Title IX

Title IX and EEO: Commitment to a Discrimination Free Environment

Title IXGCCCD Logo Grossmont/Cuyamaca

Welcome to the Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District's Title IX and Equity Webpage

At Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District, we are dedicated to creating and maintaining a secure, respectful, and inclusive environment across our colleges. Our office is deeply committed to upholding the principles of equity and fairness, adeptly handling Title IX cases and all other forms of discrimination. Whether you're in search of advice, support, or information about these matters, our team is here to protect and uphold the rights of every member of our community. We take pride in our empathetic and understanding approach, dedicated to ensuring justice and inclusivity. We encourage you to explore our website to learn about the services and resources we offer. Discover how we can assist you in contributing to a college environment where each individual is valued and heard.

Our commitment extends to ensuring compliance with Title IX regulations and addressing any form of discrimination or harassment based on protected status, including but not limited to age, disability, gender, race, and sexual orientation. We adhere to policies and procedures that emphasize safety, fairness, trauma-informed practices, and due process. The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District aims to prevent discrimination and harassment, respond to reports of misconduct, and work towards remedying and preventing future harm. Through education, training, and responsive action, we strive to maintain an educational environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and violence.

For more detailed information on our policies, training programs, and how to report an incident, please refer to the relevant sections of our website. Our dedicated team is always available to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Title IX is a federal civil rights law that was passed in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments. It states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” In essence, Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. This applies to all aspects of education including admissions, financial aid, academics, housing, athletics, and more.

The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District takes our Title IX obligations seriously. We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all community members have equal access to education and activities free from sex discrimination and sexual violence. The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District Title IX office is a neutral office committed to safety, fairness, trauma-informed practices, and due process. The District Title IX works preventively to prevent discrimination and harassment, receives and responds to reports of misconduct, and will work to remedy and prevent future harm. The District also provides direction and support for the Title IX offices at the District’s two colleges, Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College. We assist in implementing Districtwide initiatives and best practices in harassment prevention and response. We also lead or provide investigative support, develop and deliver education and training to Title IX designees and other District partners involved in preventing and responding to sexual harassment and sexual violence. 

UPDATE ON NEW TITLE IX POLICY AND PROCEDURES, August 5, 2024

The U.S. Department of Education issued new Title IX regulations on April 19, 2024. These regulations broaden protections against sex discrimination to include sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy/lactation. They also require schools to take a more proactive approach to preventing and addressing sex discrimination.

Summary of the Kansas Case

The Kansas Case, formally known as State of Kansas v. Cardona, challenges the 2024 Title IX regulations that expand the definition of sex-based discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Plaintiffs, including the State of Kansas and certain organizations, argue that the Department of Education overstepped its authority without clear authorization from Congress. The Court issued a preliminary injunction halting the enforcement of these regulations in Kansas and other involved states, citing concerns about significant legal and operational burdens and potential First Amendment infringements.

Grossmont College has been identified as one of the institutions affected by the latest Title IX injunctions related to the "Kansas case". This is due to alleged memberships with organizations such as Female Athletes United, Moms for Liberty, Young Americas Foundation, and/or the Christian Educators Association.

Impact on Grossmont College:

The injunction, a temporary court order, prevents the enforcement of specific regulations or laws, thereby halting Grossmont College from implementing the 2024 Title IX regulations pending further legal review. Consequently, Grossmont College will adhere to the currently existing 2020 Title IX-related policies and procedures set forth "Here". (Then go to Interim Policies and expand) Because of ongoing lititgation, these policies remain in effect and will continue to guide our handling of Title IX issues until further notice.

It is essential to recognize that, despite the temporary injunction affecting Grossmont College, the institution remains obligated under California law to protect students from discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Therefore, even under the constraints of the federal injunction, Grossmont College must continue to adhere to California’s stringent anti-discrimination regulations.

Impact on Cuyamaca College:

In contrast, Cuyamaca College is not affected by this injunction and will adhere to the recently issued DOE 2024 Final Rules set forth "Here"

Dual Policy Framework:

Given this situation, we are in the process of transitioning to a Dual Policy Framework where two distinct sets of policies and procedures should be implemented where: 

  • Grossmont College will align with the 2020 DOE Title IX regulations.
  • Cuyamaca College will align with the 2024 DOE Title IX regulations.

Summary of Differences Between the 2020 and 2024 DOE Title IX Amendments 

Given the evolving nature of this situation and additional cases pending in other states, further changes to our policies may occur. We will continue to closely monitor developments and provide updates as necessary.

For any questions or concerns regarding these interim policies and procedures, please contact:

Michael Salvador
Director of EEO/Title IX/Diversity
Email: michael.salvador@gcccd.edu
Phone: 619-644-7039

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we align our policies with the latest federal requirements. Your patience during this transition period is greatly valued as we work to ensure the protection and support of all members of our community.

Filing a Title IX Report:: GCCCD Title IX Complaint Form 

TITLE IX EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is committed to maintaining an environment free of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment and sexual violence. As such, all members of the GCCCD community — students, staff, faculty, and other academic appointees — are required to receive sexual violence prevention training and education regularly. 

GCCCD’s districtwide curriculum through the Vision Resource Center (VRC) (Vision Resource Center Login) educates our community about sexual violence, how to prevent it, the role of intervention, and what local resources are available. 

Key concepts covered in GCCCD’s districtwide mandatory training for every audience are: 

  • Definitions of different forms of sexual violence 
  • Bystander intervention 
  • onding to sexual violence using methods that acknowledge the impact of violence and trauma on survivors’ lives 
  • Local resources, including confidential support for survivors of sexual violence and appropriate services for those accused of sexual violence 
  • Rights and options about reporting sexual violence 

Students  

Federal law and university policy require that all new students receive education and training about sexual violence prevention. All incoming students are required to complete a 75-minute online training course prior to enrolling in classes. 

Once admitted, students will be automatically assigned the online training and notified via their school email accounts. If the training courses are failed or are marked incomplete, a hold may be placed on the student's account, and they may not be able to complete enrollment for classes.  

Faculty and Supervisors 

Faculty and supervisors are required to complete two hours of sexual harassment prevention training every two years. New faculty and supervisors are required to take training within the first six months of hire. Continuing employees will receive an email notification before the two-year anniversary of their previous compliance. Courses may be completed online through the Vision Resource Center. Employees will be notified that they have been assigned the training via their work email accounts. 

All supervisors, including all employees with HEERA designations, or employees who may meet the following criteria are required to complete the training: 

“Any individual having the authority, and the interest of the employer, to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward or discipline other employees, or the onsibility to direct them, or to adjust their grievances, or effectively to recommend that action, if, in connection with the foregoing, the exercise of that authority is not merely of a routine or clerical nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.” 

Staff and Academic Appointees Who are Not Supervisors 

Staff and academic appointees who are not supervisors are required to complete two hours of sexual harassment prevention training every two years. New employees are required to take the training within the first six weeks of hire. Continuing employees will receive an email notification before the two-year anniversary of their previous compliance. Designated employees who are required to report sexual violence to a Title IX Officer will receive training on their legal obligations. Courses may be completed online through the Vision Resource Center. Employees will be notified that they have been assigned the training via their work email accounts. 

Determining whether the Policy applies or whether or what process and measures may be used for a specific matter can be complicated; Director of Title IX/EEO/Diversity Michael Salvador can answer questions you have about this, or you may read the Policy to learn more.  (michael.salvador@gcccd,edu / 6196447039 

Employees (all faculty and staff):

Michael Salvador, GCCCD District Director and Title IX Coordinator
Michael.Salvador@gcccd.edu 
8800 Grossmont College Drive, Bldg. 38H
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 644-7039

Students:

Sara Varghese, Dean of Student Affairs
Grossmont College - Title IX Investigator
Sara.Varghese@gcccd.edu
8800 Grossmont College Drive, Room 60-203
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 644-7159

Lauren Vaknin, Dean of Student Affairs
Cuyamaca College - Title IX Investigator
Lauren.Vaknin@gcccd.edu
900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, Room I-115
El Cajon, CA 92019
(619) 660-4295

 

Anti-Semitic and Anti-Islamic Harassment Policy Guidance for Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District 

Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) is committed to protecting all students and employees from discrimination and harassment based on identity, including the protected classes of religion, race, color, national origin, and ancestry. This protection extends to individuals of all religious backgrounds, including but not limited to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh faiths. Anti-Semitism, defined as a certain perception of Jewish people that may be expressed as hatred, and Islamophobia, similarly directed toward Muslim people, are unacceptable at GCCCD. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia can target Jewish, Muslim, and other individuals, their property, and community institutions and religious facilities. Such behavior constitutes discrimination or harassment based on protected classes of religion, race, color, national origin, and/or ancestry. 

Discriminatory behavior includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Slurs or stereotypes 
  • Harassment based on physical appearance, including skin color, hair style, or attire reflecting ethnic and religious traditions 
  • Harassment based on speech, including names associated with shared ancestry, speaking a language other than English, or speaking with an accent 

These behaviors contradict the values of GCCCD and will be addressed. When such actions are so severe or pervasive that they limit a student’s or employee’s ability to participate in or benefit from the educational or work environment, they violate our campus nondiscrimination policies and will be handled by the appropriate GCCCD authority. In cases where the behavior is constitutionally protected speech that does not violate our policies but is still harmful, we encourage the community to engage in respectful dialogue to raise awareness about the impact of their words. GCCCD values and protects both the right to be free from protected class discrimination and harassment and the right to express constitutionally protected ideas. 

To report identity-based discrimination or harassment and to access support services, please contact the GCCCD Equity Offices. We encourage every member of our community to support one another and uphold our values to ensure an inclusive learning and working environment. 

 

Important Title IX Updates for Faculty, Staff, and Administrators 

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released updated Title IX regulations, which took effect on August 1, 2024. These new regulations introduce important changes to our obligations under Title IX, and we encourage you to review them in detail on the link above.  

Key updates include: 

Expanded Protections for Pregnancy and Related Conditions 

Faculty and staff must be aware of their responsibilities when a student discloses pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition. In such cases, all employees are required to: 

  • Provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information: 
  • Inform the student that the Title IX Office can: 
    • Assist with reasonable accommodations, 
    • Help prevent sex discrimination, and 
    • Ensure equal access to educational programs or activities. 

Faculty and staff must accommodate pregnant students by offering makeup work, alternative testing or learning options, and supportive measures to ensure they are reinstated to their prior status. 

Misgendering and Mispronouncing 

Intentional misgendering, mispronouncing, or deadnaming (using a former name a person no longer uses) may be considered a violation of our Title IX Policy if it results in harm greater than de minimis. These actions contradict the inclusive environment we are committed to fostering. 

If you have questions, please contact: 

Michael Z. Salvador 
Director of Title IX, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Diversity 
Phone: 619-644-7039  
Email: michael.salvador@gcccd.edu