Introduction

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. – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Northland Community & Technical College (Northland) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and/or gender in education programs and activities. Sexual harassment that creates a hostile environment, including sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct, is a form of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. In addition, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 requires prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution of allegations of stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence.

Acts of sexual violence are intolerable. Northland expects all members of the campus community to act in a manner that does not infringe on the rights of others. We are committed to eliminating all acts of sexual violence.

Northland faculty and staff are concerned about the well-being and development of our students. We are obligated to share information with the Northland Title IX Coordinator in certain situations to help ensure that the student’s safety and welfare are being addressed, consistent with the requirements of the law. These disclosures include but are not limited to reports of sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking.

If you have experienced or know someone who has experienced sexual violence, services and resources are available. You may also choose to file a report. In cases of emergency, please call 911.

Title IX Compliance

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that provides: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all university programs and activities, including, but not limited to, admissions, recruiting, financial aid, academic programs, student services, counseling and guidance, discipline, class assignment, grading, recreation, athletics, housing, and employment.

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against people for making or participating in complaints of sex discrimination.

As a campus of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (Minnesota State) system, Northland has an enduring commitment to enhancing Minnesota’s quality of life by developing and fostering understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society and providing equal opportunity for all its students and employees. To help effectuate these goals, Northland is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education.

No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In addition, discrimination in employment based on membership or activity in a local commission as defined by law is prohibited.

Harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is prohibited. Harassment may occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and employee, student and student, staff and student, employee and employee, and other relationships with persons having business at, or visiting the educational or working environment.

Discrimination/Harassment

An incident of harassment or discrimination can be reported using the Northland Discrimination/Harassment Complaint Form.

Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual and is prohibited at Northland. Northland is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms and will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or other Board Policies that may require separate proceedings. To further its commitment against sexual violence, Northland provides reporting options, an investigative and disciplinary process, and prevention training or other related services as appropriate.

Gender Equity in Athletics

Northland is committed to providing equal athletic opportunities for students of all gender identities and expressions. The College will provide athletic opportunities for students in accordance with federal, state, MCAC, NJCAA, and other collegiate governing body requirements.

Reports & Training

At Northland, we believe it is the duty of all students, faculty, and staff to be actively engaged in keeping our campus safe. We’re committed to providing a safe space for students to live and learn and for employees to work. To do so, various trainings are held annually and on an ongoing basis.

In order to improve the overall transparency and integrity of Northland’s Title IX policies and procedures, we have made available all materials used to train Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any employee who facilitates a resolution process.

Sexual Violence Prevention Training

Sexual Violence Prevention Training is a training course developed by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. The course focuses on promoting the intellectual awareness of all students, offering accessible resources and services from the college regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. At Northland, we believe that students need to be actively engaged in their education and engaged in contributing to keeping the campus safe.

All incoming students are required to complete the training course, located on D2L Brightspace. Students must complete the course by the tenth (10th) day from the start of the academic semester. The college automatically enrolls students in the online training course according to their enrollment as required by state and federal law. If a student has experienced sexual violence or relationship/domestic violence, they should contact the Title IX Coordinator for alternative training.

Those who fail to complete the training program will have a registration hold placed on their student account, preventing their registration for the subsequent semester. Students can resolve this hold by completing the online training.

Campus Crime Statistics

• Northland Campus Crime Statistics: Statistical data for reports, alleged reports, arrests of criminal activity, and disciplinary referrals occurring on and off the campus of Northland.
• Minnesota Office of Higher Education Report: Minnesota postsecondary institutions annual report regarding statistics of sexual assault; Minnesota Office of Higher Education gathers and calculates statistics.