Sexual Harassment and Title IX

Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965) is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions. This act is codified as Title 20, United States Code, Chapter 38, Sections 1681-1686. The act was also amended by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 ("Title IX").

The law states that "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." The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of "program or activity" to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity, or private employer that receives federal funds.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is bound by, and supports, all applicable laws. The Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972 ensures the College does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SAVE) of 2013 and Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) ensures that colleges and universities implement policies and programs to prevent sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and hate crimes.

NWTC adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws banning discrimination in public institutions of higher education. NWTC does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, age, race, creed, color, sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, marital status, ancestry, religion, genetic testing or other applicable legislated categories, in its services, employment programs, and/or its educational programs and activities, including but not limited to admissions, treatment and access. Moreover, NWTC provides assurances that lack of English reading/speaking skills will not be a barrier to admittance and participation in the College.

Employees and students are subject to various federal, state and local laws, which regulate civil and criminal conduct. Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972 (“Title IX”) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual assault and harassment are forms of sex discrimination that are prohibited under Title IX. Sexual assault is an act of sexual violence, which involves any form of sexual contact or conduct without a person's consent. Title IX and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act of 2013 ensure that colleges and universities implement policies and programs to prevent sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, relationship-based violence, and hate crimes.

Members of the NWTC community are encouraged to direct Title IX questions, concerns, and complaints to the Title IX Coordinator(s) (listed below). If a Title IX Coordinator is alleged to be the person who engaged in discrimination or sexual misconduct, the report may be filed with another of the named offices.

Complaints can also be filed with the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR encourages reporting parties to follow the College’s process prior to filing a complaint with OCR; however, it is not required. Generally, complaints must be filed with OCR within 180 days of the alleged event. Complaints can be filed with OCR via email at ocr@ed.gov and by completing an electronic complaint form.

The College recognizes the right of all parties involved in a complaint to a fair and equitable resolution of complaints. Falsification, distortion or misrepresentation of information during the course of a complaint resolution process may be grounds for disciplinary action.

Rights of Reporting Party:

1. You have the right to expect that NWTC will respond promptly, equitably, and thoroughly to all incident reports once we are made aware of the incident, barring any unusual circumstances.
2. You have the right to be notified of your options to report to law enforcement.
3. You have the right to expect that you will be informed of NWTC’s conduct process and outcomes.
4. You have the right to be free from retaliation for exercising your rights to file a complaint.
5. You have the right to interim support and reasonable protective measures to help you to   continue to learn at NWTC (e.g., change in class schedule, if appropriate).
6. You have the right to be treated with respect by NWTC staff throughout the entire process.
7. You have the right to privacy and the assurance that information regarding the complaint will be shared only with those necessary.
8. You have the right to be notified of available counseling and mental and physical health services for victims of sexual misconduct, gender-based discrimination and/or harassment on campus or off campus.
9. You have the right to have an advisor present in a support or advisory role during the entire process.
10. You have these rights regardless of your race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, or any other protected class.

Rights of Responding Party:

1. You have the right to expect that NWTC will respond promptly, equitably, and thoroughly to all incident reports once we are made aware of the incident, barring any unusual circumstances.
2. You have the right to expect that you will be informed of NWTC’s conduct process and outcomes.
3. You have the right to be free from retaliation.
4. You have the right to be treated with respect by NWTC staff throughout the entire process.
5. You have the right to privacy and the assurance that information regarding the complaint will be shared only with those necessary.
6. You have the right to be notified of possible sanctions that may result if found responsible of violating the Sexual Misconduct policy and the Student Code of Conduct.
7. You have the right to have an advisor present in a support or advisory role during the investigation.
8. You have the right to be notified of available counseling and mental and physical health services, on and off campus.
9. You have these rights regardless of your race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, religion, or any other protected class.

What is a Confidential Resource?

Confidential resources are employees or agents, designated by the College, who are prohibited from sharing student and employee concerns regarding potential discrimination and misconduct. Healthcare professionals within Campus Care and the NWTC licensed professional counselors are confidential resources.  

Resources for Students

Counseling services are available at all NWTC campuses upon request. Meet the NWTC Licensed Professional Counselors and learn how to set up a meeting with them.

Resources for Employees

• Bellin Campus Care: 920-498-6993; SC120
• Employee Assistance Program: 920-403-7600 

Community resources are available to provide support. You can call or approach any of these people confidentially and off the record and tell them what happened. They will listen to you and explain your options. Talking to any of these groups does not constitute reporting the incident to NWTC:

Sexual Assault Center Family Services
Green Bay, WI  54301
24 hour hotline: 920-436-8899
Door County: 920-746-8996
Oconto County: 920-846-2111
Marinette: 715-732-2111

Rainbow House
Marinette, WI  54143
24 Hour Crisis Line: 800-956-6656
Serves Marinette and Oconto Counties and Menominee, MI

Safe Haven
PO Box 665
Shawano, WI  54166
24 Hour Crisis Line: 888-303-3421
Text only: 715-584-1258

Caring House
Iron Mountain, MI  49801
Crisis Phone Line: 906-774-1112

Tri-County Safe Harbor, Inc.
(Delta, Menominee, Schoolcraft, MI)
Locations: Escanaba, Manistique, and Menominee, MI
Crisis Line: 906-241-0690

211 Wisconsin
211 connects you with thousands of nonprofit and government services in your area. If you want personal assistance call the three-digit number 211 or 877-947-2211. A friendly voice to talk with you 24/7/365.

Training for Students and NWTC Employees 

In accordance with NWTC’s mission and vision, as well as federal guidelines, training about the policy and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, assault, and relationship violence is recommended for all students and required for all new and current instructors, and staff. Best practices identified through the United States Department of Education and Violence Against Women Act will be used to develop awareness programs. 

Not Anymore training is an interactive online program designed to prevent sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. It runs for approximately 50 minutes.