LACCD

Reaffirmation of Our Commitment to a Harassment-Free Environment at LACCD

December 8, 2023

By Juliet Hidalgo

Reaffirmation of Our Commitment to a Harassment-Free Environment at LACCD 

Dear LACCD Colleagues, 

The Board of Trustees and I wanted to reaffirm and reinforce the vigilance we maintain to promote a safe, inclusive and respectful learning and work environment free of harassment in any form for all members of our academic community.  LACCD remains unequivocally committed to a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment of any kind in our classrooms and workplace, and to fostering a campus climate that promotes respect and civility. 

Sexual harassment is defined under existing California law, as amended by SB 493, as: 

  • Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, visual, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, made by someone from or in the work or educational setting, under any of the following conditions: 
    • Submission to the conduct is explicitly or implicitly made a term or a condition of an individual’s employment, academic status, or progress. 
    • Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis of employment or academic decisions affecting the individual. 
    • The conduct has the purpose or effect of having a negative impact upon the individual’s work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment. 
    • Submission to, or rejection of, the conduct by the individual is used as the basis for any decision affecting the individual regarding benefits and services, honors, programs, or activities available at or through the educational institution. 

Each member of our academic community plays an essential role in fostering an environment free from harassment in any form.  If you or someone you know has experienced or witnessed sexual harassment in the classroom or workplace, please know that there are several resources available to provide support and guidance.  To report an incident: Guardian | Los Angeles Community College District | Incidents (guardianconduct.com). 

Our ongoing commitment to addressing these issues includes the following policies and resources: 

  • BP 3430 – Prohibition of Unlawful Harassment, BP 3433 – Prohibition of Sexual Harassment under Title IX, BP/AP 3540 – Sexual and Other Assaults on Campus and C-14 are the principal District policies that govern the prohibition of sexual harassment at LACCD.  

  • The Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (ODEIA) is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state statutes and District-wide goals related to the prohibition of harassment and discrimination and to improving diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in a wide range of areas including, but not limited to: admissions, recruitment, educational programs and activities, facilities and course offerings through developing and implementing District-wide policies, plans, systems, training programs, processes and procedures. Its website contains pertinent information regarding Sexual Harassment and Discrimination: Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility | LACCD 

  • The Title IX Coordinator is available to discuss any concerns related to sexual harassment and to guide individuals through the reporting process.  Contact ODEI at 213-891-2215 or by email at TitleIX@email.laccd.edu. 

  • Confidential counselors are available to provide support and maintain confidentiality for those seeking assistance through LACCD EAP Provider, Telus Health 1-800-581-1485 or login.lifeworks.com and campus websites. 

  • There are several educational programs and workshops offered to raise awareness about sexual harassment, its prevention, and the importance of creating a respectful and inclusive community: https://visionresourcecenter.cccco.edu/ 

  • Mandatory sexual harassment training for all supervisors is required every two years by AB 1825. 

  • Our District participates as a founding member of the Action Collaborative for Preventing Sexual Harassment in Higher Education: https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/action-collaborative-on-preventing-sexual-harassment-in-higher-education 

Thank you for your commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all.  Together, we can create an environment that reflects our shared values of respect, diversity, equity and inclusivity. 

Thank you for your attention and commitment to this important matter. 

Chancellor Francisco C. Rodriguez, Ph.D.                Board of Trustees President David Vela

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