Santa Monica College is committed to providing an edu- cational community with an environment free of sexual harassment and other threatening behaviors. Sexual harass- ment — a form of discrimination against an individual on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation — consists generally of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is intended to be or has the effect of being coercive, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.
Under no circumstances will the College tolerate any form of sexual harassment or retaliation against any individual for filing a complaint of sexual harassment or for partici- pating in a sexual harassment investigation.
Sexual harassment and retaliation violate state and federal laws. In addition, sexual harassment is a violation of SMC’s Board Policies, Administrative Regulations, and Student Conduct Code, and can lead to suspension or dismissal from the College.
A description of activities that constitute sexual harass- ment, the procedures for filing or appealing a sexual harass- ment complaint, and a discussion of issues related to sexual harassment can be found in “Sexual Harassment Prevention” (SMC AR 3121), “Rules for Student Conduct” (SMC AR 4410), and the “Ethics Statement” (SMC AR 5220) adopted by the Academic Senate. See smc.edu/AdminRegulations for the District’s Administrative Regulations.