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Sexual Harassment Under Title IX

Sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex are expressly prohibited at Palm Beach State College.

Definition

Sexual Harassment under Title IX is defined as:

  1. An employee of the College conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the College on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
  2. Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s education program or activity; or
  3. ‘‘Sexual assault’’ as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), ‘‘dating violence’’ as defined in 34 U.S.C.12291(a)(10), ‘‘domestic violence’’ as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or ‘‘stalking’’ as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).

Discrimination based on sex is defined as denial of access or participation in, denial of the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity of Palm Beach State College, based on sex, gender or gender identity, pregnancy and/or parenting.

Pregnant and parenting students have rights under Title IX as well. If pregnancy and/or childbirth are impacting a student’s ability to be successful in class(es), the college will provide assistance. This support could include but is not limited to providing excused absences, making up work, working from home, or providing a different desk. Please contact the Title IX Coordinator for assistance at 561-868-3277, via skype at 561-421-2251, or via email at SpeakUp@palmbeachstate.edu.

Sexual harassment complaints, as defined above, can be submitted in any format convenient for the reporting party. Formal complaints involving an employee as the respondent are governed by the Discrimination and Harassment Grievance Process, College Policy 6Hx–18–5.86. If the complaint involves a student as the respondent, the complaint is governed by the procedure outlined below.

How to File a Report

Students that experience sexual harassment may contact any of the following departments to file a report.

  • Title IX Office:

    Email: SpeakUp@palmbeachstate.edu
    Phone:(561) 868-3277

  • Any Campus Security Office (561) 868-3600
  • Any Campus Dean of Student Services:

    Belle Glade – 561-993-1128
    Boca Raton – 561-862-4311
    Lake Worth – 561-868-3055
    Loxahatchee Groves – 561-790-9025
    Palm Beach Gardens – 561-207-5326

  • Students may also file a report using our online Title IX Complaint Form.

Response to an initial report will include documenting the concern, providing access to college and community resources, and other supportive measures as appropriate.

Supportive measures may include an on-campus security escort, mutual no contact order, class relocation or time change, extended deadlines for course work, counseling services, access to community agencies for off campus service. This list is not exhaustive as each situation may require a unique accommodation.

A Student may escalate their informal report to a formal complaint at any time.

Amnesty for Alcohol and/or Drug Use: While the use of drugs or alcohol may violate the College’s Code of Conduct policy, this conduct charge will not be considered when investigating a Title IX complaint.

Once a formal complaint requesting a formal resolution is filed with or signed by the Title IX Coordinator an investigation will be conducted per the following formal complaint procedure.

Formal Complaint Procedure

This complaint process is intended to provide a fair, prompt, and objective determination about whether a Title IX violation has occurred. The reporting party and the responding party will be equitably treated with dignity, courtesy, sensitivity and understanding and will not be prejudged or blamed for what occurred. The College will take all reasonable steps to prevent unnecessary or unwanted contact or proximity between both parties. Supportive measures will be made available as appropriate to both parties.

Formal Title IX Hearing

Parties will be notified; via email, ten (10) business days prior; of the date, time, and location of the hearing. This notification will include the final investigative report and supporting documentation. Certified mail will also be sent to both parties. Redactions may be included as necessitated by FERPA.