Sexual Harassment
Students are asked to complete the course “Preventing Sexual Harassment” which is internet-based and can be accessed through the Temple College web page at www.templejc.edu/shtraining. The student must click on the hyperlink HR and proceed to Preventing Sexual Harassment, Student Section. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and a certificate can be printed upon completion and passing of the course.
It is the policy of the College that sexual harassment of students or employees at the College is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, and other verbal, physical, or suggestive conduct of a sexual nature when:
- Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of an individual’s employment, position advancement, or academic advancement/achievement; or
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individual; or
- Such conduct has the effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning employment or educational environment
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
- Suggestive or obscene letters, notes, invitations;
- Sexually demeaning comments, epithets, slurs or jokes;
- Impeding or blocking movements in a sexually suggestive manner; and/or
- Threats or insinuations of seeking sexual favors where if the favor is not granted, the person making the threat seeks reprisals by withholding support for promotions or conducts poor performance reviews.
Reporting of Sexual Harassment
Any student who feels he/she is a victim of sexual harassment by any instructor, administrator, supervisor, other employee, student, or any other person in connection with activities at the College should initiate the complaint by bringing the matter to the immediate attention of the appropriate department chair. The complaint can be done verbally (informal) or written (formal). The department chair, in turn must immediately report the complaint to the Vice President, Educational Services. If the student is uncomfortable, for any reason, in bringing such matter to the attention of the department chair or if the student is unsure as to where the complaint is to be initiated, the student should immediately report the incident to the Vice President, Educational Services. If no other person is available or deemed suitable by the student for receiving the complaint, the student may submit a complaint in writing to the President of the College. However, no student alleging such harassment must present the matter to the person who is the subject of the complaint. The Vice President, Educational Services will begin an investigation after receipt of the student’s complaint. All reasonable action will be taken to assure the complainant and those testifying on behalf of the complainant will not suffer any form of retaliation as a result of their activities.
Sanctions
A student having been found to have engaged in and charged with sexual harassment against an employee of the College or another student is subject to the following sanctions:
- Reprimand - This may take the form of a written and/or oral admonition from the Vice President, Educational Services.
- Disciplinary probation - This indicates that further violations may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation may be imposed for any length of time up to one calendar year. The student shall be automatically removed from probation when the imposed period expires.
- Suspension from the College - Suspension from the College prohibits, during the period of suspension, the student on whom it is imposed from being enrolled in or from registering for any credit or noncredit scholastic work at or through the College. Additionally, it prohibits the student from entering the College campus except in response to an official summons.
- Not Eligible for Re-Admission - This penalty is equal to suspension or, in some cases, expulsion. This penalty may apply to persons not registered in the College at the time the penalty is imposed.
- Expulsion from the College - Expulsion is permanent severance from the College.
False Report of Sexual Harassment
Any student who intentionally or maliciously files a false report of sexual harassment against another student or college employee is subject to
- Reprimand - This may take the form of a written and/or oral admonition from the VPES.
- Disciplinary probation - This indicates that further violations may result suspension. Disciplinary probation may be imposed for any length of time up to one calendar year. The student shall be automatically removed from probation when the imposed period expires.
- Suspension from the College - Suspension from the College prohibits, during the period of suspension, the student on whom it is imposed from being enrolled in or from registering for any credit or non-credit scholastic work at or through the College. Additionally, it prohibits the student from entering the College campus except in response to an official summons.
- Not Eligible for Re-Admission - This penalty is equal to suspension, or in some cases expulsion. This penalty may apply to persons not registered in the College at the time the penalty is imposed.
- Expulsion from the College - Expulsion is permanent severance from the College.
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