Fair and Impartial

Individuals making a report of sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination are referred to as “complainants” in KCTCS policy. Individuals being accused in these reports are referred to as “respondents” in KCTCS policy. Kentucky Community & Technical College System Office strives to provide both parties with prompt, fair, and impartial investigative and disciplinary processes.

Fairness

Both the respondent and the complainant will receive timely notification of the charges being raised and will be provided a meaningful opportunity to respond to those charges. Both parties will have the opportunity to present witnesses and evidence, to have advisors present, to review the evidence brought against them, to be notified of the outcome of investigative and disciplinary process.

Assistance

Upon receipt of notice that a Title IX complaint has been filed, respondents are encouraged to consult with the Title IX Coordinator, Val Parks, (859) 256-3466, val.parks@kctcs.edu whom can explain the policies and procedures.

Criminal Complaints

Under Title IX, the college is required to address complaints of sexual misconduct in a prompt manner, including in instances where there is a pending law enforcement proceeding. The college recognizes that this could result in respondents defending against criminal charges at the same time that they are involved in the college’s Title IX process. The college respects the constitutional rights of respondents and does not presume that respondents have violated college policies unless there has been a finding through the adjudicatory process.

Retaliation

Retaliation of any sort is against the law; therefore, KCTCS will not tolerate retaliation related to a sexual misconduct complaint. Retaliation may include unlawful adverse employment action (such as a demotion, change in working hours/schedule or working conditions, etc.), unlawful adverse action in the academic setting, offensive behavior on and off the job/KCTCS premises, and third-party retaliation (e.g., against victim’s close associate or relative if also employed at or attending a KCTCS institution). Use of social media to harass or retaliate against individuals involved in a sexual misconduct complaint shall be subject to disciplinary action.

No unlawful adverse employment action or other retaliation shall be taken against any individual who resists or rejects sexual misconduct, who makes a good faith report or allegation of sexual misconduct, or who participates in a sexual misconduct investigation or proceeding. An individual who believes he/she has been retaliated against shall report it using the same procedures as allegations of harassment, discrimination or sexual misconduct. KCTCS shall investigate any allegations of retaliation and take appropriate action if retaliation did occur.

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of; race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.

External Assistance

External remedies are available for students through the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. For more information, you may contact the Philadelphia Office:

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
Wanamaker Building, Suite 515
100 Penn Square East
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Telephone: 215-656-8541
FAX: 215-656-8605
TDD: 215-656-8604
Email: OCR_Philadelphia@ed.gov