5.4.2 Applicable Scope

adopted: Feb-2010
last revised: Feb-2021

The core purpose of this policy is the prohibition of all forms of discrimination. Sometimes, discrimination involves exclusion from or different treatment in activities, such as admission, athletics, or employment. At other times, discrimination takes the form of harassment or, in the case of sex-based discrimination, can encompass sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, sexual exploitation, dating violence, or domestic violence. When an alleged violation of this nondiscrimination policy is reported, the allegations are subject to resolution using Richland Community College’s established procedures as determined by the Title IX Coordinator.
This policy applies to all Richland staff, students, and third-party vendors. Several methods of reporting violations are available; Richland’s Title IX Coordinator shall serve as the first contact for filing a complaint. Procedures for filing along with other information are available online or in the Student Success Center.

Upon notice of a violation, Richland staff will respond to the report with information and a list of available resources within two business days.
When the Respondent is a member of the Richland community, a formal complaint may be filed and a grievance process may be available regardless of the status of the Complainant, who may or may not be a member of the Richland community. This community includes, but is not limited to, students, student organizations, faculty, administrators, staff, and third parties such as guests, visitors, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and invitees. The processes may be applied to incidents, to patterns, and/or to the campus climate, all of which may be addressed and investigated in accordance with this policy.

External complaints shall be filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the Office of Civil Rights of the United States Department of Education. Contact information for these organizations is available on the Richland website or in the Student Success Center.