Title IX Complaint & Grievance Procedures

Follow these steps if you believe you may have been involved in a sexual misconduct or gender-based incident:

  • Call 911 in the case of emergency.
  • Ensure your safety.
  • File a complaint as soon as possible. Anyone can make a Title IX report! (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
  • Send the complaint to the Title IX coordinator of your campus
  • Counseling Centers at Each College:
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Seattle Colleges employees are able to access Washington state’s Employee Assistance Program, which helps employees and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems. Using your EAP does not cost you anything. For more information, call the Employee Assistance Program at 877.313.4455.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency/need immediate assistance, please call 911, the King County Crisis Connections at 866.427.4747, and/or text the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741. There is also the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline- Hours: Available 24 hours.

Follow these steps if you believe you may have been INFORMED in a sexual misconduct or gender-based incident (All SDC Employees are Mandatory Reporters):

  1. Make sure the complainant is safe (this is the person who may have experienced a Title IX Violation). 
  2. Alert the Title IX coordinator of your campus, and File a complaint as soon as possible. Anyone can make a Title IX report! (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
     

Title IX Policy and Procedures:

What happens when I report to the Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX Coordinator is a school official who has been specifically trained in collecting information and in referring those impacted by sexual assault to helpful resources. The Title IX Coordinator -

  • Will gather your information and keep accurate notes and records of your report and any referrals provided to you.
  • Will inform and ask to obtain consent from you before commencing an investigation into a Title IX complaint.
  • Will determine and inform you if the College can honor a request for confidentiality. Maintaining confidentiality may limit the College’s ability to fully respond to the allegations. Retaliation by the respondent and/or others is prohibited.
  • May conduct an investigation or oversee an investigation handled by another campus official. If an investigation is to be conducted by someone other than the Title IX Coordinator, you will be informed.
  • May impose protective measures during the investigations. Interim measures may be imposed to protect you and/or the respondent pending the conclusion of the investigation.
  • Will issue written findings and recommendations upon completion of the investigation.

 

What protective measures may I be offered?

Protective measures offered during the course of an investigation are determined on a case-by-case basis.

They may include, but are not limited to –

  • Campus enforcement of no-contact orders
  • Rescheduling of classes
  • Temporary work reassignments
  • Referrals for counseling or medical assistance
  • Disciplinary action for the respondent consistent with the College’s Student Conduct Code
     

When making a report please be aware of confidentiality

College employees, except those statutorily barred from doing so, have a duty to immediately report possible Title IX violations to the Title IX coordinator

HR District Title IX Email| TitleIX.District@seattlecolleges.edu 

If you have confidentiality concerns, the Title IX Coordinator can discuss your options with you. The district will attempt to protect your privacy to the fullest possible extent, consistent with our legal obligations to comply with federal and state laws and to protect our students and community. More information about confidentiality is found in Procedure 283.  Please direct questions about protecting your privacy to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

HR District Title IX Email TitleIX.District@seattlecolleges.edu 
 

Title IX Complaint/Grievance Procedure

For a complete explanation of the Title IX grievance process refer to Procedure 283.

** Seattle Colleges must investigate sexual harassment allegations in a formal complaint. A formal complaint is a document alleging sexual harassment has occurred and requesting the school investigate. The school should generally respect the wishes of the complainant when possible for confidentiality, but in some cases a Title IX Coordinator may file the formal complaint even if the complainant does not want to participate in the Title IX process.

Reportable Sexual Misconduct & Title IX Offenses, Including, but not Limited to:

  • Sexual harassment
  • Unwelcome sexual conduct
  • Unwelcome sexual advances or propositions that interfere with a student's education or person's employment
  • Sexual exploitation
  • Using electronic devices or technology (e.g., cell phone, camera, email, Internet sites or social networks) to record or transmit nudity or sexual acts without a person's knowledge and/or permission 
  • Sexual violence/sexual assault
  • Gender based discrimination 
  • Inducing incapacitation for the purpose of sexual exploitation
  • Using electronic devices or technology (e.g., cell phone, camera, email, Internet sites or social networks) to record or transmit nudity or sexual acts without a person's knowledge and/or permission 
  • Threatening to sexually harm someone
  • Committing violence within a relationship (domestic violence or intimate partner violence)
  • Excessive unwanted and persistent attention on a regular basis either with electronic devices or in person or other means (stalking)
  • Intentionally observing nudity or sexual acts of another person without the person's knowledge or permission (voyeurism)
  • Ignoring a sexual limit that has been communicated
  • Coercing or intimidating someone into sexual behavior
  • Sexual assault, including unwanted penetration of an orifice (anal, vaginal, oral) with the penis, finger or objects 
  • Unwanted touching of the genitals, buttocks, or breasts that is intentional or other unwanted touching or groping
  • Forcing/coercing someone to touch you or someone else in a sexual manner
  • Initiating sexual activity with a person who is incapacitated and unable to provide consent due to alcohol and/or drug consumption or other condition

 

I haven’t Decided if I Want to Report... 

You are never required to make an official report. You also don’t have to make a report right away; you can always choose to do that at another time. Here are some things you can do if you might want to make a report later:

  • Go to the Harborview Medical Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress they have 24-hour access to medical professionals trained in sexual assault. Contact 206-521-1800
  • Write down what you remember about the assault after at least one night of sleep, sometimes it helps to ask a trusted person to write down what you say
     

What to do...

Employees who believe they may be victims of any form of harassment or discrimination are encouraged to:

  1. File a complaint as soon as possible. (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
  2. Send the complaint to the Title IX coordinator of your campus

Confidentiality

When you file a complaint with Seattle Colleges, you may request confidentiality. The district will attempt to protect your privacy to the fullest possible extent, consistent with our legal obligations to comply with federal and state laws and to protect our students and community. More information about confidentiality is found in Procedure 282. Please direct questions about protecting your privacy to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

Investigation

When you file a sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault complaint, the district will ask for your permission to move forward with an investigation. Our intent in asking for permission is to empower our employees to determine next steps. In some situations, the seriousness of the complaint (taking into account such factors as violence and the age of the alleged victim) may require the district to investigate. We will take all legal and logistical steps possible to maintain your confidentiality. Our process for conducting an investigation is outlined in Procedure 282.

Retaliation

The district expressly prohibits any retaliation against an employee who has filed a discrimination or harassment complaint. If you believe you may be being retaliated against, please inform the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

Employees believing that they may be victims of any form of sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination should:

  1. Ensure their safety.
  2. Seek resources immediately, if necessary.
  3. File a complaint.

First, Ensure Your Safety

Safety is the district’s top priority. Employees with any concerns about their immediate safety need to call 911 and then call the campus safety office. If a crime may have occurred, report that crime to the police. Police officers have the ability to ensure your immediate safety and to locate and preserve evidence.

Campus Security Offices

 

North Seattle College: CC 1252, 206.934.3636

Seattle Central College: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Seigal Center: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Wood Technology Center: 206.934.5442
Health Education Center: 206-255-3974 / 206.934.5442. Security officers usually sit at a table just inside the main entrance on the south side of the Pacific Tower Building.
Seattle Maritime Academy: 206.934.5442

South Seattle College: RSB62A, 206.934.5157
Georgetown Apprenticeship and Education Center: C102, 206.354.6185

Next, Seek Immediate Resources, If Necessary

Employees are encouraged to seek resources immediately. These include:

  • King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) 24-hour resource line: 888.99VOICE or 888.998.6423
    KCSARC is a victim-advocacy organization that provides critical support, tools, and direct services to children, teens, women, and men who are victims of sexual assault. KCSARC works with clients of all ages and from all backgrounds. KCSARC advocates will answer your call and provide crisis intervention, information and referrals, and ongoing support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress (206.744.1600).
    The center provides services to help people impacted by sexual assault and other traumatic events.

Additional Resources

In addition to the resources listed above, refer the employee to additional resources and assistance if appropriate.

  • Seattle Colleges employees are able to access Washington state’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which helps employees and their family members resolve personal or work-related problems. Using your EAP does not cost you anything. For more information, call the Employee Assistance Program at 877.313.4455.

Students believing they may be victims of any form of harassment or discrimination, including sexual harassment or assault need to:

  1. Ensure your safety.
  2. File a complaint as soon as possible. (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
  3. Send the complaint to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.
  4. Seattle Colleges has resources available at each campus:
    • North: Counseling: 206-934-3676 and/or Gender Equity Resource Center: 206-934-3719
    • Central: Counseling: 206-934-5407
    • South: Counseling: 206-934-6409

Ensure Your Safety

Student safety is the top priority. Students with any concerns about their immediate safety need to call 911 and then call the campus safety office. If a crime may have occurred, report that crime to the police. Police officers have the ability to ensure your immediate safety and to locate and preserve evidence.

Campus Security Offices

North Seattle College: CC 1252, 206.934.3636

Seattle Central College: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Seigal Center: BE 1108, 206.934.5442
Wood Technology Center: 206.934.5442
Health Education Center: 206-255-3974 / 206.934.5442. Security officers usually sit at a table just inside the main entrance on the south side of the Pacific Tower Building.
Seattle Maritime Academy: 206.934.5442

South Seattle College: RSB62A, 206.934.5157
Georgetown Apprenticeship and Education Center: C102, 206.354.6185

Confidentiality

When you file a complaint with Seattle Colleges, you may request confidentiality. The district will attempt to protect your privacy to the fullest possible extent, consistent with our legal obligations to comply with federal and state laws and to protect our students and community. More information about confidentiality is found in Procedure 282. Please direct questions about protecting your privacy to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

Investigation

When you file a sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault complaint, the district will ask for your permission to move forward with an investigation. Our intent in asking for permission is to empower our employees to determine next steps. In some situations, the seriousness of the complaint (taking into account such factors as violence and the age of the alleged victim) may require the district to investigate. We will take all legal and logistical steps possible to maintain your confidentiality. Our process for conducting an investigation is outlined in Procedure 282.

Retaliation

The district expressly prohibits any retaliation against an employee who has filed a discrimination or harassment complaint. If you believe you may be being retaliated against, please inform the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

Employees believing that they may be victims of any form of sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination should:

  1. Ensure their safety.
  2. Seek resources immediately, if necessary.
  3. File a complaint.

Seek Immediate Resources, If Necessary

Seattle Colleges has resources available at each campus:

  • North: Counseling: 206-934-3676 and/or Gender Equity Resource Center: 206-934-3719
  • Central: Counseling: 206-934-5407
  • South: Counseling: 206-934-6409

If a student tells you about, or if you become aware of, an incident in which a student may have been discriminated against or harassed, you are required to report that incident to the Title IX coordinator of your campus, within 24 hours.

If the incident involves the Title IX coordinator, the report should be made to president or chancellor’s office for referral to an alternate designee.

Students believing that they may be victims of any form of harassment or discrimination need to:

  1. Ensure your safety.
  2. File a complaint as soon as possible. (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
  3. Send the complaint to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.
  4. Seattle Colleges has resources available at each campus:
    • North: Counseling: 206-934-3676 and/or Gender Equity Resource Center: 206-934-3719
    • Central: Counseling: 206-934-5407
    • South: Counseling: 206-934-6409

Confidentiality

When you file a complaint with Seattle Colleges, you may request confidentiality. The district will attempt to protect your privacy to the fullest possible extent, consistent with our legal obligations to comply with federal and state laws and to protect our students and community. More information about confidentiality is found in Procedure 282. Please direct questions about protecting your privacy to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

If a student tells you about, or if you become aware of, an incident of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault in which a student may have been involved, you are required to report that incident to the Title IX coordinator of your campus, within 24 hours.


If you believe a student is about to tell you about an incident of sexual harassment or discrimination, explain your obligation to report the incident before the student makes the disclosure. If this is not possible, do it soon after the disclosure. If the student does not wish to disclose the incident or provide further details to you, refer the student to the on‐campus and off‐campus resources.

Steps to take after student disclosure:

  1. Care for the student.
  2. Connect the student with resources.
  3. Contact the Title IX coordinator.

Step 1: Care for the student

First, ensure the student is safe. Student safety is the overriding concern of Seattle Colleges. Provide the student with nonjudgmental listening and support. If there is an immediate danger, call the police (911) and then call Campus Security.

Some thoughts and guidelines in caring for the student:

  • One of the most effective and important ways to provide support is to listen without judging or blaming. Remember that no matter what the circumstances, no one deserves to be subjected to harassment or discrimination.
  • Allow the student to talk about the experience. Be aware that the student may not be able to clearly articulate what happened; be careful not define the experience for the student.
  • Follow the student’s lead. Do not take control of the situation or try to “fix” it. Experiencing sexual misconduct can cause a person to feel a loss of control; let the student make his or her own decisions, and then support those decisions. Also understand that everyone responds uniquely to sexual misconduct.
  • Some common reactions may include shock, fear, embarrassment, denial, guilt, anger, depression, and/or feeling overwhelmed. Be a support person and help the student find support.

Step 2: Connect the student with resources

Seattle Colleges has resources available at each campus:

  • North: Counseling: 206-934-3676 and/or Gender Equity Resource Center: 206-934-3719
  • Central: Counseling: 206-934-5407
  • South: Counseling: 206-934-6409

There are also off-campus support services. These include:

  • King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) 24-hour resource line: 888.99VOICE or 888.998.6423
    KCSARC is a victim-advocacy organization that provides critical support, tools, and direct services to children, teens, women, and men who are victims of sexual assault. KCSARC works with clients of all ages and from all backgrounds. KCSARC advocates will answer your call and provide crisis intervention, information and referrals, and ongoing support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress (206.744.1600).
    The center provides services to help people impacted by sexual assault and other traumatic events.

Step 3: Contact the Title IX coordinator

At the earliest possible time (and no later than 24 hours after you receive information that a student has experienced sexual misconduct), you must report it to the Title IX coordinator of your campus. It’s important to include, to the extent possible, all relevant details about the incident(s) disclosed by the student. This includes:

  • File a complaint as soon as possible. (Printed copies of the complaint form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)
  • The names of the student, the accused, and any witnesses.
  • Any other relevant facts, including the date, time, and specific location of the incident.
  • Send the complaint to the Title IX coordinator of your campus

Once you have reported an incident to the Title IX coordinator, you do not need to take further action. Understand, however, that you may be contacted for follow-up information as the college proceeds to respond to the report.

If an employee tells you about, or if you become aware of, an incident of discrimination or harassment, you should report that incident to the Title IX coordinator of your campus within 24 hours.

If the incident involves the Title IX coordinator, the report should be made to president or chancellor’s office for referral to an alternate designee.

Employees believing that they may be victims of any form of sexual harassment, assault, or discrimination should:

  1. Ensure their safety.
  2. Seek resources immediately, if necessary.
  3. File a complaint.

Confidentiality

When you file a complaint with Seattle Colleges, you may request confidentiality. The district will attempt to protect your privacy to the fullest possible extent, consistent with our legal obligations to comply with federal and state laws and to protect our students and community. More information about confidentiality is found in Procedure 282. Please direct questions about protecting your privacy to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.