Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, and Misconduct

Santa Monica College is committed to providing an educational community with an environment free of sexual harassment and other threatening behaviors. Sexual harassment — 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 participating 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 harassment, the procedures for filing or appealing a sexual harassment 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.

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Sexual Misconduct

Sexual misconduct comprises a broad range of unwelcome behaviors focused on sex and/or gender that may or may not be sexual in nature. Sexual misconduct encompasses sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and gender-based harassment (harassment based on gender identity, gender expression, or nonconformity with gender stereotypes). Therefore, any intercourse or other intentional sexual touching or activity without the other person’s consent is sexual assault and is a form of sexual misconduct.

Sexual misconduct also encompasses acts of a sexual nature, including acts of sexual stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, intimidation, or retaliation following an incident where an alleged sexual misconduct has occurred.

Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law, whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public, occurring on college-owned or controlled property, at college-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from college attendance or activity is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual misconduct, you have options on how you’d like to proceed.

The most important factor is that you are safe and are not in imminent danger. If you believe you are in danger, please call 911.

What would you like to do?

Talk to Someone Confidentially

SMC Center for Wellness & Wellbeing (Psychological Services)310-434-4503
24/7800-691-6003
SMC Student Health Services310-434-4262
SMC Ombuds Office310-434-3986

Talk to Someone On-Campus

Title IX Coordinator310-434-4225
Title IX Deputiessmc.edu/SVPE

Talk to Someone Off-Campus (24/7 Support Services)

Santa Monica Rape Treatment Center424-259-6000
Additional Support Informationsmc.edu/SVPE

File a Police Report

On Campus310-434-4300
Off Campus911

File a Report: The Incident Involved an SMC Student

Student Judicial Affairs310-434-4220

File a Report: The Incident Involved an SMC Employee

Human Resources310-434-4415

File a Report: Electronically

Emailhrinquiries@smc.edu

Respondent: I’ve been Accused of Sexual Misconduct

Title IX Coordinator310-434-4225
Student Judicial Affairs310-434-4655
Sexual Violence Response and Preventionsmc.edu/SVPE

Sexual Violence – Prevention and Education (AB1088: Sexual Violence)

Section 67385 of the Education Code requires that community college districts adopt and implement procedures to ensure prompt response to victims of sexual violence which occur on campus, as well as providing them with information regarding treatment options and services. No community can be totally risk-free in today’s society. However, by working together, students, faculty, staff, and visitors can all help to create an atmosphere that is as safe and crime-free by reporting criminal behavior to:

Santa Monica Police Department911
Campus Police310-434-4300
Dean of Student Services310-434-4655
Center for Wellness & Wellbeing310-434-4503
Health Services Center310-434-4262

Any sexual violence or physical abuse, as defined by California law — whether committed by an employee, student, or member of the public — occurring on College-owned or controlled property, at College-sponsored or supervised functions, or related to or arising from College attendance or activity is a violation of District policies and regulations, and is subject to all applicable punishment, including criminal and/or civil prosecution and employee or student discipline procedures. Please see the information available at smc.edu/SVPE for additional details.

Rape and Date Rape

Rape is forcible sexual activity without a person’s consent and against a person’s will. For the victim, rape is an emotionally and physically traumatic experience. Rape is a serious criminal offense, and accusations of rape can lead to possible referral to local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. In addition, rape is a violation of SMC’s Student Conduct Code and can result in the perpetrator’s suspension or expulsion from the College.