UNLAWFUL DISCRIMINATION

I. Unlawful Discrimination

A. The District assumes the responsibility for providing a work and academic environment free from unlawful discrimination because of ethnic group identification (race, national origin, ancestry), color, religion, age, sex, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related), marital status, or status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran. (Title VI & VII, Title IX, California Gov't Code 11135, Title 5, Sec. 59300 59326, and the Fair Employment and Housing Act)

1. Unlawful discrimination by students or employees will not be tolerated; and if it is determined that such conduct has occurred, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.

2. The Human Resources Director/EEO is responsible for compliance with, and implementation of, all laws and regulations on unlawful discrimination.

B. Sexual Harassment

1. The District will take all steps necessary to provide a work and educational environment free from sexual harassment and intimidation. (Title 5, 53030)

2. California Education Code Sec. 212.5 defines "sexual harassment" as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting."

3. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and will not be tolerated. If it occurs, it will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

4. The full District statement on Sexual harassment is located in Administrative Regulation 809.02.

C. Handicapped Employment Students with Disabilities

1. In accordance with Section 504, Title 5, Sec. 53029, and related CCC Guidelines, the District will make reasonable accommodation for the disabled applicant or employee.

a. Reasonable accommodation is defined as efforts made on the part of the employer to remove artificial or real barriers which prevent or limit the employment and upward mobility of disabled persons.

b. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, the provision or modification of equipment; provision of assistive devices; modified work schedules; job restructuring or job site modification; provision of readers, interpreters, or tutors; transportation; etc.

2. Accommodations and other services for disabled students are arranged through the Disabled Student Services Office.

a. College of the Redwoods' facilities, programs, and activities are accessible and available to disabled persons.

3. The Director of Disabled Student Program and Services serves as the Sec. 504 Coordinator, and is responsible for compliance and complaints.

D. Title IX (Sex Discrimination) Ed. Code, Sec. 200 264

1. All forms of sex discrimination are covered under District policy on unlawful discrimination.

2. The Human Resources Director/EEO, or designee serves as the Title IX Coordinator, and assures compliance, handles complaints, and provides required notifications.

E. Procedures for Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination (See Administrative Regulation 809.03).

1. The District maintains clearly defined and publicized procedures for filing, investigation and resolution of Complaints of Unlawful Discrimination (applicable to students, employees, and job applicants). The College has developed both preliminary (informal) and formal grievance procedures to handle complaints. These procedures apply to both affirmative action and unlawful discrimination complaints.

a. All complaints will be investigated quickly and thoroughly and in a manner which maintains confidentiality and protects the rights and privacy of all parties.

2. Complaints may be communicated to, or filed with, the Human Resources Director/EEO, or any District administrator or classified manager.

F. Sexual Orientation

1. The District will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment or in academic programs or activities.

G. AIDS

1. College of the Redwoods has adopted Board Policy 813 which states that
". . . the College will treat all employees and students equally, regardless of whether they have AIDS/ARC, belong to a group thought to be particularly susceptible to AIDS/ARC, are related to or reside with persons having AIDS/ARC, or have tested positive for the HIV antibody. The district will not deny a person who has AIDS/ARC any benefits for which he/she is eligible. (Section 504, Title 2, Section 7293, and Title 5, Section 59300)

"An individual with AIDS/ARC will not be denied employment or enrollment for instruction in the District as long as he/she is able to perform in accordance with the respective standard of each position."

(Title VI; VII; IX; Section 504; California Government Code 11135 and 12900-12996; California Education Code, Section 200-264; Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 53029, 53030, 59300-59326; Title 2, California Code of Regulations, Section 7287.6, 7291, 7293)

Approved:
Revised: 2/4/03