Title IX at Minnesota State College Southeast
"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."
-- Legal Citation: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX)
Overview
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all student services and academic programs including, but not limited to, admissions, financial aid, academic advising, recreational services, counseling services, Registrar's office, classroom assignments, grading, and discipline.
Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment and sexual misconduct, such as rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.
Sexual Misconduct
Minnesota State College Southeast is committed to preventing sexual misconduct, discrimination, and harassment, and will respond promptly to reports of sexual misconduct. Southeast fully complies with all state and federal laws, including Title IX and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Sexual misconduct encompasses a range of behaviors, including sexual assault, non-forcible sex acts, dating, intimate partner, and relationship violence, stalking, Title IX sexual harassment, as well as aiding acts of sexual misconduct
Sexual misconduct is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual and is strictly prohibited at Southeast. The college is committed to eliminating sexual misconduct in all forms and will take appropriate action against any individual found responsible for violations of Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3 Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Victims of sexual misconduct are encouraged to report incidents to local law enforcement and seek support services for counseling and health care.
Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment
Southeast prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment practices and in access to and participation in educational programs, services, and activities based on membership or perceived membership in any of the following protected classes: race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, genetic information (for employees)
Southeast upholds full freedom of expression, inquiry, teaching, and research. Academic freedom carries the responsibility to ensure that all members of the educational community benefit without intimidation, exploitation, or coercion. This policy addresses conduct that constitutes discrimination or harassment and is not directed at the content of speech.
When statements or other forms of expression are involved, Southeast must consider constitutionally protected rights to free speech and academic freedom. However, discriminatory or harassing conduct is not protected under academic freedom or free speech.
In accordance with federal and state law, Southeast prohibits unlawful discrimination as outlined in Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.1 Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education Opportunity
Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Southeast staff associated with Title IX are responsible for the monitoring and oversight of the implementation of Title IX compliance including training, educating, and administration of the complaint procedures for faculty, staff, students, and other college community members.
Kenney White, Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator
507-453-1422
Kenneth.white@southeastmn.edu
Alecia Spagnoletti, HR Business Partner/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
507-453-2676
Red Wing Room 201-C
alecia.spagnoletti@southeastmn.edu
Southeast staff are available to speak with individuals who have concerns or questions relating to sexual harassment or sexual violence. Kenney White, Dean of Students/ Title IX Coordinator, is the point of contact for students. Alecia Spagnoletti, HR Coordinator/ Deputy Title IX Coordinator, is the point of contact for staff and faculty.
Reporting
To file a complaint of sexual misconduct, contact one of the coordinators listed above, use our anonymous online form at the below, or contact Director of Campus Safety Chris Cichosz at 507-457-5555.
Confidential Report Form for Sexual Misconduct, Dating/Relationship Violence, Stalking
Policy and Procedure
Minnesota State College Southeast - 138 - Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure outlines the policy, procedure, and definitions adopted from Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.3, Sexual Violence Policy, and Board Procedure 1B.3.1 as its policy and procedure.
Policy: https://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/1b03.html
Procedure: https://www.minnstate.edu/board/procedure/1b03p1.html