Policy & Procedures

Body

Please note, the following policy is currently under review due to a federal court decision on January 9, 2025. This decision is prompting conversation at Saint Mary's College to determine appropriate steps to remain in compliance with all federal and state laws. Questions about the applicable policy for incidents occuring after August 1, 2024 should be made directly to the Title IX Coordinator.

Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy

Saint Mary’s College of California (also referred to as “SMC” and “the College”) is a student-centered learning community committed to transformative, equitable, and inclusive teaching, the passionate pursuit of knowledge, and expansive access to a practical education that empowers students to make lasting change in the world. 

 

We strive to provide a safe environment in which students and employees can pursue and thrive in their education and employment. We recognize laws and regulations create a baseline; the College affirms its commitment to positive compliance with such laws and the Lasallian Core Principles. We will continue to build above that baseline, creating and sustaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation. The Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation Policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles, educate members of our campus community about these issues, and provide a means of recourse for SMC community members who believe they have experienced such behavior.

This Policy has been updated to be compliant with the 2024 Title IX Regulations. As of September 15, 2024, Saint Mary's College of California is no longer enjoined in an injunction which was prohibiting enforcement by the Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights of the 2024 Regulations. For incidents occurring prior to August 01, 2024, the 2020 Regulations-compliant Policy and Procedures will be used for procedures related to response and resolution options. That Policy is available at this link.