Title IX Overview
The American College of the Building Arts is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by the College.
Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
https://www.ed.gov/ocr
Title IX Coordinator
Barbara Antley
Title IX Coordinator
American College of the Building Arts
649 Meeting Street
Charleston, SC 29403
(843) 577-5245
antleyb@acba.edu
All questions and inquiries concerning ACBA’s policies for the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual violence under Title IX should be referred to the Title IX Coordinator.
What Is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that protects individuals from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities.
Title IX helps create a safe and respectful environment that better protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors from incidents of sex-based discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence and assault.
Who Is Protected?
Title IX protects students, faculty, staff, and visitors from discrimination on the basis of sex in the College’s education programs and activities.
Prohibited Conduct
The College does not condone and will not tolerate sexual harassment or sexual violence of any kind.
Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:
sexual harassment
sex-based harassment
sexual violence or assault
rape
sexual coercion
sexual exploitation
sexual threats or intimidation
domestic violence
dating violence
stalking
cyber-stalking
other nonconsensual sexual touching
Many behaviors that violate Title IX may also violate criminal law.
Consent
Consent is a clear, voluntary, informed, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity.
Consent should never be assumed. A person’s silence does not constitute consent. Consent to one act does not mean consent to another, and consent may be withdrawn at any time.
A person who is asleep or mentally or physically incapacitated, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or another condition, cannot give consent.
Retaliation Prohibited
Retaliation against any individual who files a complaint, reports suspected misconduct, or participates in an investigation or inquiry is prohibited.
Prohibited retaliatory acts include threats, coercion, intimidation, or discrimination. Anyone who believes they have been subjected to retaliation should contact the Title IX Coordinator immediately.
Reporting a Concern
Any student, employee, or visitor who believes they have experienced sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking, or other sex-based misconduct is encouraged to report it. Reports may also be made anonymously, although the College’s ability to investigate may be limited in such cases.
Reports may be made to:
the College through the Title IX Coordinator or another responsible employee
the Title IX Coordinator
law enforcement
or both
In an emergency, call 911.
A criminal investigation and a Title IX investigation may occur simultaneously, but they are separate processes.
All complaints will be reviewed and addressed in a manner that is prompt, fair, and impartial.
Supportive Measures
The College offers supportive measures to students or employees affected by sexual misconduct.
Supportive measures may include, as appropriate:
academic adjustments
changes to class or work schedules
no-contact directives
referrals to counseling, medical, or other support resources
other individualized measures designed to preserve equal access to the College’s programs and activities
The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for ensuring supportive measures are offered as appropriate.
Title IX Grievance Process
The College follows Title IX grievance procedures that include investigation, review of evidence, and live hearing procedures where applicable before a determination is made.
Those procedures address, as applicable:
intake and assessment
investigation
review of evidence
live hearing procedures
advisor participation
relevance determinations
written determination
appeal procedures
informal resolution, where permitted
Training Materials
ACCSC Title IX Compliance Training Certification
The College’s Title IX Coordinator completed Title IX compliance training through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Topics covered in the training include:
Title IX regulations and institutional responsibilities
responding to reports of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct
supportive measures and interim actions
grievance procedures and investigations
institutional compliance obligations
Training documentation:
ACCSC Title IX Training Certificate – Barbara Antley (PDF)
Additional Title IX compliance training materials may include resources provided by professional organizations, federal guidance from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, and professional development sessions for Title IX personnel.
Additional Links