Sexual Misconduct and Title IX
Sexual Misconduct and Harassment, Relationship Violence, Stalking, Retaliation, and Title IX
The Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX, 20 U.S.C.Sec.1681, et seq.) state, "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
The College of Southern Maryland strives to create a work and learning environment that is inclusive, free from discrimination and/or harassment, and values diversity in the broadest form. Sexual misconduct is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by federal and state discrimination laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and is strictly prohibited by CSM.
To maintain an environment based on mutual respect and civility, CSM has enacted a policy prohibiting sexual misconduct, including:
- Sexual Harassment - any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature or unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
- Sexual Assault - any non-consensual sexual act or touching of another's intimate parts
- Domestic and Dating Violence - physical harm or intimidation of a spouse or intimate partner
- Stalking - behaviors directed at a specific person that would reasonably cause fear for the safety of self or others or suffer substantial emotional distress.
- Retaliation - acting in a manner considered to be revenge for reporting an incident, bystander intervention, or taking part in an investigation
The full Policy on Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation can be found within the Policies and Procedures section of the College of Southern Maryland website.
Report Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, Stalking, or Retaliation
Role of the Title IX Coordinator
Kevin Hunter, Executive Director, Student Affairs, has been appointed to serve as the College’s Title IX Coordinator. He will be informed of all reports of sexual misconduct and will oversee the College’s review, investigation, and resolution of those reports to ensure the College’s compliance with Title IX and other applicable laws, and the effective implementation of this policy. The Title IX Coordinator is:
- Responsible for overseeing the resolution of all reports of sexual misconduct involving students, staff, and faculty as well as volunteers and third parties;
- Knowledgeable and trained in College policies and procedures and relevant state and federal laws;
- Available to advise any individual, including a complainant, a respondent, or a third party, about the courses of action available at the College, both informally and formally, and in the community;
- Available to provide assistance to any College employee regarding how to respond appropriately to a report of sexual misconduct;
- Responsible for monitoring compliance with all procedural requirements, record keeping and time frames outlined in this policy;
- Responsible for overseeing training, prevention and education efforts, and reviews of climate and culture; and
- Responsible for conducting or overseeing investigations of complaints against students.
The Coordinator is empowered to issue findings and impose sanctions for violations of this Policy regarding sexual misconduct and other forms of discrimination. The Coordinator is also empowered to issue findings and impose sanctions for any violations of the Student Code of Conduct directly related to the alleged sexual misconduct or any alleged Policy violations.
Inquiries or complaints concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator and/or the United States Department of Education:
Title IX Coordinator
Kevin Hunter
301-539-4746
titleix@csmd.edu
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
ocr@ed.gov
Emergency Assistance and Reporting Resources
Below is the contact information for each designated Title IX coordinator or investigator at the College. Additionally, incident reports submitted online are sent directly to the Title IX coordinator or investigators once submitted and can be considered another method of contact.
Kevin Hunter
Title IX Coordinator
La Plata Campus, AD Building, Room 220A
301-539-4746
khunter@csmd.edu or titleix@csmd.edu
Dr. Mitchell Levy
Title IX Investigator
Leonardtown Campus, Building A, Room 204B
301-934-7566
Michelle Ruble
Title IX Investigator
La Plata Campus, CC Building, Room 101
301-934-4711
mruble@csmd.edu or titleix@csmd.edu
Dr. Stephanie McCaslin
Title IX Investigator
La Plata Campus
301-934-7803
sdmccaslin@csmd.edu or titleix@csmd.edu