Retaliation

Consistent with state and federal laws, this policy prohibits retaliation against a person for: reporting discrimination and harassment; filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment; or participating in the investigation or adjudication of such a complaint. Retaliation is also prohibited against persons who assist others in bringing a complaint of discrimination or harassment by offering advice and moral support or by giving testimony or documentary evidence in response to a complaint.

Retaliation is defined as conduct that may reasonably be perceived to:

• adversely affect a person’s educational, living, or work environment because of his or her good-faith participation in the reporting, investigation, and/or resolution of a report of a violation of this policy; or
• discourage a reasonable person from making a report or participating in an investigation under this policy, any other College policy, or any other local, state, or federal complaint process, e.g., filing a complaint with an entity such as the U.S. Department of Education.

Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, acts or words that constitute intimidation, threats, or coercion intended to pressure any individual to participate, not participate, or provide false or misleading information during any proceeding under this policy. Retaliation may include abuse or violence, other forms of harassment, and/or making false statements about another person in print or verbally with intent to harm their reputation.

Retaliation can be committed by any individual or group of individuals, not just a Responding Party or a Complaining Party. Retaliation constitutes a violation of this policy even when the underlying allegations did not result in a finding of responsibility.

Any person who retaliates against an individual reporting, filing, or participating in the investigation or adjudication of a complaint of discrimination or sexual misconduct as defined in this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion or termination. Retaliation is prohibited even if the underlying complaint is eventually dismissed or is deemed to lack merit.