"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." - 20 U.S.C. § 1681 & 34 C.F.R. Part 106
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in MCC's education programs and activities. Sex discrimination can include sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination prohibited by applicable law and College policy.
You do not need to determine which policy or law applies before reporting.
MCC encourages individuals to contact a Title IX Coordinator whenever they experience or learn about possible sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, or retaliation. The Title IX Coordinator will explain the applicable process and available support.
Sexual Harassment
For purposes of the Title IX grievance process, sexual harassment includes conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- An MCC employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the College on an individual's participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (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 MCC's education program or activity.
- Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined by applicable federal law and incorporated into MCC's Title IX procedures.
When the Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Process Applies
For allegations of sexual harassment addressed through MCC’s Title IX grievance process, Title IX jurisdiction generally applies when the alleged conduct:
- occurred against a person in the United States;
- occurred within an MCC education program or activity; and
- occurred in a location, event, or circumstance over which MCC exercised substantial control over both the respondent and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred.
An MCC education program or activity may include conduct occurring on College property and certain off-campus locations, programs, activities, or events over which MCC exercises the level of control required by Title IX.
Conduct that does not meet the jurisdictional or other requirements for MCC’s Title IX grievance process may still violate another MCC policy or procedure and may be addressed through another applicable College process.
A determination that reported conduct is not subject to the Title IX grievance process does not mean that the conduct is permitted or that MCC cannot respond. MCC may take appropriate action under other College policies or procedures and may provide supportive measures or other assistance, as appropriate.
Retaliation Is Prohibited
MCC prohibits intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination against an individual because the individual reported sex discrimination, made a complaint, testified, assisted, participated or refused to participate in a Title IX process, or exercised rights protected by Title IX. Report concerns about retaliation promptly to the Title IX Coordinator.
Title IX and Clery/VAWA Are Related but Distinct
Title IX and the Clery Act/Violence Against Women Act have overlapping but distinct requirements. Rights, resources, and institutional obligations related to dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking may apply even when conduct is not handled through the Title IX grievance process. MCC's Annual Security Report contains additional Clery/VAWA disclosures and procedures.