Sexual Misconduct/Title IX

Durham Technical Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any Education Program or Activity that it operates, as required by Title IX, including in admission and employment.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” In accordance with Title IX, and consistent with Durham Tech’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of human respect and dignity, any form of sexual discrimination is taken seriously and will be investigated.

Confidentiality

The college will make every reasonable effort possible to preserve an individual’s privacy and protect the confidentiality of information that it receives in connection with a report of sexual misconduct. All individuals receiving a report understand the desire to keep the information confidential. In particular situations where privacy cannot be strictly kept, it will still be tightly controlled on a need-to-know basis. Dissemination of information and/or written materials to persons not involved in the complaint procedure is not permitted. The college will treat information that it receives in a manner that respects both the sensitivities and rights of the complainant and the respondent.

State and federal regulations may dictate a course of action that will require making portions or all of the report known to others, including possibly the alleged offender, during the course of the investigation. Additionally, recognizing that sexual misconduct undermines the safety and freedom of an educational environment and could be criminal behavior, depending on the nature of the incident, there may be instances where it is the college’s ethical and legal responsibility to disclose information regarding the circumstances related to a specific incident. Should this be the case, the victim will be notified prior to the information being released. If the complainant is a minor (under 18 years old), or the alleged incident took place while the complainant was a minor, the law requires disclosure to law enforcement authorities.

Process

If you feel that you have been a victim of sex-based harassment or sex discrimination, Durham Tech has a system of care and support to provide you with assistance. Durham Tech has designated a Title IX officer and other qualified personnel to coordinate the college’s efforts to comply with and carry out our responsibilities under Title IX and all associated regulations. These individuals will take action to eliminate sexual discrimination, prevent its recurrence, and coordinate efforts to address its effects.

All members of the college community are expected to take appropriate action to prevent discrimination, harassment and sexual-based violence by reporting such alleged acts to the appropriate college officials. College employees receiving a complaint of discrimination, harassment or sexual based violence shall immediately refer the complaint to the appropriate person. For acts of sexual–based violence, College employees shall also inform the complaint of the right to contact law enforcement.

Retaliation

Title IX prohibits retaliation by any student and/or employee against anyone who reports an alleged Title IX violation.

Procedures

Procedures are based upon the type and date of the report of the alleged misconduct.

Learn how to file a complaint.

Badge for Institutional Member of the Student Conduct Institute - the State University of New York. Click to view our campus TIX training.

Durham Tech uses Title IX training materials provided by SUNY, which are available for review.