Northampton Community College strives to recognize human dignity and, therefore, does not tolerate sexual harassment within or connected to this institution.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sexual discrimination in any form; to include any form of sexual harassment and gender discrimination.
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination based on sex because the harasser treats a member, or members, of one sex differently from members of the other sex or engages in conduct that is based on the difference in sex.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual- or gender-based verbal, written, online, and/or physical conduct. Examples of this harassment include, and are not limited to:
- persistent requests for a date
- unwelcome requests for sexual favors or acts
- continued expression of sexual interest after being informed that the interest is unwelcome
- unwelcome physical contact
- posters, photos, cartoons in the workplace or public place that are demeaning or offensive
- unwelcome visual contact, such as leering or staring at another person
- comments or statements that are demeaning humiliating, suggestive, insulting, vulgar, or lewd
- failure to provide assistance that is usual under same or similar circumstances
- retaliation, retribution, or reprisals in any form or manner for complaints about harassment or requests that harassing conducts stop, or for assisting a person with a complaint of harassment
- physical interference with job performance
- preferential treatment for submitting to sexual conduct
- harassment by non-employees such as visitors or vendors
Who is covered by the College's Sexual Harassment Policy?
The policy applies to all employees and students at all times and places in any connection to the institution. This policy also applies to those who do business here. Compliance with this policy is a term and condition of employment with this institution.
Mandated Reporting
All College employees who are aware of or witness discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation are required to promptly report to the Title IX Officer or a Title IX Deputy Coordinator. Any student who is aware of or who witnesses discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation is encouraged to promptly report to the Title IX Officer or a Title IX Deputy Coordinator. All initial contacts will be treated with the maximum possible privacy: specific information on any complaint received by any party will be reported to the Title IX Officer, but, subject to the College's obligation to investigate and redress violations, every reasonable effort will be made to maintain the privacy of those initiating a report of a complaint. In all cases, the College will give consideration to the complainant with respect to how the complaint is pursued but reserves the right, when necessary to protect the community, to investigate and pursue a resolution when an alleged victim chooses not to initiate or participate in a formal complaint.
Retaliation
The College strictly prohibits retaliation against any person for filing a complaint about harassment, for making a request that harassing conduct stop, or for assisting a person with a harassment complaint.
