Sexual Harassment and Title IX
Put a stop to sexual harassment. You are protected through Title IX.
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. _ 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds. Title IX is most commonly associated with gender discrimination in sports and is credited with advancing participation of women in athletics. However, the scope of Title IX is much broader. It prohibits gender-based discrimination in all college programs and activities.
Title IX protection from discrimination extends to faculty, staff and students and includes such things as: sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, gender-identity and pregnancy. It also prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes or participates in a complaint.
How does TCC define sexual harassment?
Tacoma Community College defines sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature which offends the student, causes discomfort or humiliation, or interferes with school performance; or in the case of employees, is made a condition of employment, is used as a basis for employment decisions or interferes with an individual's work or creates a hostile or offensive work environment.The TCC Sexual Harassment Policies are designed to protect students, faculty and staff. Please contact the on-campus resources for complete policy information.
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual attention such as:
- Subtle pressure for sexual activity
- Sexually suggestive gestures, notes, teasing, jokes
- Deliberate and unwelcome touching, pinching, patting
- Attempts to kiss or fondle
- Pressure for dates, pressure for sex
- Inappropriate and/or offensive personal remarks of a sexual nature
- Sexually demeaning comments, sexual graffiti, or offensive illustrations
- Requests for sexual favors in exchange for grades, salary increases or promotions
- Embarrassing and sexually suggestive favoritism shown by an instructor toward a student(s)
- Disparaging remarks about one's gender
Tacoma Community College On-Campus Resources
If you would like to talk with someone about sexual and physical violence, please contact TCC's Title IX Coordinator:
Executive Director, Human Resources
EEO Officer and Title IX Coordinator
Location: Building 14
253.566.5055
Executive Director for Student Advocacy and Cultural Support
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Location: The Center, Building 11
253.566.5238
Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy and Grievance Procedure Title IX Complaint
Form
Sexual Harassment Is Illegal
Because sexual harassment is a type of sex discrimination, you may also file a formal complaint of sex discrimination with:
- The Human Rights Office
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- U.S. Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education
Tacoma Community College policy prohibits all forms of sexual harassment.
Tacoma Community College will take appropriate action to resolve the complaint and which protects the rights of both the person complaining and the alleged harasser. Tacoma Community College has been very successful in resolving both formal and informal complaints.
Off-Campus Resources
City of Tacoma Human Rights Department
747 Market Street, Room 808
Tacoma, WA 98402
253.591.5151
Washington State Human Rights Commission
711 S. Capitol Way, #402
P.O. Box 42490
Olympia, WA 98504-2490
360.753.6770 ‹ 800.233.3247
United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
909 First Avenue, Suite 400
Seattle, WA 98104-1061
206.220.6883 -- 800.669.4000
Office of Civil Rights
United States Department of Education
Seattle Office
U.S. Department of Education
915 Second Avenue Room 3310
Seattle, WA 98174-1099
206.607.1600
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list
Links
TCC Nondiscrimination and Harassment Policy and Grievance Procedure