Introduction
Drake State promotes the exchange of ideas among all members of the college community including students, faculty, staff, and administration. An environment conducive to open exchange of ideas is essential to intellectual growth and positive change. However, the College recognizes that, at times, people may have differences which they are unable or unwilling to resolve themselves, and that employees and students must feel confident that the appropriate authorities will promptly address a valid complaint or grievance concerning the College.
Provided, however, that if a complaint is in the form of an alleged violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the student shall file the complaint with the Title IX Coordinator (Students) using the grievance procedure adopted by the State Board of Education for Title IX grievances. That procedure can be found at Alabama Community College System Policy No. 620.0. In the event that there is a hearing on a Title IX grievance, the hearing procedure shall be the same as stated herein below.
Title IX provides 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.” If the student is uncertain as to whether his or her complaint would be covered by Title IX, the student shall meet with the Dean of Students to make that determination.