What about retaliation?
The College prohibits any form of retaliation against a complainant, a respondent, or a witness. Any allegation of retaliation will result in an immediate investigation and appropriate action to stop the retaliation.
What are some examples of retaliation? Retaliation is any adverse action taken because you complained or a person thinks you complained. For example:
- Lowering your grade
- Poor performance rating
- Changing work duties or assignments
- Exclusion from meetings
- Not being called on in class
- Change of work scheduled
- Being threatened
Do I have avenues off campus to file a complaint?
Yes, you can file discrimination complaints with:
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- U.S. Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education