RECAST | Annual Notice of Title IX and Sex Discrimination

From: Gardner, Connie <Connie.Gardner@evergreen.edu>
Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2020 7:37 AM

Welcome to the 2020-2021 academic year at The Evergreen State College! While unconventional, we believe this year will provide great opportunities of care, learning, and community. Part of our community learning is making sure all individuals of Evergreen have the ability to access Evergreen’s education events and programs. Please take some time to read through Evergreen’s commitment and our policies and procedures that discuss non-discrimination, including information on sexual harassment and Title IX. 

The Evergreen State College is committed to equal opportunity and diversity as principles necessary for a just society and a quality education. An important goal of Evergreen is to create a learning and working environment that is inclusive, hospitable to, and reflective of our diverse society, creating an environment that nurtures respect for diversity and encourages excellence. Evergreen does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. This Notice to the Evergreen community highlights the commitment to non-discrimination, and provides information on how to report any violation of non-discrimination policies or laws. 

Applicable Policies and Laws 

Title IX Policy and Procedure: Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the rules promulgated in May of 2020 by the US Department of Education, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities at Evergreen. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex includes Sexual Harassment, and is defined as: 

  1. An employee of Evergreen conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of Evergreen on participation in unwelcome conduct (quid pro quo) 
  2. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity 
  3. Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, as defined in the Clery Act and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Non-Discrimination Policy and Procedure: The Evergreen State College is committed, as a matter of principle, and in conformance with federal and state laws, to prohibiting discrimination and behaviors that if repeated, could constitute discrimination. 

WAC Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (Student Code): The Student Code sets out the rights and responsibilities of students at Evergreen and the associated due process rights. The Student Code addresses behaviors including harassment, sexual misconduct, and Title IX.  

Washington State Laws Prohibiting Discrimination: Washington State prohibits any public institution (which includes Evergreen) from discriminating based on race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. 

Applicable laws include: RCW 49.60 and RCW 28B.110

To request alternate formats of the policies or this notice, please contact the Title IX Office at titleixcoordinator@evergreen.edu.

Making Reports of Discrimination 

To file a complaint regarding sex discrimination and/or Title IX, you are encouraged to submit a report via the Online Reporting Form. Reports can also be submitted to the individuals listed below. Anyone interested in submitting a complaint of discrimination has the right to discuss their options with any person listed below.  

For complaints related to discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to connect with the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity office to submit a complaint

If you would like to submit a complaint and pursue a legal process, please contact Police Services located in Seminar Building 1, 2150, or by calling 360-867-6832. 

IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 or POLICE SERVICES AT 360-867-6140 

Title IX Coordinator and Officials with Authority 

Connie Gardner (she/her), Title IX Coordinator 

Connie.gardner@evergreen.edu; 360-867-5224; Library Building 3216 

Lorie Mastin (she/her), Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Officer 

mastinl@evergreen.edu; 360-8675361; Library Building 3102 

Lori Johnson (she/her), Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities 

johnslo@evergreen.edu; 360-867-6298; Library Building 3009 

Confidential Resources 

Students: 

  • Student Wellness Services, Medical Services and Counseling Services 
  • Spirituality and Meaning Making, Student Activities – Melissa Bennett 
  • SafePlace Olympia (off-campus) 
    • 521 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA; 360-754-6300 
    • Safeplaceolympia.org 

Employees: 

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • SafePlace Olympia (off-campus) 
    • 521 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA; 360-754-6300 
    • Safeplaceolympia.org 

Responsible Employees 

Evergreen has determined all employees (faculty and staff members) and student staff Resident Assistants are Responsible Employees. Exceptions are the confidential resources, listed above. Responsible Employees have an obligation to report any notification of a potential Title IX violation to the Title IX Coordinator. For more information on being a Responsible Employee, please see the Title IX Website

Review of Policies and Codes 

Due to the need for a quick implementation of the Title IX Regulations, The Evergreen State College adopted the Title IX Policy and Procedure, and the edits to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities through emergency rulemaking procedures. During the Fall quarter, the Title IX Office will offer community question and answer sessions for the community to provide feedback on these policies and information. These forums will be sent out via email shortly. 

Thank you for your time and attention, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Take care.

Connie Gardner (she/her)

Title IX Coordinator, The Evergreen State College

www.evergreen.edu/titleix

Lib 3200

360.867.5224 (office)

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