Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 ("Title IX"), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq. states:

 

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

 

Arkansas Northeastern College is committed to providing an environment that is free from any sexual assault.  Materials addressing rape and other sexual offenses are available in Student Services for all students, faculty, and staff.

 

The College seeks to maintain the institution as a place of work and study for staff, faculty, and students that is free of sexual and gender harassment.  Sexual harassment of employees is prohibited under the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended and sexual harassment of students, faculty, and staff may constitute discrimination under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 as amended.

 

A student, faculty, or staff member who believes they have been the victims of a sexual assault should report the incident immediately to the Vice President for Student Services, campus security, and the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.  The victim will be informed of his/her right to notify, or have the College notify, proper law enforcement authorities.  The student will also be provided with a list of counseling and mental health facilities in the community which are listed in the Student Handbook.  At the request of the student, any reasonable change in academic situations will be considered by Arkansas Northeastern College.

 

The accused, if found guilty of the offense, will be subject to the disciplinary actions by the College as listed in the Student Conduct section of the handbook.  The findings of the Title IX Investigator will be forwarded to the Student Disciplinary Committee.  The decision of the Student Disciplinary Committee will be forwarded to both the accused and the accuser.  This decision may be appealed to the President's Cabinet within five (5) business days after notification.

 

The determination of what constitutes sexual harassment will vary with the particular circumstances, but it may be described generally as repeated and unwanted sexual behavior, such as physical contact and verbal comments or suggestions which adversely affect the working or learning environment.  Instances of gender harassment include discriminatory comments or behavior which create feelings of inferiority in individuals who belong to a gender group.  Harassment may otherwise be defined under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions guidelines.

 

Individuals who are subjected to sexual or gender harassment are encouraged to pursue the matter through the established informal and formal grievance procedures.  Generally, the informal procedures afford an opportunity to explore a problem and consider alternative means for its resolution.  A copy of these procedures can be obtained from the Arkansas Northeastern College Policy Manual which is located in each department.

 

All complaints or any concerns about conduct that may violate this policy should be submitted to the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.  All cases that progress will be with the consent and inclusion of the Title IX Coordinator.