College Policies

Sexual Harassment Policy

It is the policy of the San Mateo County Community College District and the College of San Mateo to provide an educational and work environment free from unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct or communications constituting sexual harassment. The District promotes zero tolerance for behaviors which constitute sexual harassment in its educational and workplace environment for both employees and non-employees.

This policy defines sexual harassment and sets forth a procedure for the investigation and resolution of complaints of sexual harassment by or against any faculty member, staff member, Board member or student within the District. Sexual harassment violates State and Federal laws, as well as this policy, and will not be tolerated. It is also illegal to retaliate against any individual for filing a complaint of sexual harassment or for participating in a sexual harassment investigation. Retaliation constitutes a violation of this policy.

It is the responsibility of each District employee and student to maintain a level of conduct that is in compliance with District policy. Employees who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary measures up to and including expulsion.

The District provides both informal and formal complaint resolution procedures; considers as serious matters all complaints of sexual harassment; is committed to full investigation and resolution; and takes steps to ensure that persons complaining of sexual harassment will not be subjected to retaliation or reprisals of any kind.

Students or staff seeking further information concerning this policy or claiming grievance because of alleged violations of this policy should contact the Vice-Channcellor of Human Resources and Employee Relations, 358-6767

Additional Redress

In addition to and concurrently with the filing of a written grievance, a student has a right to file a compliant or charges with other appropriate governmental agencies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office for Civil Rights, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing, the Chancellor's Office of the California Community Colleges, or state or federal court.