Northern New Mexico College Title IX Policy (Interim)
Click here to download a PDF version of this policy
If you have experienced sexual harassment, including sexual assault as defined in
this policy, you have a variety of options available to you. You may report this crime
to the police, pursue administrative investigative options, seek supportive measures
and seek confidential resources.
You have the choice of submitting an informal complaint or a formal complaint at the
College. Both choices include tailored supportive measures to assist in providing
you with the support needed to continue learning or working at Northern. A formal
complaint initiates an investigation while an informal complaint does not. You can
also speak with a confidential resource described in Section 3 and identified in Appendix
B to explore your options before making your decision.
Section 1 of this policy provides additional information on what to do if you experience
sexual harassment, including sexual assault.
General
Northern New Mexico College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (including
gender, sex stereotyping, gender expression, and gender identity). Sexual harassment,
which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination. Sex discrimination
is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972; the New Mexico Human Rights Act, NMSA 1978, Sections 28-1-1 to
28-1-7, 28-1-7.2, 28-1-9 to 28-1-14; and Northern New Mexico College policy.
Northern is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well
as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from discrimination, harassment,
and retaliation. To ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws and
regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity
in all aspects of the educational enterprise, Northern has developed policies and
procedures that provide a fair, prompt, and impartial process for those involved in
allegations of harassment or discrimination on the basis of protected class status.
Northern values and upholds the equal dignity of all members of its community and
strives to balance the rights of the parties in what is often a difficult time for
all involved.
For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment, dating violence, domestic violence,
and stalking are collectively referred to as “sexual harassment.” Sexual harassment
subverts the mission of the College and threatens the careers of students and employees.
As more fully described, this policy applies to allegations of sexual harassment made
by or against a student, staff, or faculty member that occur within the course of
a Northern program or activity or have continuing adverse effects on campus. If the circumstances giving
rise to the allegations are related to Northern’s educational programs or activities,
this policy may apply regardless of the affiliation of the parties to the College.
The College is committed to responding promptly and fairly to every allegation of
sexual misconduct. This policy addresses conduct that may be covered by Title IX,
Title VII, the Faculty Handbook, College policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Allegations
may be covered by one or more of the aforementioned laws/policies.
Sexual harassment may be committed by anyone, including a stranger, an acquaintance,
a friend, or someone with whom the reporting party (Complainant) is involved in an
intimate or sexual relationship. Individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct
are encouraged to report what happened to law enforcement and to seek assistance from
any of the campus resource offices or community resources referenced in this policy.
A report of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and addressed in accordance
with Northern policies and procedures.
