Title IX and Sexual Harassment
What is Title IX?
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.” Title IX is a federal law intended to end sex discrimination in all areas of education. Title IX:
- requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds or financial assistance must prohibit sex discrimination in their education programs and activities.
- applies to sexual harassment and sexual assault. According to the Office for Civil Rights, “sexual harassment of students, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.”
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual Harassment means conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- an employee of WCC conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct. (commonly referred to quid pro quo harassment).
- unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to WCC’s Education Program or Activity.
- Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking as those terms are defined under other federal laws, including the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act.
Your Rights Under Title IX
When WCC has Actual Knowledge of Sexual Harassment (or allegations thereof) against a person in the United States in its Education Program or Activity, WCC is obligated to respond and to follow Title IX’s specific requirements, which are addressed and incorporated in the Title IX Sex Discrimination and Harassment Policy/Procedure.
Promptly upon receiving allegations of Sexual Harassment against a person in the United States in WCC’s Education Program or Activity, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint and to explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Complaint.
Policy and Procedures
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnant and parenting students are welcome at Wilkes Community College.
Title IX regulations specifically prohibit discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions. Absences due to medical conditions related to pregnancy and maternity leave will be excused for as long as deemed medically necessary by a student’s doctor and students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work.
Additional information is available in the US Department of Education Guidelines for Supporting the Academic Success of Pregnant and Parenting Students.
Students are encouraged to complete the Pregnancy / Childbirth Notification & Support Request Form and discuss potential adjustments with their instructors as soon as they anticipate a need. Students and instructors may mutually agree upon adjustments if the adjustments do not alter learning outcomes or restrict educational opportunities for the student.
If a request requires medical documentation, the Director of Disability Services will reach out to the student to explain the process and clarify the documentation requirements. Required documentation should include:
- Recommended accommodation(s),
- Both beginning and ending dates for the accommodation(s), and
- Name, signature, credentials, and contact information of the medical professional.
May include, but are not limited to:
- Health and Safety: Adjustments to protect health and safety, such as maintaining a safe distance from hazardous substances.
- Physical Environment: Modifications to the physical environment, including accessible seating or permission to sit rather than stand.
- Scheduling Flexibility: Extensions for deadlines, make-up assignments, or exams missed due to pregnancy or postpartum-related absences.
- Medical Absences: Excusing medically necessary absences.
- Breaks: Allowing more frequent or extended breaks, including for lactation needs.
- Course Completion Options: Requesting an incomplete in a course, if applicable.
| Campus | Location | Contact Person to Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Alleghany Center | Room WCC 5 (back hall of the Alleghany Center) | Paige Belt 336-903-3146 pbbelt113@wilkescc.edu |
| Ashe Campus | Main Office | Amber Holliday 336-903-3115 asholliday860@wilkescc.edu |
| Wilkes Campus | Student Services Office (Window World Hall) | Cindy Core 336-838-6137 cgcore955@wilkescc.edu |
| Herring Hall | Room 2211 | Haley Hall 336-838-6249 hchall016@wilkescc.edu |
Each room provides an electrical outlet, comfortable chair and nearby access to hot running water.
Guidelines for Use of a Lactation Room
- Anyone planning to use a lactation room must register with the designated contact person at the applicable location.
- Each room is available on a first-come, first-served basis, Monday – Friday, during business hours and as scheduled. The person whose name appears on the schedule at a designated time has priority use of the room at that scheduled time.
- It is each person’s responsibility to notify the appropriate person at their location of any schedule changes and/or discontinued use of the room.
- Mother’s using the space are responsible for providing personal breast pumps and accessories.
- It is the responsibility of everyone using a room to clean up after themselves.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the requirements under Title IX related to pregnant and parenting students? | Title IX specifically prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy or recovery from any of these conditions. Under Title IX it is illegal for a college to exclude a pregnant student from participating in any part of an educational program. |
| Why is the issue of equitable treatment of pregnant and parenting students an issue that is regulated by the Department of Education and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR)? | The Department of Education found an alarming number of high school and college students were not completing their education as a result of pregnancy or pregnancy related issues. The Department of Education wants to make certain that all pregnant and parenting students are not faced with discrimination as they strive to stay in school. |
| What types of assistance must WCC provide to a pregnant student? | To ensure a pregnant student’s access to its educational program, when necessary, WCC must make adjustments to the regular program that are reasonable and responsive to the student’s temporary pregnancy status. For example, WCC might be required to provide a larger desk, allow frequent trips to the bathroom, or permit temporary access to elevators. |
| Are pregnant students required to receive the same services / accommodations that are provided to students with other temporary medical conditions? | Any special services provided to students who have temporary medical conditions must also be provided to a pregnant student. Schools cannot require a pregnant student to produce a doctor’s note in order to stay in school or participate in activities unless the same requirement to obtain a doctor’s note applies to all students being treated by a doctor. |
| Must WCC excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or childbirth? | Yes. Title IX requires a school to excuse a student’s absences due to pregnancy or related conditions, including recovery from childbirth, for as long as the student’s doctor deems the absences to be medically necessary. When the student returns to school, she must be reinstated to the status she held when the leave began, which should include giving her the opportunity to make up any work missed. WCC may offer the student alternatives to making up missed work, such as retaking a semester or allowing the student additional time in a program to continue at the same pace and finish at a later date, especially after longer periods of leave. The student should be allowed to choose how to make up the work. |
| Is Title IX protection retroactive? | No, students must apply for pregnancy and childbirth accommodations in a timely manner. WCC cannot go back in time to make accommodations. |
For additional information, please contact one of the following individuals:
Executive Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 336-838-6422
Fax: 336-551-9466
spcox072@wilkescc.edu
Director of Disability Services
Phone: 336-838-6560
Fax: 336-551-9459
rmmacemore052@wilkescc.edu
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Wilkes Community College (WCC), in compliance with and as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 and its implementing regulations (“Title IX”) and other civil rights laws, as well as in furtherance of its own values as a higher education institution, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, disability, age, religion, veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in, its programs and activities.
Discrimination and harassment are antithetical to the values and standards of the WCC community; are incompatible with the safe, healthy environment that the WCC community expects and deserves and will not be tolerated. WCC is committed to providing programs, activities, and an education and work environment free from discrimination and harassment. WCC is also committed to fostering a community that promotes prompt reporting and fair and timely resolution of those behaviors.
Inquiries concerning discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex may be referred to WCC’s Title IX Coordinator (for employees) or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator (for students).
WCC’s Title IX Team includes:
| WHO TO CONTACT | POPULATION SERVED | CONTACT INFORMATION |
|---|---|---|
| Sherry Cox, Executive Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator |
Employees | Human Resources Office/First Floor of Thompson Hall 336-838-6422 spcox072@wilkescc.edu |
| Scott Johnson, Dean of Student Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator |
Students | Student Services Office/First Floor of Window World Hall 336-838-6141 sajohnson366@wilkescc.edu |
Inquiries concerning discrimination or harassment based on a protected characteristic or status other than sex may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator (for employees) or Deputy Title IX Coordinator (for students).
Individuals may also make inquiries regarding discrimination or harassment to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights by contacting the District of Columbia Office, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1475; Phone 800-421-3481; email: OCR@ed.gov.
File A Report
Any person (whether or not alleged to be the victim) may report sex discrimination or harassment, including Sexual Harassment, by using the online Title IX Report Form. Additionally, reports may be filed in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information for the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours).
Faculty/Staff:
Executive Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 336-838-6422
Fax: 336-551-9466
spcox072@wilkescc.edu
Students:
In addition to the Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators, WCC has designated the following employees as individuals with the authority to institute corrective measures on behalf of WCC: President, Vice Presidents, and Deans. Accordingly, these employees are required to report discrimination and harassment on the basis of sex to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
WCC strongly encourages all employees and other members of the WCC community to promptly report concerns regarding suspected or known discrimination/harassment on the basis of sex to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Confidential Resources
Confidential resources are available on campus and in the community.
Mike Roope, EdS, LCMHC
Director of Counseling and Career Services
Phone: 336-838-6147
msroope085@wilkescc.edu
- A Safe Home for Everyone (A.S.H.E.)
626 Ashe Central School Rd., Unit 1
Jefferson , NC 28640
Office: 336-982-4588
Crisis: 336-246-5430
www.ashechildren.org - D.A.N.A. (Domestic Abuse is Not Acceptable)
Sparta Office: 336-372-3462
Wilkesboro Office: 336-990-9360
Alleghany County Crisis Line: 336-372-DANA (3262)
Toll Free: 866-261-DANA (3262)
www.danaservices.com - OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter)
225 Birch St. Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 828-264-1532
Hotline: 828-262-5035
www.oasisinc.org - Shelter Home of Caldwell County
Phone: 828-758-0888
www.shelterhomecc.org
Additional WCC Resources
Watch the WCC website and social media for events occurring each term.
Additional Community Resources
- Office of Civil Rights – Title IX and Sex Discrimination Information
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
Toll Free: 800-799-7233
TTY: 800-787-3224
thehotline.org - National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-4673
Title IX Training
The WCC Title IX Team participates in annual training on Title IX. Due to the January 2025 Title IX regulation changes, the following 2023 training materials are currently being utilized, which comply with the reinstated 2020 regulations.