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Title IX Resources

Know Your Rights. Know Your Resources

This site is a guide for students who experience sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, relationship or intimate partner violence, and/or other sexual misconduct.

Message from the Seattle Colleges Title IX Coordinator

Every member of the Seattle Colleges community is entitled to an education and work atmosphere devoid of sexual discrimination and harassment. Various forms of violence and harassment can significantly impact individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, ability, citizenship, or social status. Knowledge of available options, rights, and resources is crucial for affected individuals to decide on the most suitable course of action. This guide aims to enhance understanding and navigation of support and reporting mechanisms suited to individual circumstances. It offers information irrespective of whether a formal complaint is filed and underlines the autonomy of those who have faced harm to choose their subsequent actions—including seeking support measures or filing a formal complaint.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency/need immediate assistance, 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 - Available 24 hours.

What conduct is prohibited under the 2024 Regulations?

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 are effective as of August 1, 2024. These regulations necessitate that Seattle Colleges respond to every form of sex discrimination (beyond just sexual harassment) taking place within its U.S. educational programs or activities. This encompasses behavior in properties owned or controlled by Seattle Colleges and actions falling under the college's disciplinary power. Moreover, individuals don't have to be current or prospective students at Seattle Colleges to lodge a complaint. Complaints may be verbal or written, as there is no mandate for formal written grievances.

This includes:

Quid pro quo harassment: When someone conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct

Hostile environment harassment: When unwelcome sex-based conduct is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies someone's ability to participate in their education program or activity

Sexual harassment: Or harassment based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity

If sexual misconduct happens off campus, will Seattle Colleges still investigate?

The 2024 federal regulations apply to locations, events, or circumstances over which the Colleges exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the place where the conduct occurred. The 2024 federal regulations also apply to any building owned or controlled by a recognized student organization. If the criteria for jurisdiction under the 2024 Title IX regulations are not met, the Colleges may still investigate if the conduct would violate other Seattle Colleges Policy and Procedure 282 Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying.

If what happened to me isn’t covered by the 2024 Federal Regulations, will Seattle Colleges still investigate?

Seattle Colleges will continue to address all complaints of sexual misconduct and will assess formal complaints to determine if Seattle Colleges policy and/or federal regulations apply. If you make a formal complaint, the investigator will assess which policies may or may not apply and, if an investigation is initiated, what procedures will be used. If the criteria for jurisdiction under the 2024 Title IX regulations are not met, the Colleges may still investigate if the conduct would violate other Seattle Colleges Policy and Procedure 282 Discrimination, Harassment, and Bullying.

If you have experienced—or think you may have experienced—sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, relationship or intimate partner violence, and/or another form of sexual misconduct, resources, support measures, and reporting options are available to you. Choosing one option does not preclude others; you can pursue any of them at any time. You can also contact the Title IX/EEO Coordinator at any time, for any reason.

All District employees (faculty, staff, student employees, and administrators) are designated as “mandatory employees” required to report and must report actual or suspected Title IX violations immediately, subject to limited exceptions for employees who are statutorily barred from reporting (counselors, etc.). All details of the reports they receive must be shared promptly with the Title IX Coordinator. If the complaint is against that Title IX Coordinator, the impacted party should report the matter to the president’s, or Chancellor’s office for referral to an alternate designee.

The best way to ensure confidentiality is to speak with a counselor. Counselors can help you consider options and provide support. Please ensure you are speaking to a confidential counselor before you disclose any information. Please also consult with the Washington Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs for more information about confidentiality options. 

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

Mental Health Counselors are licensed to provide confidential counseling services under RCW 18.225. All practitioners who are licensed to provide mental health counseling services are subject to confidentiality requirements imposed by either RCW 5.60.060 or RCW 18.83.110. 

For Students in Crisis:

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.

Counseling and Crisis Support Resources

Counseling may assist with recovery from a traumatic experience. Seattle Colleges offers short-term counseling for students on its three campuses and referrals to open-ended counseling services off campus. However, please ensure you are speaking to a confidential counselor before you disclose any information. 

If you have experienced sexual assault, relationship and intimate partner violence, stalking, sex- and gender-based harassment, and/or other sexual misconduct, therapy may include:

  • Providing information about trauma and its effects
  • Providing information on mindfulness techniques
  • Providing tools to support healthy sleep, diet, or exercise habits
  • Helping you identify and deal with negative feelings about the traumatic event, such as feelings of guilt or shame
  • Helping you identify and deal with negative thoughts about the traumatic event, such as self-blame
  • Assisting you in reducing anxiety when exposed to people or places that are reminders of the trauma

Counselors can:

  • Help you understand your rights
  • Support you in creating a plan for your situation
  • Connect you with supportive measures, including academic or employment support
  • Assist in implementing a mutual no contact directive
  • Inform you of Seattle Colleges formal complaint and police reporting options and support you through one or both of these processes
  • Assist you in obtaining a civil protection order (sometimes referred to as a restraining order)
  • Review your housing options
  • Refer you to on- and off-campus resources, including attorneys or mental health professionals

In general, state law protects the confidentiality of counseling relationships and records. Again, please check you are speaking to a confidential counselor before disclosing any information.  For more specific information about confidentiality, consult with counseling services staff or your counselor, who can answer any questions you have.

  • Counselors have limitations on confidentiality when they learn of:
    • Abuse and neglect of a child under the age of 18
    • Elder abuse or the abuse of a disabled adult
    • A plan for self harm or harm to others

Additional Counseling Resources

College Counseling Clinics (supervised Masters and PhD level clinicians with sliding scale fees)

Find a Counselor (search engines for identifying private practice counselors as well as clinics)

Note, please also consult with the Washington Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs for more information about confidentiality options.

Legal Resources

Legal Advocacy and Support

King County:

Pierce County: 

National:

Please also consult with the Washington Coalition for Sexual Assault Programs for more information about confidentiality options.

Health Insurance Resources

Agencies

  • King County Mental Health Services 
  • Asian Counseling and Referral Services — 3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle, WA 98144(206) 695-7600, info@acrs.org
  • Atlantic Street Center — 2103 South Atlantic Street, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 329-2050, ascinfo@atlanticstreet.org
  • El Centro de la Raza — 2524 16th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 957-4634
  • Seattle Counseling Service — 1216 Pine Street, Suite 300, Seattle WA 98101 (206) 323-1768, info@seattlecounseling.org
  • Seattle Indian Health Board — 611 - 12th Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144 (206) 324-9360, info@sihb.org
  • Sound Mental Health — 1600 E Olive St, Seattle WA, 98102 (206) 302-2300
  • Wellspring — (206) 826-3050 
    Downtown Seattle 1191 2nd Avenue, Suite 690 (2nd & Seneca), Seattle, WA 98101
    Rainier Avenue South Seattle 1900 Rainier Avenue South, Second Floor, WA 98144 
    Redmond 16150 NE 85th Street, Suite 222, Redmond, WA 98052

 

 

After an assault you may want to seek medical care, especially if you have concerns about STIs, pregnancy, or physical injuries. Generally, seeking medical care as soon as possible is advised, and some services are time-sensitive. Relevant evidence is best collected within 72 hours but may be collected up to 120 hours after an assault.

Some health care facilities have SANEs who are specially-trained to work with patients who have been sexually assaulted.

They will explain each step of the -process and allow you to make decisions about what you want to do next. A SANE exam is an important way to preserve evidence should you choose to make a police report.

If you have been sexually assaulted, a SANE can offer:

  • A physical exam that will identify any injuries
  • Emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy
  • Sexually-transmitted infection (STI) testing and prophylaxis medication to prevent infection
  • Optional forensic evidence collection and documentation

Federal and state law protect the confidentiality of medical records. Information retained in medical provider records that is otherwise confidential may be subject to disclosure in response to a valid subpoena or court order.

Health care facilities near Seattle Colleges campuses with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE):

  • UW Medical Center (Montlake)
  • Harborview Medical Center
  • Valley Medical Center, Swedish Hospital (First Hill)
  • Seattle Children’s Hospital (for individuals under the age of 18)
  • Evergreen Health Medical Center in Kirkland and Redmond
  • St. Michael’s Medical Center: Bremerton and Silverton
  • Tacoma General Hospital

 
If a SANE is unavailable, you may be transferred to another medical facility.

Contact these resources to learn more about seeking medical care and options to preserve evidence. You may access medical care prior to contacting Seattle Colleges support resources or reporting offices.

Other Community Resources:

Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center—Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress
206.744.1600

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
888.99.VOICE (86423) (24-hour resource line)
kcsarc.org

New Beginnings – Ending Domestic Violence
206.522.9472 (24-hour helpline)
newbegin.org

The Northwest Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian & Gay Survivors of Abuse
206.568.7777
nwnetwork.org

Abused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services
206.812.1001
adwas.org

Rebuilding Hope!
The Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County 24-hour Crisis, Information and Referral Line
800.756.7273
sexualassaultcenter.com

Crystal Judson Family Justice Center (Tacoma)
(serving domestic violence victims and their children)
253.798.4166 (helpline)
aplaceofhelp.com

LifeWire – Together Against Domestic Violence (Bellevue)
425.746.1940
lifewire.org

RAINN - Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
800.656.HOPE (4673)
rainn.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline
800.799.7233
thehotline.org

Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
360.754.7583
wcsap.org

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence
(WSCADV) 1.800.799.7233 
wscadv.org

Culturally specific advocacy and support

API Chaya
877.922.4292
apichaya.org

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service
206.461.4880
consejocounseling.org

Jewish Family Service
206.461.3222
jfsseattle.org

Mother Nation
206.722.2321
mothernation.org

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
800.445.5771
nwirp.org

Our Sisters’ House
253.383.4275
oursistershouse.com

Refugee Women’s Alliance
206.721.0243
rewa.org

Seattle Indian Health Board
206.324.9360
sihb.org

Tacoma Community House
53.383.3951
tacomacommunityhouse.org
 

Academic accommodations can be made for a temporary health condition or injury as well as for a permanent disability such as an acute stress disorder developed or triggered because of trauma.

Seattle Colleges Student Services Staff can advise for academic support, such as:

  • More time on exams
  • Extensions for papers or projects
  • Alterations to course requirements
  • Modifications to participation requirements
  • Remote attendance for lectures or classes
  • Recording of lectures
  • Switching course or discussion sections
  • Adjustments to lab or desk space

You may seek supportive measures without an investigation being launched. However, some additional protective measures may be available if you choose to make a formal Claim, such as adjustments to the other person’s living, working, or study spaces

Accommodations Offices

For additional resources, refer to the accordion box Title IX Support Counseling And Crisis Support (above).

Please review all the information on the Title IX Website:
www.seattlecolleges.edu/administration/human-resources/title-ix-sexual-misconduct-and-gender-based-incidents

Where to submit a Claim?

Additional Student Resources: 

North Seattle: https://northseattle.edu/resources  
Seattle Central: https://seattlecentral.edu/campus-life/student-support-and-services/student-rights-and-responsibilities/Claim-process 
South Seattle: https://southseattle.edu/access-services/student-resources

Reporting is both a right and an individual choice. Consider connecting with a confidential certified counselor to discuss your options.
 

Reporting Options

Making a formal Claim to Seattle Colleges

A formal Claim is a request for an investigation. You have the right to submit a formal Claim about any behavior that feels inappropriate or unwelcome. Seattle Colleges will respond to your Claim whether you choose to file a police report or not.

The process Seattle Colleges follows to investigate and resolve Claims depends on who engaged in the behavior—a student, an employee, or a person unaffiliated with Seattle Colleges. Processes are designed to be prompt, fair, impartial and to equitably protect the rights of individuals participating in them. If you choose to submit a Claim, a confidential counselor can work with you throughout the Claim, investigation, and hearing process if you so choose, as you also will work with the title IX Coordinator of your campus. 

Seattle Colleges must investigate sexual harassment allegations in a formal Claim. A formal Claim 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 Claim even if the complainant does not want to participate in the Title IX process.

Reporting to the Police

Behaviors described in this guide may also be a crime, and you may report them directly to the police. Police with jurisdiction over the location where the alleged crime occurred will investigate. If you have also chosen to report to Seattle Colleges, Seattle Colleges will make legally allowed efforts to work cooperatively with the law enforcement agency but will not unduly delay its own investigation. If you do report to the police, they may notify Seattle Colleges that a report has been made. Counselors can provide you with more information about reporting to the police. They can provide services regardless of where an incident took place. 

Seeking a Court-Issued Protective Order

The main purpose of a court-issued protective order is to keep the respondent or subject from contacting you or causing further physical harm. There are different types of protective orders available based on the situation and the people involved. Counselors are available to provide more information and support in seeking a protective order.

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, or contact the campus security office. Ensure your safety.

Campus Security Offices

North Seattle College: CC 1252, phone: 206.934.3636

Seattle Central College: BE 1108, phone: 206.934.5442

  • Seigal Center: BE 1108, phone: 206.934.5442
  • Wood Technology Center: phone: 206.934.5442
  • Health Education Center: phone: 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: phone: 206.934.5442

South Seattle College: RSB62A, phone: 206.934.5157

  • Georgetown Apprenticeship and Education Center: C102, phone: 206.354.6185 


File a Claim as soon as possible. (Printed copies of the Claim form and investigation procedures are also kept in the HR and Student Services Office.)

Send the Claim to the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

Also refer to the Title IX webpage.

Privacy and Seattle Colleges Records

Seattle Colleges seeks to protect the privacy of those who participate in investigations of sexual assault, stalking, relationship or intimate partner violence, sex- and gender-based harassment, and/or other sexual misconduct in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. It balances this practice with the need to investigate and address prohibited behaviors, prevent their recurrence, and remedy their effects.

Some information relevant to investigations may be protected from disclosure by law, such as student records which are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or healthcare information which is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

In the case that information related to an investigation must be shared, it will be limited to those persons with a legitimate educational or business need to know. This might include the staff of the Office of the Title IX Coordinator, Seattle Colleges Human Resources, the Office of Academic Student Services or the administrative head of a Seattle Colleges department or unit.

Seattle Colleges must also report campus crime statistics, including those relevant to incidents of sexual violence, in compliance with its obligations under the Clery Act. Personally identifiable information is never disclosed in this context. If information is requested through a valid subpoena, court order, or warrant, Seattle Colleges may be required to disclose it.

If you have concerns about whether Seattle Colleges is in compliance with Title IX or other relevant laws, you may make a claim to state or federal enforcement agencies, including the following:

  • U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Washington State Human Rights Commission

Overview of the Process

State and federal law impose complex and specific requirements which must be incorporated into Seattle Colleges investigations and adjudications of sex- and gender-based violence and harassment. The information is available under Policy 283 and in the Student Conduct Code.

If you chose to submit a formal Claim, you will receive more detailed information about your rights and options throughout the process. For additional information before making a formal Claim, contact a confidential counselor or the Title IX coordinator of your campus.

You will not be expected or asked to share more details than you are comfortable with during this initial conversation. Remember, you do not need to request an investigation in order to receive supportive measures.

Timing Considerations

Deciding if or when to report sex- and gender-based violence and harassment is a very personal decision. While there is no right or wrong time to make a Claim, timing may affect how Seattle Colleges is able to respond. For example, sanctioning options may be limited if Seattle Colleges receives a report too close to or after a student respondent’s graduation or if Seattle Colleges receives a report after an employee respondent has left their position at the Seattle Colleges.

Meeting with an Investigator

If you elect to meet with an investigator, you may choose to be accompanied by a counselor and/or another advisor. The investigator will provide details of the investigation process, answer questions, and gather information about your experience. The investigator will also provide you with information about Seattle Colleges policies and Department of Education federal regulations that prohibit sexual assault, stalking, relationship or intimate partner violence, sex- and gender-based harassment, and/or other sexual misconduct. The difference between the federal and Seattle Colleges definitions and processes will be clarified for you throughout the process.

After Seattle Colleges investigator considers and reviews the information you provided, you will be informed of action(s) the Seattle Colleges will take, including whether an investigation will be opened and if the Department of Education federal regulations and/or Seattle Colleges policy apply. 

Remote or online options: Meetings with a counselor or investigator can occur in-person or online. If a hearing occurs, both parties have the option to remain in a separate room from one another throughout the duration of the hearing. Hearings may also may occur fully online.

Other Considerations

Accessibility
Title IX investigation and adjudication processes are intended to be inclusive and accessible. For accommodation requests connected to an accessibility or health condition, contact the investigator or counselor with whom you are working or the Office of the Title IX Coordinator.

Allegations and Notice
The investigator will meet with you to understand what happened and prepare allegations based on what you share. Once you confirm the allegations, the investigator will provide official notice of the allegations to the respondent (i.e., the person who has been accused of misconduct).

Investigation
The investigator will thoroughly interview you, the respondent, and any witnesses; they will also ask everyone they interview to provide relevant evidence and information, including documents, emails, texts, or social media communications. The investigator will assess and analyze the evidence and information provided by the parties and witnesses. This process can take weeks or months, depending on the Claim and availability of witnesses. If you’re working with a counselor, they can help you prioritize your self-care during this time.

**If any allegations involve conduct prohibited by the Department of Education federal regulations, the investigator will provide a draft report, along with relevant and related evidence, to both you and the respondent. You will have an opportunity to respond and provide feedback.

Concluding the Investigation
In some cases, an investigator can make a decision about whether Seattle Colleges code or policy was violated. In other cases—including any matter involving allegations of conduct prohibited by the Department of Education federal regulations—a hearing will be initiated.

For hearings that involve conduct prohibited by the federal regulations, both you and the respondent must have advisors who will orally ask questions of the other party and of witnesses. In student conduct hearings that don’t involve the federal regulations, questions are posed in writing and then asked by the hearing officer.

Sanctions and Disciplinary Action
If it is determined that code or policy was violated, sanctions for student respondents can include loss of privileges, an ongoing no contact directive, and/or disciplinary probation. For matters that go to a hearing, suspension and dismissal are also possible sanctions. Corrective or disciplinary action or employee respondents can range from coaching and education to changes in work assignment to termination of employment, and any violation in line with their Collective Bargaining Agreements.

Appeals
After findings are issued in a student conduct matter, you and the respondent both have the option to request administrative review, which is also referred to as an appeal. In employee matters involving the Department of Education federal regulations, you and the respondent will also have the opportunity to appeal the decision.

In proceedings against a student Respondent, the parties may appeal the Student Conduct Committee’s ruling to the President pursuant to WAC 132F-121-170 and Supplemental Title IX Student Conduct Code Policy 375 Procedures, WAC 132F-121-270 through WAC 132F-121-350. In proceedings against an employee Respondent, the parties may appeal the Employee Disciplinary Decision to the Vice Chancellor for Human Resources pursuant to Procedure 421.

To Summarize the Investigative Process

  • In an investigation, both the Respondent and Complainant will receive a formal Notice of Investigation.
  • The Title IX investigator will interview witnesses, look for and evaluate evidence, and provide both parties with an opportunity to review and respond to the evidence and statements that have been submitted.
  • The Title IX Coordinator will receive the Investigative report to make a determination on their findings.
  • If the Respondent does not participate, The Title IX Investigator will proceed with interviews and the gathering of evidence. The respondent can choose to participate or not. The office can complete the investigation and make a preliminary determination without the respondent’s participation.
  • The Complainant and Respondent do not need to interact. The complainant/s, respondent/s, and witness/es will speak directly to the investigator. The TIX office may offer a no contact directive before the investigation is launched to prohibit communication and ensure the integrity of the investigation.
  • At the conclusion of the investigation, a final report is issued, and the adjudication or determination process will begin with Student Conduct or Human Resources Office depending on the respondent status. Student discipline will be taken through Procedure 375 and Employees will be addressed in Procedure 283.

Definitions and Roles in the Process

Complainant: the individual(s) making the allegation

Respondent: the individual(s) against whom the allegation is made who is responding to the allegation

Witness: an individual who has direct knowledge of or information about the allegation being made

Preponderance: the standard against which information and evidence gathered during the investigation is assessed. The preponderance of evidence standard means “more likely than not.”

What is the Title IX Coordinator’s Role?
The Title IX Coordinator works to ensure that all persons who have experienced sex and gender-based violence and harassment receive support, and information about resources and reporting options.

The Title IX Coordinator, campus security, and other campus partners will also evaluate whether there is a risk to the safety of the community. After an initial safety assessment, the Title IX Coordinator will make a referral to a confidential counselor who can discuss and help facilitate supportive measures as well as explain how to submit a formal Claim if the impacted person chooses to do so. All information exchanged between a survivor/complainant and a counselor is confidential.

What is the Title IX Investigator’s Role?
The Title IX investigator’s primary responsibilities are to investigate and resolve Claims about sexual misconduct or harassment and other situations that fall under Title IX at Seattle Colleges. They are the individual charged with gathering information, including statements of the complainant, the respondent and witnesses, documents, texts, photos, pictures, images, and recordings, analyzing the information gathered, and determining by a preponderance of the evidence what happened.

An investigation is the process used by the Title IX Compliance Office to carefully examine an allegation or Claim of gender-based harm including sexual harassment and sexual violence in order to determine whether the Seattle Colleges policy has been violated, and if so, what steps the Colleges may take to correct and address such a violation, including assessing discipline.

This investigation is an administrative proceeding and not a criminal one. This means that the investigation determines whether university policy has been violated, not whether the law has been violated.

How can I obtain the record of an investigation?
If you are a student who participated in an investigation, you may request records by emailing the Compliance and Public Records Request Office:

  • Email: Precords@Seattlecolleges.edu
  • Fax: 206.934.4158
  • Mail to: Public Records. Seattle Colleges District Office. 1500 Harvard Avenue. Seattle, WA 98122