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What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits educational institutions from discriminating against anyone on the basis of sex. GRCC's Title IX Coordinator is charged with coordinating GRCC's response to allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination. Sex or gender-based discrimination also includes allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, domestic or dating violence, and sexual exploitation. 

Learn how Title IX has evolved to protect gender identity

Title IX Complaints

Under Title IX, Grand Rapids Community College is required to:

  1. Address all sex discrimination in its education programs or activities.  Sex discrimination includes: discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity and other certain sex based conduct.
  2. Address sexual harassment which occurs in its education program or activities.  Sexual harassment includes: sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and quid pro quo sexual harassment.   
  3. Support students and employees who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking and sexual harassment outside GRCC's education program or activity.

Complaints about incidents of any of these forms of gender discrimination should be reported to:

Lisa Thomas
Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
lisathomas2@grcc.edu or titleix@grcc.edu
(616) 234-2353 or (616) 234-4999

or any of GRCC's Deputy Coordinators.

File a complaint

Additional Resources

GRCC resources for those experiencing sex or gender-based discrimination can be found on the Sexual Misconduct page. If an individual is experiencing discrimination or harassment but the Title IX policy does not apply, GRCC has additional policies to address other concerns, including the Sexual Misconduct Policy and the Student Code of Conduct

View or download Resources

Notice of Nondiscrimination

Grand Rapids Community College is committed to creating an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person, and it is the College’s policy and practice to provide equal educational, employment and other opportunities to all individuals.

Grand Rapids Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. In addition, Grand Rapids Community College does not discriminate, and prohibits discrimination, on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, marital status, familial status, gender, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, disability, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. 

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to GRCC’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. GRCC’s Title IX Coordinator is its: Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance & Title IX Coordinator.

The Title IX Coordinator’s contact information is:

Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance & Title IX Coordinator
Bostwick Office Suites
140 Bostwick Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
titleix@grcc.edu
(616) 234-4999

To report information or make a complaint regarding conduct that may constitute sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, or discrimination or harassment based on any other protected characteristic, please contact GRCC’s Director of Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX Coordinator; complete the electronic form located on GRCC’s webpage; or refer to GRCC’s policies, including the Title IX Policy and/or Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment and Equal Opportunity Policy for additional reporting options and access to grievance procedures.

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