TITLE IX

TITLE IX

Sexual Misconduct Prohibited by Civil Rights Law

Bellingham Technical College is committed to providing a learning and working environment characterized by mutual respect and fair treatment among all its constituents. An essential component of this environment is a strong ethic and practice of equality, acceptance, and nondiscriminatory interactions. Harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, gender identity or manifestation, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by college policy or by state or federal laws is unacceptable and will be addressed through this policy.

According to federal law, “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 educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Furthermore, Bellingham Technical College strives to provide a safe environment in which students and employees can pursue their education and/or employment free from the detrimental effects of sexual misconduct, which includes, but is not limited to, sexual harassment, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of non-consensual sexual behavior.

Sex- and gender-based harassment, discrimination or violence will be addressed through the College’s Grievance Rules - Discrimination and Harassment available online (Grievance Rules- Discrimination and Harassment).

The Title IX Coordinator handles a student complaint of harassment (bullying, sexual harassment, hazing,) sexual assault, sexual violence, sexual coercion, and rape, as well as violations of the Student Conduct Code. For the process in these instances, please see the Student Code of Conduct (WAC 495B-121) or contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleIX@btc.edu or 360.752.8440.

The Title IX Coordinator provides advice and oversight on policies, preventive educational programs, resources and services required under Title IX, and in addition, oversees all complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence, as well as identifies and addresses any patterns or systematic problems that arise during the review of complaints.

Note: The 2020 Department of Education federal regulations under Title IX, effective August 14, 2020, define sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct more narrowly than the Bellingham Technical College policy and require specific procedures for investigating and adjudicating allegations that meet the federal definitions and other criteria, such as where alleged conduct occurred. BTC will continue to address all complaints of sexual misconduct and will assess complaints to determine if BTC policy or federal rules apply. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer handles any investigation of an employee complaint based upon race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and veteran status. For information on the process in these instances, please contact the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Officer at hr@btc.edu or 360.752.8475.

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Counseling & Support Resources

If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, we encourage you to see a confidential counselor. Please stop by the front desk in College Services Building (CS) Room 106, visit the counseling webpage, or call 360.752.8450 to make an appointment with a counselor to discuss your reporting options in detail and to have the option to have someone there while you report. We also encourage you to utilize the following support resources that are available to you:

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Reporting Options

If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, you have resources and reporting options. If you are involved in, or have knowledge of an incident, please immediately contact at least one of the following people/offices:

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Title IX Training

Effective August 14, 2020, the new 2020 Title IX Regulations (34 CFR Part 106.45(b)(10)) mandates the public sharing of materials used to train school and college Title IX team members. The following materials reflect the training of BTC’s Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Administrators.

Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Administrators
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