Eckerd College is committed to providing a living, learning, and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Eckerd College is committed to complying with all requirements as set forth by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.; the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Act (Clery Act), as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA); Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended in 2008; and related federal and state authority.
To meet this commitment and accompanying federal and state requirements, the College applies, as appropriate, a specific Policy and set of Procedures to resolve formal complaints. The College has designated Michelle Espinosa as the Title IX Coordinator to ensure compliance with Title IX, its implementing regulations, and other applicable federal and state laws.
The Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for coordinating the College’s efforts with regard to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1970 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and their implementing regulations as well as formal complaints alleging discrimination or harassment on the basis of other protected classes including race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other protected characteristic in any educational program or activity, including admissions and employment.
Title IX
Eckerd College is committed to complying with all requirements as set forth by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations, 20 U.S.C. 1681 et seq.; the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Act (Clery Act), as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA). Discrimination of the basis of sex, as prohibited by Title IX and its implementing regulations, includes Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking, all of which are prohibited by this Policy (collectively, Title IX Sexual Harassment). Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking are also prohibited by the Clery Act. In addition, the College prohibits other forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment, including under Title VII, which have similar, but not fully aligned definitions, to Title IX Sexual Harassment. The College also prohibits Sexual Exploitation and Retaliation.
View the Title IX resolution procedures for formal complaints related to sexual or gender-based harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking,
Non–Title IX Discrimination and Harassment
Section 504 (Disability Accommodations)
Eckerd College is committed to full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA and ADAAA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified persons with disabilities, as well as other federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA and its amendments, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The ADA also protects individuals who have a record of a substantially limiting impairment or who are regarded as disabled by the College, regardless of whether they currently have a disability. A substantial impairment is one that significantly limits or restricts a major life activity such as reading, concentrating, thinking, 4 hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, walking, or caring for oneself.
View resolution procedures for alleged violations of prohibited conduct related to disability or other protected classes (i.e., non–Title IX).
Equal Opportunity (Other Protected Classes)
Eckerd College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or other protected characteristic in any educational program or activity, including admissions and employment. Eckerd College adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or an external civil rights agency.
View the resolution procedures for alleged violations of prohibited conduct related to disability or other protected classes (i.e., non–Title IX).
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
All Eckerd College faculty and staff, (unless designated a “confidential resource”) are expected to share known information about Prohibited Conduct involving any type of alleged discrimination or harassment with the Title IX Coordinator immediately. Reports can be made using this Incident Report Form.
The College seeks to remove barriers and foster increased reporting in order to ensure equitable access to supportive measures, policies, and procedures for all College community members. Employees may not promise confidentiality or withhold information about Prohibited Conduct. Failure or delay in reporting suspected Prohibited Conduct in a timely manner may subject an employee to appropriate discipline, which may include any form of employee discipline, ranging from education and counseling to removal from a position or termination of employment.
Exceptions: Employees are not required to report information disclosed at public awareness events (e.g., “Take Back the Night,” candlelight vigils, protests, or other public forums in which students may disclose Prohibited Conduct (collectively, public awareness events)); or during an individual’s participation as a subject in an Institutional Review Board-approved human subjects research protocol (IRB research). The College may provide information about Title IX and available College and community resources and support at public awareness events. In addition, Institutional Review Boards may, in appropriate cases, require researchers to provide such information to all subjects of IRB research.
