Discrimination & Grievance Policy

Title VI and VII of the Civil Right Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Title I of the 1968 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 and the Americans with Disabilities Act require the College to adopt and publish grievance procedures providing for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging discrimination. Clovis Community College is committed to equitable treatment of all persons without regard to race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, spousal affiliation, gender identity, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or serious medical conditions.

Definition 

Any act of discrimination against an individual at Clovis Community College is defined as the failure to treat persons equally where no reasonable distinction can be found between those favored and those not favored. A grievance shall mean a complaint has been filed indicating a violation, misinterpretation or inequitable application of Clovis Community College policies and practices. 

Scope 

This policy applies to any student. An individual may bring questions about procedure, seek informal advice or present a complaint to the Executive Vice President. In cases of alleged discrimination, individuals may use this policy and procedure to initiate grievances.

Grievance Process 

STEP 1: INFORMAL RESOLUTION

If a problem, conflict, or issue arises between two or more students or between a student and a CCC employee, these individuals should attempt to resolve the problems amongst themselves through an informal procedure. If the problem cannot be mutually resolved, it should be taken to the employee’s immediate supervisor or instructor for mediation. If this does not result in satisfactory resolution, the complainant should take the concern to the Executive Vice President for academic-related concerns or the Dean of Student Services for Student-related concerns. The Executive Vice President or Dean will attempt to resolve the problem through discussion or mediation. If a dispute cannot be resolved through an informal procedure, the student may proceed with a formal written complaint.

 

STEP 2: FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the informal process, the student must initiate a formal complaint no later than 10 calendar days into the subsequent semester, including summer. Without a written complaint, the College will assume the issue is resolved.  The student must complete the Formal Student Complaint Form outlining the complaint, providing any supporting documentation, and identifying desired resolution. Formal complaints shall be directed to the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs who is authorized to take any interim action necessary to maintain the peace and integrity during the formal investigation and determination process. The Executive Vice President will submit the formal complaint to the Dean of Student Services if it is a student-related concern. The Executive Vice President (for academic-related concerns) or the Dean of Student Services (for student-related concerns) shall consult with any appropriate employee or student and gather supporting documentation in order to facilitate a thorough investigation of the written decision from the Executive Vice President or Dean within 10 business days after receiving the written complaint. If a student is under 18 years of age, a copy of the letter will be sent to the parents or guardian of the student.

 

STEP 3: APPEALS

The response from a formal complaint may be appealed by either the complainant or respondent within 10 business days of receiving the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing using the Formal Student Complaint Form. Appeals will be assigned to either the Executive Vice President or Dean of Student Services, whoever was not assigned the formal complaint. The Executive Vice President’s or Dean's decision regarding the appeal will be submitted in writing and made no later than 10 business days from receiving the written appeal. The appeal decision shall be the final ruling; there shall be no further appeal as a matter of right unless described in one of the appeal processes below.