Complaints & Concerns

Information for Employees - Unlawful Discrimination / Sexual Harassment or Workplace Violence

 

The Santa Monica Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity. All District employees, shall have full and equal access to employment opportunity. No person shall be subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity of the District. Access the District’s Board Policy 3420 (EEO)

SMC prohibits unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment in any of its programs and activities.

What is unlawful discrimination?

Unlawful discrimination is discrimination on the basis of a legally protected status.

What is bullying?

“Bullying” is any habitually cruel, hostile behavior perpetrated upon individuals or groups for the purpose of intimidation (Santa Monica College Board Policy 3510 Workplace Violence). 

Who can I speak with?

Office of Human Resources

Mailing Address:

Santa Monica College, Office of Human Resources
1900 Pico Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA 90405

In Person:

Santa Monica College, Office of Human Resources
2714 Pico Blvd., 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Tel: 310-434-4415

Email: HRInquiries@smc.edu

For immediate safety or crime-related concerns

Campus Police
310-434-4300 or 911

Filing a Complaint

To file a complaint regarding unlawful discrimination and/or sexual harassment, you may submit an Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Form 

Workplace Violence (includes Bullying)  to:

Resources which can provide assistance can be found at Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity @ SMC/Pages/Policies-and-Resources.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is a type of unlawful discrimination. Harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision.

Sexual harassment can take different forms depending on the harasser and the nature of the harassment. Both males and females can be victims of sexual harassment, and the harasser and the victim can be of the same sex.

Information about Sexual Assault - Lisa Winter, Assistant Director, Human Resources, Compliance and Title IX

310-434-4225 or 310-434-4415

SMC Sexual Violence Response and Prevention

What are some examples of unlawful discrimination & sexual harassment?

Such conduct can be verbal, non-verbal (such as gestures or picture), or physical.

Examples of conduct that might constitute unlawful discrimination include, but are not limited to:

  • The use of racial epithets

  • Pictures or graphics that are derogatory to an ethnic or religious group

  • The physical harassment of an individual based on his/her sexual orientation

  • Not providing a reasonable accommodation that a disabled employee needs to do the essential functions of his/her position

Examples of conduct that might constitute unlawful sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

  • Sexual propositions or pressuring individuals for sexual favors

  • Touching of a sexual nature or sexual assault

  • Displaying or distributing pornographic materials

  • Telling offensive dirty jokes

What is unlawful retaliation?

Unlawful retaliation occurs when a person is subjected to intimidation, threats, coercion, or another type of adverse action because the person complained about unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment or participated in an investigation about unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment.

Where can I get more information?

SMC Resources

Non-District Resources

In addition to District policies and regulations, federal and state laws require SMC to comply with equal opportunity and to prevent and address unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace. Please be advised that within the time frame allowed by law – whether before, during, or after SMC’s investigatory process – you may file a complaint with the following agencies and/or offices, where the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the agencies and/or offices:


For additional information or if you have questions, please contact:

Office of Human Resources
310-434-4415 or HRInquiries@smc.edu