Sexual Harassment

• Local Resources for Help
• Incident Report Form
• Sexual Harassment Incident Report Form for download

Greensboro College prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in its programs and activities. As defined by Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes discrimination on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

 Greensboro College does not unlawfully discriminate in its admissions practices, in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex. Greensboro College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing sex discrimination or participating in any sex discrimination investigation or complaint process, whether internal or external to Greensboro College. Sex-based harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX

In order to uphold a safe and welcoming campus environment and to meet federal regulations including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, and Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Greensboro College has adopted the following Sexual Harassment Policy:

Greensboro College Sexual Harassment Policy

If you have experienced or witnessed sexual harassment, you are urged to seek help immediately. A list of on- and off-campus resources is provided here to assist you. You are also encouraged to report the incident to the college by completing the Incident Report Form or by contacting the Title IX Coordinator:

Emily Scott
Title IX Coordinator
Greensboro College
231 Main Building
336-272-7102, ext. 5496
titleix@greensboro.edu

To report an incident anonymously, please dial 336-217-7259. Your recorded message will be forwarded to the Title IX coordinator for review.

Or you may contact the Campus Conduct Hotline at 866-943-5787.

Campus Conduct Hotline offers an easy, comfortable way to report activity or behavior you may observe or experience on campus that is harmful, unethical, questionable, or causes you or someone else personal injury. You should call the Campus Conduct Hotline if you experience or observe any of the following:

• Sexual harassment/assault
• Fraud or crime
• Discrimination
• Bullying
• Hazing
• Safety or facility risk issues
• Security and Internet policy abuses
• Code of Conduct violations
• Workplace hostility
• Illegal or unethical business practices
• Any other questionable behavior

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Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention Program

In order to ensure a safe, non-discriminatory environment on campus, Greensboro College provides a comprehensive sexual assault and harassment prevention program. The program is available online and must be completed before arriving on campus. Students who do not complete the training will not be allowed to check-in. We strongly encourage all students to complete the training prior to July 31st to avoid any complications or delays in the check-in process.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact Greensboro College’s Title IX Coordinator, Emily Scott, at titleix@greensboro.edu.

Below are instructions about how to login to the course. 

Please be on the lookout in your Greensboro.edu email for a message from Vector Solutions about completing your training. You may also go to https://greensborostudents-nc.safecolleges.com/ to log into the portal for authentication using your Greensboro.edu email to complete the training.

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Title IX Information

Title IX and the Greensboro College Sexual Harassment Policy

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 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 Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights and the US Department of Justice Civil Rights Division ensure that educational institutions receiving federal funds are in compliance with Title IX. They evaluate, investigate, and receive complaints regarding sex-based harassment and discrimination. In addition, they provide information and guidance to educational institutions like Greensboro College which helps shape what has to be included in a sexual harassment policy.

Under Title IX, schools must designate at least one employee who is responsible for coordinating the school’s compliance with Title IX. This person is known as the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator oversees the school’s response to reports of sex-based harassment, including all investigation and resolution of sex-based harassment covered by the sexual harassment policy, and identifies and addresses any patterns or systemic problems revealed by such reports. The Title IX Coordinator at Greensboro College is:

Emily Scott
Title IX Coordinator
231 Main Building
titleix@greensboro.edu
336-272-7102 ext. 5496

Below are links to these federal institutions as well as other resources that will assist in learning more about Title IX.

• US Department of Education Title IX
• US Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
• Know Your Title IX

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VAWA & Clery Act

The 2013 Violence Against Woman Reauthorization Act (VAWA) includes the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, also known as the Campus SaVE Act, which applies to all colleges and universities receiving federal student aid. The Campus SaVE Act amends the federal Clery Act and requires greater transparency regarding incidents of sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking on college campuses in annual crime statistic reports. The Campus SaVE Act also guarantees victims enhanced rights, sets standards for disciplinary proceedings, and requires campus-wide prevention education programs. The Campus SaVE Act is seen as a companion to Title IX.

The Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to comply with certain campus safety- and security-related requirements as a condition of their participation in the title IV, HEA programs. The links below provide additional information regarding VAWA and the Clery Act.

• Federal Register Published Final Regulations
• Clery Center
• Greensboro College Clery Report (.pdf)

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What Parents Need to Know

To address your student’s safety more effectively, we use a comprehensive online sexual assault and harassment prevention program designed for college campus.  . Every incoming student is required to complete the training provided in partnership with Vector Solutions/Safe Colleges The training must be completed before being allowed to check-in. In addition to completing this online program, incoming students must attend a face-to-face training session on campus called Pride R.O.A.R. Pride R.O.A.R. is focused primarily on bystander intervention as a means of preventing sexual violence before it occurs. It also includes information on Greensboro College’s sexual harassment policy and tips for reporting and staying safe.

At GC we take incidents of sex-based  harassment very seriously and strive to handle all accusations of sex-based harassment in a timely and equitable manner. Since the College’s primary relationship is with the student(s) involved in such cases, parents will only be informed of an incident of sexual harassment if their child has signed a release form granting the College permission to release information or if there is a concern for the student’s safety. Greensboro College’s primary relationship is with the student(s) involved and not the parents.

All College proceedings are conducted in compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Clery Act, Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), state and local law, and college policy. No information shall be released from such proceedings except as required or permitted by law and college policy.

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Additional Information & Resources

Websites with resources regarding sexual assault

• Family Services of the Piedmont
• NC Coalition Against Sexual Assault
• Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• Love is Respect National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
• The Hotline National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center
• Stalking Resource Center

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What Is Sex-based Harassment?

Sex-based harassment is a form of sex discrimination and means sexual harassment and other harassment on the basis of sex, as defined by Title IX, including harassment on the basis of sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Types of Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment is defined in accordance with Title IX as one (or more) of the following:

• A school employee conditioning the provision of aid, benefits, or services on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct, commonly known as quid pro quo;
• Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the College’s education program or activity; or
• Sexual assault (as defined in the Cleary Act – see below) or dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act – see below).

Sexual Assault: Actual or attempted sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent. This may involve force or coercion. Sexual assault includes, but is not limited to, intentional touching of another person’s intimate parts (i.e. breasts, penis, vagina) without that person’s consent; Rape, which is penetration, however slight, of (1) the vagina or anus of a person by any body part of another person or by an object, or (2) the mouth of a person by a sex organ of another person, without that person’s consent; or other intentional sexual contact with another person without that person’s consent.

Dating or Domestic Violence: Physical or sexual violence or threats of violence by a current or former dating, domestic, or intimate partner.

Stalking or Cyberstalking: Engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to (1) fear for their safety or the safety of others and (2) suffer substantial emotional distress.

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What Is Consent?

Consent is informed, voluntary, and mutual, and can be withdrawn at any time. There is no consent when there is force, expressed or implied, or when coercion, intimidation, threats, or duress is used. Silence or absence of resistance does not imply consent. Past consent to sexual activity with another person does not imply ongoing future consent with hat person or consent to that same sexual activity with another person.

If a person is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired and cannot understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual situation, there is no consent; this includes impairment or incapacitation due to alcohol or drug consumption or being asleep or unconscious. Under State law in North Carolina, 16 is the minimum age of consent for sexual contact. Whenever there is doubt or uncertainty, it is advisable to assume consent as defined above cannot be given.

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Confidentiality

There are several ways for an individual to report an incident of sexual harassment with varying levels of confidentiality.

Confidential Reporting

Licensed counselors, pastoral counselors, and healthcare providers are not required to report any information about an incident of sexual harassment to the College. If an individual would like for an incident to be kept confidential, they should speak with the on-campus counselor, clergy, or campus health services, or off‐campus rape crisis support services. Seeking assistance and support from these individuals will not trigger a college investigation. These individuals are available at any point in the process and can provide both initial and ongoing support as needed.

A Complainant who speaks confidentially to one of these resources and does not wish to make a formal complaint with the College must understand that the College will be unable to conduct an investigation or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator.

Non-Confidential Reporting

All Greensboro College employees, other than those designated as confidential resources, are considered “responsible employees and therefore cannot keep complete confidentiality. When a report of sexual harassment is made to a responsible employee, that employee is required to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator. These reports will include all relevant details that are known about the alleged sexual harassment including the names of the persons involved, any witnesses, and any other relevant facts such as the date, time, and location of the alleged incident. Responsible employees at the College include faculty, staff, and student workers—such as Resident Advisors, Residence Hall Directors, coaches, trainers, advisors, student development personnel, and many others. Responsible employees who neglect their obligation to report may put the campus community at risk and may be subject to disciplinary measures. Responsible employees should report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator via phone or email within 24 hours of learning of the incident and should make every effort to maintain individual privacy without neglecting their duty to report. The responsible employee does not need to determine if, in fact, a violation of the policy occurred in order to make a report.

Greensboro College also provides an anonymous reporting number that accepts messages. That number is 336-217-7259. Reports made to this phone line will be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator for review.

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Retaliation

Retaliation is prohibited under the Greensboro College Sexual Harassment Policy. Retaliation includes verbal, written, electronic, or physical threats or acts of intimidation, coercion, or discrimination against any individual who raises an allegation of sexual harassment, cooperates in an investigation, or opposes discriminatory practices. Retaliation is also prohibited under Title IX and could create a hostile educational environment.

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Training & Education

It is the policy of the College to provide educational training and prevention programs regarding sexual harassment. Educational training includes definitions related to consent, sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, and other relevant terms, in addition to the rights and responsibilities of those impacted by such events. Prevention programs are focused primarily on bystander intervention as a means of preventing sexual violence before it occurs, as well as educating individuals on ways to stay safe. Students and employees are also given information specific to reporting and the expectations set forth in Greensboro College’s Sexual Harassment Policy regarding what the institution considers inappropriate behavior; however, it is still up to each individual to be familiar with this policy and to abide by the standards of behavior established in it. As such, ignorance of this policy will not be an acceptable excuse for violations of the policy.

Sexual harassment training is required for all incoming students and all incoming employees of the college. The first phase of training for students involves an online training program called Not Anymore that must be completed prior to check-in. The second phase of training for students involves an in-person, bystander intervention focused training called Pride R.O.A.R. that is given upon arrival during new-student orientation. New employees will be notified of the training by Human Resources as part of the hiring process and are expected to complete an online training program before they begin employment. Ongoing training and prevention programs are also provided on a regular basis for students and employees of the College through various events, programs, and awareness campaigns. All college personnel who are involved in responding to incidents or who may assist the Title IX Coordinator in processing, investigating, or adjudicating reports of sexual harassment must receive additional training about issues related to sexual violence.

Please be on the lookout for emails from the college regarding training and if there are any questions, feel free to contact Emily Scott at titleix@greensboro.edu or 336-272-7102 ext. 5496

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How to Help: Bystander Intervention

A bystander is an individual who witnesses an incident of potential sexual harassment but does not participate. Bystanders are encouraged to act by either intervening at the time of the incident or by contacting campus safety or the police to intervene. Bystanders are also encouraged to make a report regarding the incident to a responsible employee of the College or the Title IX Coordinator.

Greensboro College’s prevention programs are focused primarily on bystander intervention as a means of preventing sexual violence before it occurs. Our bystander intervention program is called Pride R.O.A.R.

• R – Recognize potential sexual harassment
• O – Obtain information to determine if/how to act
• A – Act; intervene safely
• R – Report the incident to a campus authority

OTHER TIPS for bystander intervention:

• Approach the situation in a calm, friendly manner
• Avoid violence and do not be antagonistic
• If possible, develop a plan before intervening
• Enlist help and support from friends and other bystanders
• Be prepared for a negative response so that you can remain calm
• Be aware of your own alcohol and drug consumption so that you can act appropriately
• Never put yourself in danger – call the police or campus security if necessary

Additional resources regarding bystander intervention can be found at the following links:

• Men Can Stop Rape
• No More

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Information for College Employees

On May 1, 2015, the Greensboro College Board of Trustees voted to adopt a new sexual harassment policy effective upon adoption. This policy was updated August 14, 2020. The revised policy brings the college into compliance with recently updated requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, which is intended to reduce or eliminate barriers to educational opportunity and provide a safe campus environment for our students.

All Greensboro College employees, other than those designated as confidential resources, are considered “responsible employees.” When a report of sexual harassment is made to a responsible employee, that employee is required to report the matter to the Title IX Coordinator. These reports will include all relevant details that are known about the alleged sexual harassment including the names of the persons involved, any witnesses, and any other relevant facts such as the date, time, and location of the alleged incident. Responsible employees at the College include faculty, staff, and student workers—such as Resident Advisors, Residence Hall Directors, coaches, trainers, advisors, student development personnel, and many others. Responsible employees who neglect their obligation to report may put the campus community at risk and may be subject to disciplinary measures. Responsible employees should report incidents to the Title IX Coordinator via phone or email, or using the sexual harassment report form, within 24 hours of learning of the incident and should make every effort to maintain individual privacy without neglecting their duty to report. The responsible employee does not need to determine if, in fact, a violation of the policy occurred in order to make a report.

Download the Responsible Employee’s checklist for assistance in responding to students who make a report. It may be useful for employees or anyone in the college community responding to an incident of sexual harassment.