Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. At AACC, this means every student, employee and visitor has the right to learn and work in an environment free from sex-based discrimination, harassment and violence.
Title IX protects all members of the AACC community — students, faculty, staff and applicants for admission or employment — regardless of sex, gender identity or sexual orientation. Protections apply to both complainants and respondents.
AACC’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and Interim Sexual Misconduct Procedures address sex discrimination, sexual harassment and related misconduct, including:
• Quid pro quo sexual harassment
• Hostile environment sexual harassment
• Sexual assault, including rape and fondling
• Dating violence and domestic violence
• Stalking
• Sexual exploitation
• Gender-based discrimination and related sex-based misconduct
• Retaliation
• Pregnancy or related-condition discrimination
Other conduct, including bullying or harassment, may also be addressed when it is based on sex or otherwise falls within an applicable college policy or procedure.
Yes, in certain circumstances. AACC may address off-campus, online, digital or electronic conduct when the conduct occurs in, uses, affects or has a sufficient connection to an AACC education program or activity; creates or contributes to a hostile environment within an AACC program or activity; has continuing effects within the college environment; implicates college access, safety or operations; or otherwise falls within the college’s institutional or legal authority.
Purely off-campus speech or conduct that is protected by law may not be subject to discipline, although AACC may still offer appropriate supportive measures. Contact the Title IX coordinator to discuss the circumstances of a specific situation.
Title IX applies to students and employees in educational settings. Title VII is a federal workplace law that also prohibits sex-based discrimination in employment. As an AACC employee, you may have protections under both laws. Contact Human Resources or the Title IX coordinator for guidance specific to your situation.
You have several options, and the Title IX coordinator will consider your preferences regarding how you wish to proceed. You may:
You do not have to decide everything at once. You may begin with one option and later request a different course of action.
In limited circumstances, AACC may need to take additional action because of a compelling health or safety risk, pattern or climate concerns, the need to preserve access or protect the college community, or another legal or institutional obligation. The Title IX coordinator will discuss those circumstances with the affected person whenever reasonably possible.
You can contact the Title IX coordinator by phone, email, in person, or by using the online reporting form. Reports can be made at any time, including outside of business hours.
Michael Z. Salvador — Title IX coordinator
Phone: 410-777-1239
Email: complianceofficer@aacc.edu
Online Reporting Form
Yes. Anonymous reports may be submitted online or by phone. You may submit a report without providing your name or contact information.
Anonymous reports can help AACC identify concerns, offer general prevention and education, and assess whether there may be a broader safety issue. Please note, however, that AACC’s ability to respond may be limited if the report does not include enough information to identify the people involved, understand what happened or contact the person reportedly affected.
If you choose to provide contact information, the Title IX coordinator can follow up with support, resources and options. Submitting a report anonymously is not the same as filing a formal complaint.
No. There is no time limit on making a report to the Title IX coordinator. However, if significant time has passed or the person responding to the complaint is no longer affiliated with AACC, the college's ability to investigate may be more limited. You can still receive supportive measures and resource referrals regardless of when the incident occurred.
AACC designates certain employees as mandated reporters. A mandated reporter must promptly share known information concerning possible sexual misconduct or retaliation with the Title IX coordinator.
A current list of designated mandated reporter positions is available on the Title IX Help page. Employees who are uncertain about whether they are mandated reporters should review that list or contact the Title IX coordinator for clarification.
If you would like to speak with someone confidentially before deciding whether to make a report, contact a designated confidential resource.
You can still make a report and request supportive measures even if the person responding to the complaint is not an AACC student or employee. AACC's ability to take disciplinary action will be limited, but supportive measures and resource referrals remain available to you.
Yes. You have the right to pursue both processes simultaneously. A Title IX investigation is separate from a criminal investigation and does not carry criminal penalties on its own.
Yes. You do not have to be the person directly affected to report a Title IX concern. AACC accepts reports from students, employees, parents, witnesses, classmates, visitors and others who may have information about possible sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, pregnancy-related discrimination or retaliation.
When AACC receives a report from someone other than the person directly affected, the Title IX coordinator reviews the available information and may reach out to the person reportedly affected to offer support, explain available options and discuss whether they wish to participate in any next steps.
In most situations, the person reportedly affected has choices about whether and how to participate. However, AACC may need to take additional action if the information suggests an immediate safety concern, a pattern of conduct, a threat to the campus community or another legal obligation.
No. The Title IX coordinator is not a confidential resource. The Title IX coordinator will, however, handle information with sensitivity and make reasonable efforts to preserve privacy.
Information will be shared only with college officials and others who have a legitimate educational or business need to know for purposes such as intake, supportive measures, investigation, hearing, appeal, recordkeeping, legal compliance, or implementation of remedies and sanctions. Information may also be disclosed when permitted or required by law or when necessary to carry out the applicable college policy or procedure.
AACC's designated confidential resources include Counseling Services and the Health & Wellness Center. Confidential employees are not required to report to the Title IX coordinator. What you share with them stays private unless you give permission or there is an imminent safety concern or legal obligation (e.g., suspected abuse of a minor).
Even confidential resources may be required to disclose information in limited circumstances, including:
AACC does not ordinarily share information about a Title IX report or formal complaint with a student’s parents or family members without the student’s permission. Information may be disclosed when permitted or required by law or when necessary to administer the applicable College process.
Students may authorize AACC to communicate with a parent, family member, advisor or other designated person by completing any required written authorization. Student education records are handled in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, commonly known as FERPA.
Making a report to the Title IX coordinator does not, by itself, place a disciplinary finding on a person’s academic transcript or employment record.
AACC maintains appropriate records concerning reports, formal complaints, supportive measures, investigations and the college’s response. If a person is found responsible after completion of the applicable process, any resulting sanctions may be maintained in the appropriate student conduct, academic or personnel records consistent with college policy and applicable law.
A report is information received by AACC, verbally, in writing, electronically or by other means, alleging possible sexual misconduct or retaliation. A report allows the Title IX coordinator to contact the affected person, offer supportive measures and explain available options.
A formal complaint is a document or electronic submission filed by a complainant, or signed by the Title IX coordinator, alleging sexual misconduct or retaliation and requesting that AACC investigate the allegations.
A person may make a report and receive supportive measures without filing a formal complaint. In limited circumstances, the Title IX coordinator may sign a formal complaint when necessary to address a compelling health or safety risk, preserve access, address pattern or climate concerns, protect the college community, or otherwise fulfill AACC’s legal obligations.
A formal complaint should provide enough information for AACC to understand the allegations and the requested action. The information may include, when known:
• The complainant’s name and contact information
• The name of the respondent
• The date or approximate date of the alleged conduct
• The location or setting in which the alleged conduct occurred
• A description of the alleged conduct
• Any known witnesses or relevant supporting information
• A statement indicating that the complainant is requesting an investigation
A formal complaint may be submitted in writing, by email or through another electronic submission that clearly identifies the person submitting it and requests a college investigation.
A person should not delay contacting the Title IX coordinator merely because some information is unknown or unavailable. The Title IX coordinator can assist the person in properly documenting and filing the formal complaint.
After receiving a formal complaint, the Title IX coordinator conducts an initial assessment. The initial assessment may include:
If the matter proceeds through the formal grievance process, AACC will generally:
The precise process may vary depending on the nature of the allegations, the status of the parties, jurisdictional requirements and the college policy or procedure that applies.
AACC aims to resolve formal complaints in a prompt and timely manner. Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the case. The Title IX coordinator can provide estimated timelines specific to your situation.
Yes. You may request to withdraw a formal complaint at any time. However, the Title IX coordinator retains the discretion to continue the process if there is a compelling safety concern for the broader campus community.
AACC uses the preponderance of evidence standard, meaning the determination is based on whether it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred.
Yes. Both the complainant and the respondent have the right to appeal the outcome of a formal investigation. Information about the appeal process will be provided in the written determination letter.
In some cases, yes. Informal resolution may be available as a voluntary alternative to a formal investigation. It is not appropriate in all situations. The Title IX coordinator can discuss whether informal resolution is an option in your specific case.
The Title IX coordinator will review the available information to determine which college policy or procedure applies. That review may consider the nature of the reported conduct, the date and location of the incident, the relationship of the people involved to AACC, and whether the conduct occurred in an AACC education program or activity.
If a matter does not proceed under the Title IX grievance process, AACC may still offer supportive measures, referrals or review under another applicable college policy.
Supportive measures are free, individualized, nondisciplinary and nonpunitive steps AACC can take to help you maintain safe and equal access to your education or work environment. You are entitled to request supportive measures regardless of whether you file a formal complaint or report to law enforcement.
Examples of supportive measures include:
Yes. Supportive measures are available to both the person filing the complaint (complainant) and the person responding to the complaint (respondent). A person responding to the complaint may also request schedule changes, counseling referrals, no-contact directives and other measures during the process.
Contact the Title IX coordinator at any time to discuss available options. You do not need to file a formal complaint first, and you are not required to provide full details of an incident to get started.
You can request supportive measures without filing a formal complaint or providing full details of an incident. You are in control of how much information you share.
A No Contact Directive (NCD) is a written directive issued by AACC that prohibits all communication between specified parties. It is designed to protect safety and well-being. An NCD is not a finding of responsibility and does not mean either party is in trouble. Violation of an NCD may result in disciplinary action.
An NCD is issued by AACC and is enforceable within the college's jurisdiction. An Order of Protection (OP) is a legal order issued by a court and enforceable by law enforcement. If you have a court-issued Order of Protection, notify AACC Public Safety so appropriate steps can be taken on campus.
Contact the Title IX coordinator at any time. An NCD can be issued prior to or during an investigation and does not require a formal complaint to be on file.
Respondents have the right to:
Yes. The Title IX coordinator can provide respondents with referrals for counseling, schedule adjustments, academic support and other resources, regardless of the outcome.
Yes. Both parties may have an advisor or support person of their choice present during any meetings or proceedings related to the Title IX process.
No. AACC will not contact law enforcement on your behalf without your participation and consent, except in situations involving a credible, imminent safety threat.
Yes. You have the right to pursue both processes simultaneously. A Title IX investigation is separate from a criminal investigation. Pursuing one does not prevent or affect the other.
If the incident occurred on AACC's campus, you may report to AACC Public Safety or the Arnold Police Department. If the incident occurred off campus, contact the law enforcement agency where the incident took place. The Title IX coordinator can help you identify the appropriate agency.
A criminal investigation is conducted by law enforcement and can result in arrest, prosecution and criminal penalties. A Title IX investigation is an internal AACC process that can result in disciplinary action (such as suspension, expulsion or termination), but not criminal penalties. The standards and procedures are different in each process.
Most AACC employees are mandatory reporters. A full list of designated mandatory reporter positions is available on the Title IX help page. If you are unsure whether you are a mandatory reporter, assume that you are and contact the Title IX coordinator for clarification.
As a mandatory reporter, you are required to promptly report all relevant details to the Title IX coordinator — including the names of those involved, the nature of the conduct and the date and location if known. You should also encourage the person to contact confidential resources and let them know you are required to report.
You should:
Yes. Designated confidential employees, such as licensed counselors and health professionals acting in their professional role, are not required to report to the Title IX coordinator. Confidential employees must clearly inform individuals of their confidential status and the limits of that confidentiality.
Yes. Title IX protects employees from sex-based discrimination and harassment in the workplace, in addition to protecting students. Employees may also have additional protections under Title VII and Maryland state law.
Yes. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation and related medical conditions. AACC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant and parenting students and employees.
Accommodations may include:
AACC is required to provide reasonable break time for nursing employees and access to a clean, private space for lactation that is not a bathroom. Pregnant employees may also request reasonable workplace modifications. Contact human resources or the Title IX coordinator for information.
No. AACC cannot penalize a student or employee for absences related to pregnancy, childbirth or recovery. Students must be given the opportunity to make up missed work due to medically necessary absences.
Retaliation is any adverse action taken against a person because they reported a Title IX concern, participated in a Title IX investigation or exercised their rights under Title IX. Retaliation is strictly prohibited by federal law and AACC policy.
Retaliation can take many forms, including:
Report it immediately to the Title IX coordinator. Retaliation is treated as a serious and separate violation, regardless of the outcome of the underlying Title IX matter.
Yes. The prohibition on retaliation applies to all parties — complainants, respondents, witnesses and others who participate in a Title IX proceeding.
Yes. Any individual may file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at any time, regardless of whether they also pursue a complaint through AACC's internal process. There is no requirement to exhaust AACC's internal process first.
Yes. Complaints to OCR must generally be filed within 180 days of the last act of discrimination. In some cases this deadline may be extended. Contact OCR directly for guidance on your specific situation.
U.S. Department of Education — Office for Civil Rights (Philadelphia Region)
The Wanamaker Building, Suite 515
100 Penn Square E.
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3323
Phone: 215-656-8541
TTY: 800-877-8339
Tax: 215-656-8605
Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov
Website: www.ed.gov/ocr
Individuals may also have the right to file a complaint with an external agency. AACC’s internal process does not prevent a person from contacting law enforcement or a federal, state or local civil rights agency.
External reporting options may include:
Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you need help understanding which option may apply to your situation.