In accordance with the college policy on campus environment, Midlands Technical
College intends to provide a safe and supportive learning and working
environment for its students, faculty and staff. The college affirms the
principle that students, faculty and staff have the right to be free from any
forms of harassment, including sexual discrimination, sexual assault/violence
and sexual harassment. Harassment, which includes sexual discrimination, sexual
assault/violence and sexual harassment, are violations of the Midlands Technical
College Student Code and the Employee Harassment Policy, as well as violations
of state and federal law. The college has developed a statement addressing
harassment to inform students, faculty and staff of their rights and the
services available. Sexual assault, sexual violence, and harassment are included
under this statement. In compliance with Title IX of the U.S. Department of
Education, Dr. Ronald L. Rhames has been designated to coordinate compliance
with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in section 35.107 of the
Department of Justice regulations, section 504 and Title IX regulations.
He can be reached at Midlands Technical College, P.O. Box 2408, Columbia,
SC 29202, (803) 822-3261.
Sexual assault is any physical contact of a sexual nature, up to and including
sexual violence and rape, which occurs against a person’s will and/or without a
person’s consent.
Sexual harassment is unwelcome attention directed toward a person’s sexuality or
sexual identity. Sexual harassment includes demands for sexual favors in
exchange for benefits or the creation of a hostile environment. A hostile
environment occurs when sexually offensive conduct creates an intimidating,
abusive or unpleasant learning or working environment that unreasonably
interferes with a student receiving an education or an employee doing their
work.
Other forms of harassment can include disparaging personal remarks,
intimidating, threatening and abusive behaviors directed toward another person
or group of individuals.
The college provides programming to enhance the awareness and prevention of
harassment, including sexual assault/violence and sexual harassment throughout
the year. Designated staff members and community experts give presentations and
provide resources on request. In addition, pamphlets, brochures and other
literature are distributed throughout the campus via newsstands; bulletin
boards; activity fairs; the student newspaper; and the employee newsletter, the
College News, on the MTC intranet
site.
In cases of sexual assault/violence, victims should not change clothes or bathe
before seeking medical attention or reporting the crime. This action will ensure
the evidence is preserved.
If a sexual offense happens off campus, victims are encouraged to report the
incident to the local police immediately. The police will provide guidance
concerning evidence collection, legal procedures and other support resources.
When a sexual offense occurs on campus, members of the college community should
immediately contact and file a report with Campus Police. The Vice President for
Student Development Services or designee investigates allegations involving
students, and the Senior Vice President or designee investigates allegations
involving faculty and staff. Complaints of sexual assault will be responded to
promptly and equitably. The right to confidentiality of all members of the
college community will be protected to the extent possible under law.
Retaliation against individuals filing sexual assault and/or sexual harassment
charges is prohibited.
Convicted sexual offenders are required by law to register with Campus Police.
Campus Police and the investigating party will advise victims of their option to
file criminal charges with local law enforcement authorities. They will also
assist victims with transportation to the nearest designated sexual assault
treatment center. The college will provide victims of sexual assault and sexual
harassment with counseling and information about victim support services, such
as the nearest sexual assault treatment center. Counseling and Career Services
will provide students counseling and referral assistance and Human Resource
Management will assist employees in seeking counseling through the Employee
Assistance Program.
The college will grant victims’ requests for reasonable and appropriate
alternative accommodations to allay their security and safety concerns. Possible
accommodations may include alternative classes, campus relocation, work
reassignments and/or schedule changes.
The victim may choose to exercise the option to file formal disciplinary actions
against the alleged assailant under the Student Code, the Student Grievance
Procedure, or the Employee Disciplinary Actions Policy.
Midlands Technical College strictly prohibits hazing, as defined in the South
Carolina Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act. Any act in which a student or
employee treats another student or college employee in a tyrannical, abusive,
shameful, insulting or humiliating nature, with intent of bodily or
psychological harm, is a violation of the Midlands Technical College Student
Code and college employee policy. If an investigation reveals that an individual
is guilty of hazing after being accorded appropriate due process, that
individual will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with college
disciplinary procedures.
Victims may initiate the college disciplinary process by filing a complaint with
Campus Police, the Vice President for Student
Development Services, or designee (for students), or the Senior Vice President
or designee (for college employees). Victims of sexual assault/violence and/or
sexual harassment should provide a detailed written statement to the
investigating party. If evidence is sufficient, charges will be filed against
the accused. Due process under established college disciplinary procedures will
be accorded all parties.
Disciplinary actions imposed for sexual assault and sexual harassment offenses
will vary according to the severity of the conduct and may include expulsion of
a student from the college or termination of employment of a staff or faculty
member. Other possible disciplinary actions include those cited in the Student
Code and the Employee Disciplinary Actions Policy.
Both the complainant and the accused have the rights to due process and counsel
during the disciplinary proceedings; however, counsel is solely to advise. Both
parties will be notified in writing of the resolution of any college
disciplinary proceeding resulting from a sexual assault and/or sexual harassment
charge and of their right to appeal findings through all stages, up to the
review by the college President.
As with any crime, if charges of sexual assault/violence and/or sexual
harassment are prosecuted, criminal penalties could result in addition to
disciplinary actions taken by the college.