Annual Notice: Equal Opportunity in Employment and Education, Nondiscrimination, and Harassment Prevention

South Central College has an enduring commitment to enhancing our region’s quality of life by developing and fostering understanding and appreciation of a free and diverse society and providing equal opportunity for all its students and employees. South Central College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education.  It is the responsibility of all member of the college community to promote a campus culture where discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and acts of sexual violence in any form are not tolerated.

South Central College prohibits discrimination and harassment against persons in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of membership or perceived membership in any of the following protected classes: race, sex (including pregnancy, child birth, and related medical conditions), color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, familial status, and membership or activity in a local human rights commission. Protected class also includes genetic information for employees.

South Central College shall maintain and encourage full freedom of expression, inquiry, teaching and research. Academic freedom comes with a responsibility that all members of our education community benefit without intimidation, exploitation, or coercion. This policy is directed at conduct that constitutes discrimination or harassment under this policy and is not directed at the content of speech. In cases in which statements and other forms of expression are involved, South Central College must consider an individual's constitutionally protected right to free speech and academic freedom. However, discriminatory or harassing conduct is not within the protections of academic freedom or free speech.

This policy applies to all individuals affiliated with South Central College, including but not limited to, its students, employees, applicants, volunteers, and others as appropriate and protects the rights and privacy of all involved individuals, as well as prevents retaliation. 

South Central College follows Minnesota State Board Policy 1B.1: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination in Employment and Education and System Procedure 1B.1.1, which govern the reporting and resolution of such matters system-wide.

Contacts:

Complaints of discrimination and harassment can be submitted online  or by contacting the following:

Parent Navigators assist pregnant and parenting students by connecting them with resources and support on and off campus such as childcare, food assistance, and housing assistance.