Committing an act of sexual violence upon a student, an employee or any other person in the College constitutes a violation of state and federal laws, and a major violation of the College’s Affirmative Action Policy. Sexual violence is absolutely intolerable and totally unacceptable.
Sexual violence is generally defined as any sexual activity where consent is not obtained or able to be freely given, and includes rape (vaginal, oral or anal penetration without consent), acquaintance rape (rape committed by someone who is known by the victim), or any unwanted sexual activity that is forced or coerced by one person on another. It is a criminal offense to have sex with someone who is incapable of giving consent due to being intoxicated, unconscious, mentally incompetent or under 16 years of age.
An employee or student who commits an act of sexual violence may be subject to criminal prosecution and will be subject to disciplinary action by the College, up to and including expulsion and/or termination of employment.
Victims of sexual violence are encouraged to contact the College’s Department of Public Safety at (617) 228-2222 or 228-2053, or by reporting the matter at Room E-127 as soon as is practicable under the circumstances. If a victim is more comfortable reporting the alleged sexual violence to a College employee with whom s/he is better acquainted, such as a Dean, administrator or faculty member, s/he may do so. Any employee to whom an incident of sexual violence is reported, however, is required to notify the College’s Department of Public Safety and the Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator forthwith. Nahomi Carlisle is the Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, Affirmative Action Officer, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, and may be contacted at Charlestown Campus, Room A307 by phone: 617-228-3311 or by email at nahomi.carlisle@bhcc.edu.
If any student or employee believes that he or she has been the victim of sexual violence, the student or employee also has the right to file an Affirmative Action Discrimination Grievance with the College. For a copy of the Affirmative Action Grievance Procedure or assistance with filing a complaint, please contact Nahomi Carlisle, the Chief Equity and Compliance Officer, Affirmative Action Officer, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, at 617-228-3311 or nahomi.carlisle@bhcc.edu.
Reporting the incident to the College’s Department of Public Safety, the Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator, or another College employee does not commit the victim to filing charges. Federal and state laws, however, require the College to investigate such reports. The matter will be investigated both by BHCC Police and separately by the Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator. Although every reasonable effort will be made to protect a victim’s privacy, individuals with a need to know may be contacted and information may be shared as necessary to investigate and adjudicate the matter or as public safety requires. A report of the incident will be filed with local police in the event public safety is at risk even if the victim does not intend to report the incident to police or cooperate in an investigation.
The College prohibits retaliation against any person who presents a formal or informal complaint of sexual violence or who testifies or offers evidence connected with a complaint. Retaliation is a violation of the College’s Affirmative Action and Diversity Policy whether or not the underlying claim of sexual violence is confirmed. For the full text of the College’s policy concerning sexual violence, refer to Bunker Hill Community College’s Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity.