Student FAQs - Title IX

Title IX

Student, Staff, and Faculty FAQ

This FAQ page is intended to inform the community about the Title IX office and the steps we are taking to promote an environment free from discrimination and harassment. See answers to some of the questions we hear most often below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in schools. It requires Butte College to strive to prevent sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, and domestic violence (including dating violence). Title IX also protects students from discrimination based on pregnancy status and ensures equal opportunity in athletics. Title IX requires Butte College to stop, prevent, and remedy harassment and discrimination as they can interfere with one's ability to access educational programs or activities.

The Title IX Coordinator reports to the Vice President for Student Services and has primary responsibility for oversight of Butte College’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The Title IX Coordinator's role includes, but is not limited to:

  • Coordination of the College’s effort to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements as it relates to Title IX laws and regulations;
  • Oversight of college-wide education, training and outreach programming related to Title IX;
  • Coordinating and executing in a timely manner the College’s response and investigation of complaints pursuant to Title IX
  • Monitoring and oversight of implementation of the Title IX compliance.

Current Title IX regulations ensure that support is available to both Complainants and Respondents involved in a Title IX case. Supportive resources may vary depending on the needs of those involved and the circumstances of the case. Please contact the Title IX Coordinator to learn what may be available.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for processing reports of sexual misconduct as well as other sex discrimination complaints. The Title IX Coordinator will complete an initial assessment of the complaint and will provide oversight of the Title IX complaint process.

Consent means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Both Parties must give affirmative consent to sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he/she/they has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest, lack of resistance, or silence does not indicate consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and one can revoke his/her/their consent at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, is not an indicator of consent.

Complaints may be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator by phone, in person, or by email. Complainants can be students, faculty, staff, or third parties who may have heard about or witnessed an incident.

The Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to schedule an interview. Actions taken subsequent to the interview will depend on the nature of the incident and will take into account the desires of the Complainant.
The process used to handle sexual misconduct cases will depend on the allegations of conduct, where it occurred, and who was involved. The Title IX Coordinator can explain the appropriate process given the circumstances of the case.
Sanctions can vary greatly depending on the facts of the case. Typical sanctions can range from written reprimand and counseling/training to suspension or expulsion.
Investigators must be thorough in their approach. Depending on the number of witnesses or other parties, some investigations can take quite some time to gather all relevant facts and evidence. Parties will be provided with approximate timelines within the scope of Butte College policy.

Title IX requires colleges to address and remedy complaints of sexual misconduct & discrimination regardless of whether or not it is reported to law enforcement. In most circumstances, Complainants decide what option(s) to pursue: a campus investigation, filing a police report, both, or neither. The Safe Place & Wellness Program is available to accompany survivors to file a criminal report, should they choose to do so. The College will fully cooperate with any police investigation.

 

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Useful Links

These organizations can help you with any questions or situation you may be in.

Contact Us

Curtis Pahlka

Title IX Coordinator

530-893-7487

pahlkacu@poscoop.com

Content Editor:
Curtis Pahlka
530-893-7487