Title IX – Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

“Title IX, the federal gender equity law, states: “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.” 

Title IX provides an accountability process for a wide array of sex- and gender-based discrimination, including such things as: sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, gender-identity, gender-expression, and pregnancy.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits gender- and sex-based discrimination in educational programs that receive federal funds. Title IX is most commonly associated with gender discrimination in sports and is credited with advancing participation of women in athletics. However, the scope of Title IX is much more broad. It prohibits sex- and gender-based discrimination in all college programs and activities.

Title IX protection from discrimination extends to faculty, staff and students. It covers a wide array of sex- and gender-based discrimination, including such things as: sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, gender-identity, gender-expression, and pregnancy. It also prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes or participates in a complaint.

Title IX, Title VII, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Washington State law, Highline College policy collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) identity. If you have experienced sex or gender discrimination, including sexual assault, relationship or intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct, you have the right to make a formal complaint and request an investigation.

Related Highline College Policies & Procedures

1. Title IX Grievance Procedure 
2. Student Conduct Code WAC 132I-126-505 through 585

Reporting Options

Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment).

1. Report online – Anyone who has experienced or witnessed possible relationship violence, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, or stalking, can report. Reporting is a choice, not a requirement for students. Support is available whether or not you chose to file a formal report. A report does not automatically initiate an investigation. *Employees are obligated to report.*
   1. If you wish to submit a report about a student, use the Online Referral Form. 
   2. If you wish to submit a report about an employee, use the Faculty and Staff Discrimination & Harassment Report.
2. Report in-person – Visit Building 12, Room 134 to connect with our Title IX Coordinator, Danielle Slota, to make a report in-person. 
3. Report via phone– Call (206) 592-3600 to start the reporting process over the phone

If a complaint/case does not fall under the jurisdiction of Title IX, then the college may proceed in accordance with the Highline College Discrimination Harassment, and Retaliation Policy and Procedure. Please view the documents below.

• Discrimination Harassment, and Retaliation Policy
• Discrimination Harassment, and Retaliation Procedure

If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call 911 or contact Public Safety at (206) 592-3218.

Supportive Measures Available

Supportive measures offered during the course of an investigation are determined on a case by case basis. You do not have to engage the formal Title IX process to access supportive measures.

They may include, but are not limited to:

• Campus enforcement of no contact orders
• Campus Safety escorts
• Rescheduling of classes
• Temporary work reassignments
• Referrals for counseling or medical assistance
• Disciplinary action for the respondent consistent with the College’s Student Conduct Code

Contacts

Title IX Coordinator

Name: Danielle Slota
Title: Title IX Coordinator & Executive Director of the President’s Office
Office: Office of the President, Building 12, Room 134
Email: dslota@highline.edu
Phone: (206) 592-3600

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Student Matters

Name: Isabelle Wroblewski
Title: Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Associate Director of Community Standards and Student Conduct
Office: Building 6, Room 235
Email: iwroblewski@highline.edu
Phone: (206) 592-3354

Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Staff & Faculty Matters

Name: Steve Sloniker
Title: Deputy Title IX Coordinator & Interim Executive Director of Human Resources
Office: Building 12, Room 105
Email: ssloniker@highline.edu
Phone: (206) 592-3320