Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Policy

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College shall provide its students with an environment free of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and intimidation. All students are encouraged to report any act of unlawful harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and/or intimidation. Reports will be treated in an expeditious and confidential manner. WGTC will not tolerate retaliation for having filed good faith harassment and/or discrimination complaints or for having provided any information in an investigation. Any student or employee who retaliates against a complainant or witness in an investigation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion. Any student who knowingly makes a false charge of harassment/discrimination or retaliation or any student who is untruthful during an investigation is guilty of misconduct and may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal.

All students are expressly prohibited from engaging in any form of unlawful harassing, retaliating, discriminating, or intimidating behavior or conduct. Any student who has engaged in prohibited behavior or conduct will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion. The college has appointed Shalonda J. Sanders, Associate Vice President for Human Resources as the Title IX and Equity Coordinator, as well as, Katrina Royal, Director of Testing and Special Populations as the student ADA & Section 504 Coordinator. Along with members of the Campus Equity and Compliance Team, they oversee implementation of related policies, procedures, on-going training for faculty, staff and students, as well as complaint resolution.

Unlawful Harassment

Unlawful Harassment is considered as unlawful verbal or physical conduct that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of that person’s race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, genetic information, disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam Era, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law) which:

1. Has the purpose or effect of creating an objectively and unreasonably intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment, or
2. Has the purpose or effect of objectively and unreasonably interfering with an individual’s educational performance.

Amongst other related mandates under TCSG Policy, federal or state statutes, protections from unlawful harassment are provided under:

• Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972,
• Violence Against Women Act of 1994,
• Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended,
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended,
• Executive Order 11246, as amended,
• Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, as amended,
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended,
• Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended,
• Equal Pay Act,
• Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009,
• Georgia Fair Employment Act of 1978, as amended,
• Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986,
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and
• Workforce Investment Act of 1998,

Unlawful harassing conduct or behavior can include but is not limited to, epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping, or threatening, intimidating or hostile acts that relate to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, genetic information, age or disability. Unlawful harassing conduct can include jokes or pranks that are hostile or demeaning with regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability. Unlawful harassing conduct may also include written or graphic material that disparages or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability, and that is displayed on walls, bulletin boards, computers, or other locations, or otherwise circulated in College community in any format.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment is a form of unlawful harassment. Specific protections from sexual harassment are provided for under the Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972, and in some cases the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994. Sexual harassment is considered as unwelcome sexual advances, unwelcome requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal, written, electronic or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1. Submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s education;
2. Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for education decisions affecting such individual; or,
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive educational environment.

Sexually harassing conduct or behavior (regardless of the gender of the persons involved) can include but is not limited to:

Physical touching, sexual comments of a provocative or suggestive nature, suggestive looks or gestures, sexually explicit jokes, electronic media/communication, printed material or innuendos intended for and directed to another, requests for sexual favors, making acceptance of any unwelcome sexual conduct or advances a condition for grades, continued enrollment or receipt of any educational benefit or determination.

Sexual Violence is also a form of unlawful harassment and sexual harassment. Protections are extended under the Title IX and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Sexual violence is considered physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent, including but not limited to sexual assault, rape, sexual battery, and sexual coercion. Conduct which threatens coerces, harasses, or intimidates another person or identifiable group of persons, in a manner that is considered unlawful under state and federal laws pertaining to stalking or dating/domestic violence while on college premises or at college-sponsored activities is also considered unlawful harassment under this procedure. All acts of sexual violence are considered unlawful sexual harassment, regardless of gender, for purposes of this procedure. All acts of sexual violence will be reported to campus police, who may also report to local law enforcement.

Procedures for Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students Complaints

(not including Sexual Harassment)

As per the Technical College System of Georgia’s Procedure 6.1.1p Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students, the procedure includes all forms of illegal discrimination as cited in the college’s Equal Opportunity Statement. The procedure below is as cited in the Technical College System of Georgia’s Procedure 6.1.1p Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination of Students.

Reporting and Management Action

1. All students are encouraged to report events of unlawful harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation (“prohibited conduct”) against themselves or others.
2. If a student filing a complaint requests anonymity or asks that the complaint not be pursued, the college must inform the student that its ability to respond may be limited, that retaliation for 4 filing a complaint is prohibited and steps to prevent harassment and retaliation will be taken. The college should take all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint consistent with the request and pursue other steps to limit the effects of the alleged harassment and prevent a recurrence.
3. Colleges may weigh a request for anonymity or a request they not pursue a complaint considering the following factors: the seriousness of the alleged conduct, the complainant’s age, whether there have been other harassment complaints about the same individual, and the alleged harasser’s rights to receive information about the allegations if the information is maintained as an “education record” under FERPA. The college must inform the student if the request cannot be granted.
4. Reports concerning all prohibited conduct referenced in this procedure will be processed confidentially to the extent permitted by law; communications regarding complaints will be disseminated to others on a need-to-know basis to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect the community as a whole and that appropriate disciplinary measures or corrective actions are considered and taken.
5. Allegations or suspicions of unlawful discrimination, harassment, or unlawful retaliation may be reported to the technical college’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Section 504 Coordinator, the president, or the Human Resources Director (should the complaint involve employees). Complaints may also be emailed to unlawfulharassment@tcsg.edu.
6. Complaints under this procedure can be expressed in writing, by telephone, or in-person; individuals are, however, encouraged to express complaints in writing to ensure all concerns are addressed.
7. If an allegation of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation is made to an employee not designated to receive such reports, the employee receiving the complaint must report the allegation as provided in section 6 above.
8. Students or employees may be suspended, transferred, or reassigned employees or students in order to prevent possible further harassment, discrimination or retaliation; to facilitate the investigation or to implement preventive or corrective actions under this procedure.
9. Any allegation of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation against employees must be reported to the Human Resources Director who may elect to conduct the investigation in conjunction with other local investigators.

Investigations

1. All complaints of prohibited conduct under this procedure shall be investigated by local investigators thoroughly and expeditiously.
2. A complaining party will be notified if the complaint does not specify facts sufficient to allege unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation and that a formal investigation will not be conducted pursuant to this procedure.
   1. The complaining party may appeal the decision, in writing, to the president within 5 business days of receiving the notice. The president’s decision will be final.
3. Individuals designated to investigate or recommend corrective actions in response to allegations will be trained to conduct investigations in a manner that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability. Individuals assigned as the investigator for a particular incident shall disclose to the president any relationship with the parties that could call into question their ability to be objective prior to taking any action with respect to the investigation. The president will reassign alternate individuals if necessary.
4. Investigations will be conducted by gathering relevant information and interviewing appropriate witnesses. Both the complaining party and the respondent (the parties) will be given equal opportunity to identify witnesses and offer evidence in person or in writing. Best efforts will be made to interview all witnesses identified by the parties. Both the complaining party and the respondent may be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choice. However, the advisor may not speak on behalf of the party.
5. The college will evaluate the information collected during the investigation and determine whether a preponderance of the evidence substantiates that unlawful discrimination, unlawful harassment and/or unlawful retaliation has occurred.
6. Investigations and summary findings will be documented appropriately.

Corrective Actions

1. Colleges will take all reasonable steps to prevent unlawful retaliation against complainants and any other individuals participating in investigations under this procedure.
2. If prohibited conduct is determined to have occurred following the investigation, the college, through the appropriate officials, shall implement steps to prevent a recurrence and to correct the discriminatory effects on the complaining party and others as appropriate. Steps may include, but are not limited to, mandating training or evaluation, disciplinary sanctions, policy implementation or reassignment of students or employees.
3. Should recommended disciplinary sanctions involve academic suspension or expulsion, the matter must be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs, as provided by the college’s Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure.
4. Individuals who are responsible for conducting investigations or proposing sanctions under this procedure should not also serve as reviewing officials or hearing officers in the appeal of sanctions arising from an investigation.
5. Even in the absence of sufficient evidence to substantiate a finding that unlawful discrimination, unlawful harassment or retaliation has occurred, colleges are expected to address any inappropriate conduct and take all reasonable steps to prevent any future unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation.

Reviews and Dispositions

1. Any of the parties to a complaint under this procedure may request a review of the investigative findings within 5 business days of receiving notice of the investigative results by submitting a written request to the president.
2. The president shall review all investigations conducted under this procedure and ensure that the appropriate corrective actions have been implemented.
3. Within 10 business days of receiving a request for a review of the investigative findings, the president of the college will notify the parties in writing of his/her final determination, including any change in the result of the findings. The notice will inform the parties they have a right to appeal the determination to the Technical College System of Georgia’s Office of Legal Services by submitting a written request within 3 business days by regular mail or email to one of the following: Technical College System of Georgia Office of Legal Services 1800 Century Place, N.E. Suite 400 Atlanta, Georgia 30345 OR unlawfulharassment@tcsg.edu
4. The Office of Legal Services will convene a panel of at least 3 individuals not employed by the requestor’s college to review the investigative findings. The panel’s decision is final and will conclude the processing of the complaint. Both parties will be notified in writing simultaneously 6 of the results of the review and any changes in the results of the investigative findings under appeal.

Retention of Records in Unlawful Harassment Cases

Documents relating to formal complaints including investigations, dispositions and the complaint itself shall be held for 5 years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance. Any of the documents containing confidential information shall be held in a secure location under the custody and control of the Vice President of Student Affairs or the President’s designee. Documents pertaining to employees that are maintained by the Office of Human Resources shall be maintained in a secure location and in accordance with the Georgia State Archives records retention schedule, but in no case fewer than 5 years.

Procedures for Sexual Harassment Complaints

As per the Technical College System of Georgia’s Procedure 6.1.2p Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (Students), the procedure includes all forms of illegal discrimination as cited in the preceding Equal Opportunity Statement, to include VAWA and the Clery Act. The President of the college has appointed Shalonda J. Sanders, Associate Vice President for Human Resources as the Title IX Coordinator. Ms. Sanders along with members of Campus Equity and Compliance Team receive on-going training concerning sexual harassment and sexual violence complaints and prevention.

Instructors and administrators are required to take ongoing proactive steps to ensure educational opportunities and student activities are accessible and free from any type of sex discrimination or harassment. The college also provides sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training to students and employees and provide programs for ongoing awareness training as required by VAWA and the Clery Act. Wiregrass students have been provided the Haven training modules for this purpose. The college also maintains and publishes a Notice of Victims Rights which contains a list of local sources for counseling, support and advocacy for individuals who report sexual violence, sexual assault, stalking or dating/domestic violence will be provided with and/or referred to the list of resources.

The procedure below is as cited in the Technical College System of Georgia’s Procedure 6.1.2p Sexual Harassment and Misconduct (Students).

1. Reporting and Management Action
   1. All students are encouraged to report incidents of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct against themselves or others to the Title IX Coordinator at the technical college. The Title IX regulations define “sexual harassment” to include three types of misconduct on the basis of sex which jeopardize the equal access to education that Title IX is designed to protect. These types of misconduct include: any instance of quid pro quo harassment by a TCSG and/or College employee; any conduct on the basis of sex that in the view of a reasonable person is so severe and pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to a TCSG and/or College education program or activity; and any instance of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (collectively “Title IX Prohibited Conduct,” as defined in this Procedure). Students may find contact information for the Title IX Coordinator on the technical college website, and in the student handbook and college catalog. Complaints may also be emailed to unlawfulharassment@tcsg.edu.
   2. To utilize this procedure, a Complainant must file a Formal Complaint which is defined herein as a document filed and signed by a Complainant or filed and signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging Title IX Prohibited Conduct against a Respondent and requesting that TCSG investigate the allegations.
   3. Any allegation of sex discrimination, sexual misconduct or retaliation against employees must be reported to the Human Resources Director and the Title IX Coordinator.
   4. All allegations of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct on one of TCSG’s college campuses or clinical locations must be reported to the Title IX Coordinator regardless of whether the allegations involve students or employees. All students, faculty, staff, and others participating in TCSG and/or College programs and activities in the United States are subject to this Title IX Procedure. If the allegations do not fall within the jurisdiction under this procedure, they may be referred and processed under the student code of conduct procedure.
   5. Students have the right to file (or not to file) a criminal complaint for sexual violence with the local law enforcement authorities before, during, or after filing a complaint with the college. The investigation under this procedure shall not be unreasonably delayed to await the outcome of any criminal investigation. Sexual violence reports made to the Title IX Coordinator will be investigated and adjudicated separately from any criminal complaints. A student may request that the Title IX Coordinator and/or the Investigator assist the student with notifying local law enforcement authorities. If a technical college’s campus law enforcement receives a complaint alleging sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct as defined in this procedure, the Title IX Coordinator for the college shall be immediately notified so that appropriate action may be taken by the Title IX Coordinator regarding the complaint.
   6. If a student filing a complaint alleging sexual misconduct requests confidentiality, anonymity or asks that the complaint not be pursued, the college must inform the complainant that its ability to respond may be limited, that retaliation for filing a complaint is prohibited, and that steps to prevent harassment and retaliation will be taken. Consistent with the request, all reasonable steps to investigate and respond to the complaint should be made and other steps to limit the effects or recurrence of the alleged misconduct will be taken. a. Regardless of a student’s request for confidentiality, anonymity of a complaint, or a request that a complaint not be pursued, if the complaint includes allegations of sexual assault, sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, the Title IX Coordinator must report the incident to campus law enforcement for inclusion in the college’s Annual Security Report (“ASR”). The complainant should be informed that their name will not be disclosed to campus law enforcement if they have requested confidentiality during the processing of the complaint.
   7. Colleges may weigh a request for confidentiality, anonymity or a request they not pursue a complaint considering the following factors: the seriousness of the alleged conduct, the complainant’s age, and the respondent’s right to receive information about the allegations if the information is maintained as an “education record” under FERPA. The college must inform the complainant if the request cannot be granted and the reasons for the denial.
   8. Reports concerning all prohibited conduct referenced in this procedure will be processed confidentially to the extent permitted by law; communications regarding complaints will be disseminated to others on a need-to-know basis to ensure that necessary steps are taken to protect the community as a whole and that appropriate corrective actions are considered and taken.
   9. If an allegation of sex discrimination or sexual misconduct is made to an employee not designated to receive such reports, the employee receiving the complaint must report the allegation to the Title IX Coordinator. The College must take corrective actions to stop harassment to which it has notice, prevent recurrence of the harassment, and remedy the effects on the complainant promptly and effectively. The College will be deemed to have notice if a responsible employee knew, or in the exercise of reasonable care should have known, about the harassment. A responsible employee includes any employee who has the authority to take action to redress the harassment, who has a duty to report the harassment to the Title IX Coordinator, or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or responsibility, including instructors and staff at the college.
   10. Allegations of any sexual conduct involving individuals under the age of 18 must also be reported as an allegation of child abuse as outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5.
   11. Supportive measures must be offered to the complainant by the college president or the Title IX Coordinator or his/her designee before the final outcome of an investigation and until final resolution of the allegations if failure to take the interim measures would constitute an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of the complainant, the respondent, or other members of the college, or to ensure equal access to the college’s programs and activities. Supportive measures may include: adjustments to academic workload (including extending deadlines); adjustment to class or work schedules; no contact orders; and suspensions, transfers or reassignments in order to prevent further harassment, discrimination, sexual violence or retaliation, to facilitate the investigation, or to implement preventive or corrective actions under this procedure; informal resolutions or discretionary dismissals
   12. Discretionary Dismissal.
       1. TCSG and/or the College may dismiss the Formal Complaint if: i. the Respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by TCSG and/or the College; ii. specific circumstances prevent TCSG and/or the College from gathering sufficient evidence to reach a determination; or iii. the Complainant informs the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the Complainant desires to withdraw the Formal Complaint or allegations therein.
       2. A Complainant may notify the Title IX Coordinator at any time that the Complainant does not wish to proceed with the Investigation and/or Hearing process. If such a request is received, the Title IX Coordinator will inform the Complainant that the TCSG and/or the College’s ability to respond to the allegation may be limited if the allegations are withdrawn.
       3. The Title IX Coordinator will consider the relevant factors in reaching a determination as to whether to terminate the Investigation and/or Hearing process. In the event that the Title IX Coordinator determines that the Investigation will continue, the Title IX Coordinator will notify the Complainant of that determination. The Title IX Coordinator will include in that notification a statement that the Complainant is not required to participate in the Investigation and/or Hearing process but that the process will continue. In the event that the Title IX Coordinator determines that the Investigation will be terminated, both Parties will be notified.
2. Investigations
   1. All complaints of prohibited conduct under this procedure will be reported immediately to the Investigator who will be responsible for conducting the investigation in a fair, prompt, and impartial manner.
   2. The Investigator shall disclose to the TCSG Compliance Officer any relationship with the parties that could call into question his/her ability to be objective prior to taking any action with respect to the investigation. The TCSG Compliance Officer will reassign alternate individuals if necessary.
   3. The Investigator shall send written notice to both parties of the allegations upon receipt of a formal complaint.
   4. Either the complaining party or the respondent may challenge the Investigator or designee to recommend corrective action on the grounds of personal bias by submitting a written statement to the TCSG Compliance Officer setting forth the basis for the challenge no later than 3 business days after the party reasonably should have known of the alleged bias. The TCSG Compliance Officer will determine whether to sustain or deny the challenge.
   5. The investigation should be completed within 45 business days of the receipt of the complaint by the Investigator. The investigator will notify the parties and the Title IX Coordinator, in writing (typically by email), if extraordinary circumstances exist requiring additional time.
   6. The parties will be notified within 5 business days of receipt of the complaint by the Investigator if the complaint does not specify facts sufficient to allege sex discrimination, harassment, sexual violence or retaliation, or if the allegations of sexual misconduct did not occur in the college’s education program or activity against the complaining party while he or she was located in the United States, and that a formal investigation will not be conducted pursuant to this procedure, although a referral and investigation may be made by the Title IX Coordinator as to some or all of the matter for consideration under other applicable TCSG policy or procedure, if any. The complaining party may appeal the decision in writing to the president within 5 business days of receiving the notice. The president’s decision will be final.
   7. Individuals designated to investigate or recommend corrective actions in response to allegations of sexual misconduct will be trained annually to conduct investigations in a manner that protects the safety of complainants, promotes fairness of the process and accountability.
   8. Investigations will be conducted by gathering relevant information and interviewing appropriate witnesses.
      • It is important that all parties preserve any documents or other evidence which may pertain to the investigation.
      • Any medically related evidence is best preserved by trained medical personnel.
      • Students are encouraged to seek medical services both for treatment and preservation of any medical evidence.
   9. Both the complaining party and the respondent (the parties) will be given equal opportunity to identify witnesses and offer evidence in person or in writing. Best efforts will be made to interview all witnesses identified by the parties. If a witness identified by either party is not interviewed during the investigation, an explanation for the decision not to interview the witness should be documented in the investigatory report. Both parties will be given timely notice of meetings at which one or the other or both parties may be present. Both the complaining party and the respondent may be accompanied by an advisor of his or her choice during any meetings involved in the investigatory process in which the advisee is also eligible to be present. However, the advisor may not speak on behalf of the party.
   10. Any evidence collected during the investigation should be maintained in accordance with the record retention requirements below. Personally-identifiable information, including, but not limited to home address, telephone number, student ID or social security number should not be maintained in investigative records.
   11. A report of investigation will be provided to the college’s Title IX Coordinator within five (5) business days of completion of the investigation. The Title IX Coordinator will provide both parties simultaneously with a copy of the report and any supporting evidence. The parties shall be given ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the report to respond to the report and the supporting evidence, which must be considered by the Investigator before finalizing the report. Any information prohibited from disclosure by law or policy will be redacted from any documents prior to distribution. With regard to complaints of sexual misconduct, disclosures made to comply with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (“VAWA”) do not constitute a violation of FERPA.
   12. If the Investigator determines that all or some of the allegations made in the complaint are substantiated and that the conduct at issue constitutes a violation of this or other applicable procedure, the Title IX Coordinator shall forward the report to the appropriate officials at the college for further action in accordance with the provisions below and the college’s Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure or the Positive Discipline Procedure for employees.
3. Hearings
   1. Format of Hearing:
      • Hearings may be conducted with all Parties physically present in the same geographic location or, at the discretion of the Decision-Maker, any or all Parties, Witnesses, and other participants may appear at the live Hearing virtually, with technology enabling participants simultaneously to see and hear each other.
      • At the request of either Party, TCSG will provide for the Hearing to occur with the Parties located in separate rooms with technology enabling the decision-maker(s) and Parties to simultaneously see and hear the Party or the Witness answering questions.
   2. Recording of Hearing:
      • Hearings will be transcribed or recorded through audio or audiovisual means, and TCSG and/or the College will make the transcript or recording available to the Parties for inspection and review upon request.
   3. Role of Advisor:
      • If a Party does not have an Advisor present at the Hearing, TCSG and/or the College will provide, without fee or charge to that Party, an Advisor of TCSG and/or the College’s choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that Party.
   4. Role of the Decision-Maker:
      • The Decision-Maker will:
        1. be a professional appointed by the TCSG Commissioner who is experienced and trained in adjudicating matters of civil rights, sexual harassment and/or sexual violence and trained on this Title IX Procedure;
        2. preside over the Hearing and will issue the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility;
        3. be identified to the Parties before the Hearing at least three calendar days prior to the Hearing.
      • Conflict of Interest:
        • No person who has a conflict of interest may serve as the Decision-Maker.
        • A conflict of interest exists if the Decision-Maker has prior involvement in or knowledge of the allegations at issue in the case, has a personal relationship with one of the Parties or Witnesses, or has some other source of bias.
        • Either Party may assert, in writing, that a Decision-Maker has a conflict of interest.
        • A request to recuse a Decision-Maker based on a conflict must be submitted to the Hearing Coordinator within 1 business day’s receipt of the name of the DecisionMaker.
        • A determination will be made by the Commissioner or his designee whether a Decision-Maker has a conflict of interest, and if so that Decision-Maker will be replaced by an alternate.
      • At the Hearing, the Decision-Maker will:
        • Permit Cross-examination. At the Hearing, the Decision-Maker will permit each Party’s Advisor to ask the other Party and any Witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility. Such cross-examination at the Hearing must be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the Party’s Advisor of choice and never by a Party personally. The Parties may, however, jointly agree in advance to waive oral cross-examination and instead submit written cross examination to the Decision-Maker to conduct the examination. Even if the Parties agree, the Parties are still required to have an Advisor present at the Hearing. The Decision-Maker has discretion to otherwise restrict the extent to which Advisor may participate in the proceedings.
        • Determine Relevance of Questions. Only relevant cross-examination and other questions may be asked of a Party or Witness. Before a Complainant, Respondent, or Witness answers a cross-examination or other question, the Decision-Maker must first determine whether the question is relevant and explain any decision to exclude a question as not relevant.
        • Provide Rape Shield Protections for Complainants. The Decision-Maker will prohibit any questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior as not relevant, unless such questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant, or if the questions and evidence concern specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove consent.
        • Exclude Statements, as Relevant, in Reaching a Determination Regarding Responsibility. If a Party or Witness does not submit to cross-examination at the live Hearing, the Decision-Maker must not rely on any statement of that Party or Witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility. The Decision-Maker cannot draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a Party’s or Witness’s absence from the live Hearing or refusal to answer cross examination or other questions.
   5. Hearing Process:
      • The Investigator will be available to answer any questions from the Decision-Maker about the Investigation.
      • The Decision-Maker may meet with the Parties and Witnesses for the purpose of making findings of fact.
      • The Parties and Witnesses may not speak to matters beyond the scope of the Hearing File (for example, by raising potential misconduct allegations that go beyond the scope of the charged conduct).
      • Parties and Witnesses must not disclose or reference information to the Decision-Maker that was excluded from the Hearing File.
      • The Decision-Maker may ask questions of the Parties and/or Witnesses.
      • Parties are permitted to listen to Witnesses as they are speaking to the Decision-Maker. The Decision-Maker is not obligated to speak to all Witnesses.
      • Written Determination Regarding Responsibility:
        • The Decision-Maker shall issue a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility within 10 business days of the hearing, applying the Preponderance of the Evidence standard (as required by Georgia law), which shall include:
          • identification of the allegations potentially constituting Title IX Prohibited Conduct;
          • a description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the Formal Complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the Parties, interviews with Parties and Witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and Hearings held;
          • findings of fact;
          • conclusions about whether the alleged Title IX Prohibited Conduct occurred, applying the definitions set forth in this Title IX Procedure to the facts;
          • the rationale for the result as to each allegation;
          • any disciplinary Sanctions imposed on the Respondent;
          • whether Remedies or Supportive Measures will be provided to the Complainant; and
          • information about how to file an appeal.
        • Sanctions:
          • The Decision-Maker may ask the Parties to submit Sanctions statements at the conclusion of the Hearing.
          • The Decision-Maker may also consult with TCSG and/or College personnel, including the Human Resources Director or Vice President of Student Affairs, regarding any Sanctions and Remedies appropriate to the specific Respondent and Complainant under the circumstances of the case.
          • The Sanction determination will be provided to the Title IX Coordinator who will be responsible for implementing the Supportive Measures and/or Remedies, including the continuation of any Supportive Measures and/or any additional or on-going accommodations for both Parties.
        • The Title IX Coordinator will cause the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility to be sent to the Parties.
        • The Title IX Coordinator will provide copies of the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility and Sanctions and/or Remedies (if any) for the purpose of maintaining records as follows:
          • For students, to the Office of Student Affairs
          • For staff, to Human Resources
          • For faculty, to the Office of Academic Affairs
        • The Decision-Maker must explain decisions on responsibility and Sanctions (if applicable) and Remedies with enough specificity for the Parties to be able to file meaningful appeals.
        • The consideration of whether Remedies and Sanctions go into immediate effect or are temporarily delayed pending appeal or some combination thereof, will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Title IX Coordinator.
        • The Written Determination Regarding Responsibility becomes final: if an appeal is not filed, the date on which an appeal would no longer be considered timely; or if an appeal is filed, on the date that TCSG and/or the College provides the Parties with the written determination of the result of the appeal.
4. Corrective Actions
   1. Colleges will take all reasonable steps to prevent unlawful retaliation against complainants and any other individuals participating in investigations under this procedure.
   2. If prohibited conduct is determined to have occurred following the investigation, steps shall be taken to prevent a recurrence and to correct the discriminatory effects on the complaining party and others as appropriate.
      • Steps may include, but are not limited to mandating training or evaluation, disciplinary sanctions, policy implementation, issuing no-contact orders, or reassignment of students or employees.
      • Disciplinary sanctions for students are defined in TCSG Procedure governing Student Discipline and may include: reprimand, restriction, disciplinary probation, disciplinary suspension, and disciplinary expulsion.
      • Disciplinary sanctions for employees are defined in TCSG's Positive Discipline Procedure and may include: formal reminders, decision making leave, or dismissal.
   3. The severity of sanctions or corrective actions may depend on the severity, frequency and/or nature of the offense, history of past discriminatory, harassing, or retaliatory conduct, the respondent’s willingness to accept responsibility, previous college response to similar conduct, and the college’s interests in performing its education mission.
      • Should recommended disciplinary sanctions involve academic suspension or expulsion, the matter must be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs, as provided by the college’s Student Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Procedure.
   4. Even in the absence of sufficient evidence to substantiate a finding that sex discrimination, sexual misconduct or retaliation has occurred, colleges are expected to address any inappropriate conduct and take all reasonable steps to prevent any future sex discrimination, harassment, sexual violence or retaliation.
   5. Individuals who are responsible for conducting investigations, under this procedure, may not also serve as reviewing officials or Decision-Makers in the appeal of sanctions arising from an investigation.
5. Appeals
   1. Appeal of a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility
      • Submission of Appeal
        • Both Parties have the right to an appeal from a Written Determination Regarding Responsibility on the bases set forth below.
        • Appeals may be submitted by a Complainant or Respondent in writing to the Hearing Coordinator, who will forward the appeal to a designated Appeal Officer to decide the appeal.
        • The Appeal Officer will be the Commissioner of TCSG or his designee.
        • Each Party may submit a written appeal of up to 6,000 words in length, which will be shared with the other Party.
        • The Parties must submit the appeal to the Commissioner within ten (10) calendar days from the receipt of the Written Determination Regarding Responsibility (if any).
      • Grounds for appeal are limited to the following:
        • Were there any procedural irregularities that substantially affected the outcome of the matter to the detriment of the appealing Party?
        • Was there any substantive new evidence that was not available at the time of the decision or Hearing and that could not have been available based on reasonable and diligent inquiry that would substantially affect the outcome of the decision?
        • Did the Title IX Coordinator, Investigator(s), or Decision-Maker have a conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents that affected the outcome of the matter?
        • For matters that proceeded to Sanctioning and imposition of Remedies, are the Sanction and/or Remedies ones that could have been issued by reasonable persons given the findings of the case? NOTE: In composing appeals, Parties should format their arguments following these four grounds as the organizational structure.
      • Receipt of Appeal
        • Upon receipt of a Party’s appeal, the Hearing Coordinator will share it with the other Party.
        • Each Party may submit a response to the other Party’s appeal (no more than 3,000 words).
        • Each Party must submit this response to the Commissioner within 10 calendar days after the other Party’s appeal has been shared.
        • The appealing Party will have access to the other Party’s response to the appeal, but no further responses will be permitted.
      • Response to Appeal
        • The Title IX Coordinator is permitted, but not required, to file a response to a Party’s appeal to respond to concerns relating to procedural irregularities or bias in the Investigation and Hearing process.
        • The Title IX Coordinator may submit one response for each Party that files an appeal (that raises a procedural irregularity).
        • Each response by the Title IX Coordinator should be no more than 1,500 words.
        • The Parties will have access to the Title IX Coordinator’s response(s) to the appeal, but no further responses will be permitted.
      • Appeal Decision
        • The Appeal Officer will provide the Notice of Outcome of Appeal no later than ten (10) business days after receipt of all appeal documents.
        • As needed, the Appeal Officer will consult with the Title IX Coordinator regarding the management of ongoing Remedies.
        • The Appeal Officer may reject the appeal in whole or in part, issue a new decision regarding responsibility, issue new or revised Sanctions and Remedies, or refer the matter to a new Decision-maker.

RETENTION OF RECORDS IN SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE CASES

Documents relating to formal complaints including investigations, the investigatory report, witness statements, evidence, dispositions and the complaint itself shall be held for 7 years after the graduation of the student or the date of the student’s last attendance. Any of the documents containing confidential information shall be held in a secure location under the custody and control of the Investigator, Vice President of Student Affairs or the President’s designee. Documents pertaining to employees that are maintained by the Office of Human Resources shall be maintained in a secure 16 location and in accordance with the Georgia Archives records retention schedule, but in no case fewer than 7 years.