1. Seattle Colleges home page
  2. Administration
  3. Human Resources
  4. TITLE IX Sex Discrimination and Sex Based Harassment

TITLE IX Sex Discrimination and Sex Based Harassment

On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released the Final Rule amending Title IX. The Final Rule specifies how recipients of federal financial assistance covered by Title IX – including postsecondary institutions – must respond to allegations of sex-based discrimination. The new regulations took effect on August 1, 2024.

While we recognize the importance of federal regulations, it's essential to note that Seattle Colleges has long prioritized and has been committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services, and contracts. Furthermore, our existing policies exceed the minimum requirements outlined in the current federal Title IX regulations and are tailored to the specific needs of our campus community. 

Seattle Colleges acknowledges that everybody plays a role in ensuring we create and maintain an environment where students, employees, and persons other than students or employees are free of sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, harassment, discrimination, and bullying.

Furthermore, Seattle Colleges recognizes its responsibility to investigate, resolve, implement supportive and corrective measures, and monitor the educational environment and workplace to effectively stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, and Washington State’s Law Against Discrimination, and their implementing regulations.

Workplace sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, harassment, discrimination, and bullying can be incredibly challenging, there are several strategies you can use to address and stop it:

  • Document Everything: Keep detailed records of bullying incidents, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation can be crucial if you need to report the behavior.

  • Set Boundaries: If you feel safe enough to do so, clearly communicate your boundaries to the bully. Let them know their behavior is unacceptable and that you expect it to stop

  • Seek Support: Contact your school's Title IX Coordinator or Human Resources Department. Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members about what you’re experiencing. Sometimes, just having someone to listen can make a big difference.

  • Report the Bullying: Follow the Seattle Colleges procedures for reporting bullying. This might involve speaking to your supervisor or HR department or using an anonymous reporting system such as Maxient. 

  • Promote an Anti-Bullying Work Environment: Encourage a culture of respect and inclusion in your workplace. This can help prevent bullying behaviors from taking root.

  • Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with policies 282 and 283 on workplace bullying and harassment and Title IX violations. 

Remember, you don’t have to face this alone. Seattle Colleges has resources and people who can help you navigate this difficult situation.

Seattle Colleges District VI is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services, and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability.

In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges District is committed to ensuring that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of “bullying” behaviors, including “cyberbullying."

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the college’s Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator, and/or the Director of Compliance 

Achieving a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment

To encourage, assist, and facilitate a working environment that is free from sex harassment, sex-based, harassment, discrimination, and bullying discrimination, Seattle Colleges has: