Discrimination, Harassment, Misconduct or Violence Based on Gender and Title IX Rights
San Mateo County Community College District strives to create and maintain a community
where all individuals who participate in District programs and activities can work
and learn together in an atmosphere free from sex discrimination and sexual harassment.
This webpage is the District's resource for gender or sex-based discrimination and
sexual misconduct awareness and reporting for students, employees, and visitors. Here,
you will find the information and tools to keep your learning and work environment
safe and enjoyable. We are committed to ensuring a safe setting for our community.
Gender and sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct are serious offenses that violate fundamental rights and personal dignity. We offer numerous support and reporting options for victims of gender or sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. Even if you are not a victim, you can help by reporting such incidents.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination (sexual violence and gender-based harassment) in education programs and activities that receive federal funds.
Title IX and Board Policies 2.19 (Nondiscrimination) and 2.25 (Prohibition of Harassment) apply to allegations of sexual harassment that create a discriminatory and/or hostile environment that significantly affects a person's access to education, District benefits, and/or District activities.
Under Title IX, the allegations must be/have occurred on District property or through District-sponsored programs, including locations, events, or circumstances over which the District exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the sexual misconduct occurred.
Non-Title IX, Sexual Misconduct
The District's Nondiscrimination and Prohibition of Harassment policies and procedures may apply to allegations of sexual misconduct that create a discriminatory or hostile environment that significantly affects a person's access to education, District benefits, and/or District activities that occur outside the scope of Title IX jurisdiction. It applies to face-to-face encounters, social media, and other forms of electronic and non-electronic communication.
Title IX Administrators will assist Complainants in understanding if their complaint falls under Title IX or other District policies.
Resources at a Glance
- How to file a report
- How to connect with confidential and non-confidential resources and support if you have experienced sexual misconduct
- How to help someone who has experienced or is experiencing sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment
- Common Myths and Facts About Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Violence
Reporting Options
The District and College Title IX Coordinators are administrators with delegated authority from the Chancellor to receive and coordinate responses to gender or sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct reports.
The District’s primary concern is your safety and the safety of our campus community. If you have been affected by or witnessed sexual misconduct, you should not be discouraged from reporting the incident because you are concerned that you might be subject to disciplinary action for related student conduct violations for drug or alcohol use. Unless the violation is extreme, the District will not discipline you.
About Confidentiality
Information regarding a report submitted to a Title IX Officer shall only be shared
with other District employees and law enforcement exclusively on a "need to know"
basis. District employees shall endeavor to honor any Complainant's request for confidentiality;
however, the District shall also weigh requests for confidentiality against its duty
to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for all campus community members.
Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
