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Title IX

Title IX and Sexual Violence

If you are a member of the Pine Technical and Community College community and have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, dating/intimate partner or domestic violence, harassment based on gender nonconformity, stalking, cyber-stalking, or retaliation, you have options for support.

FYI: No disciplinary action will be taken against you by PTCC for violating campus conduct policy regarding alcohol or drug use if you are reporting an act of gender-based violence

Helpful Resources About Sexual Violence

If You Have Been Assaulted
  1. If you are in danger or need emergency assistance, call the Police at 911. You can also report any campus situations to the Title IX Compliance Officers: Farfum Ladroma for students at 320.629.5161 or Sharon Weaver for faculty/staff at 320.629.5129.
  2. Know that it is not your fault. Victims commonly experience feeling shame or a sense of responsibility for the assault. This is simply not true. You didn’t deserve it. You didn’t ask for it. It’s not your fault.
  3. Find a safe environment and a trusted person to stay with you. You don’t need to go through this alone. Find a friend, family member, or other safe place to stay.
  4. Speak to Someone Confidentially. If you’d like to speak to someone confidentially on campus, please contact Jennifer Reynold, Campus Counselor, at 320.629.4556. The Campus Counselor can offer support and are not mandated to report to college officials.
  5. Consider Reporting. If you are considering reporting, do not wash or bathe. Put clothes into a paper bag to preserve them.
  6. Seek Medical Attention. An evidentiary exam, which can include treatment for STIs and pregnancy testing and prevention, will help you make the best choices for you. There is no charge for the exam. All services are free and strictly confidential.
  7. Get Further Support. Consider contacting resources to receive additional support or to learn more about options you may choose, including reporting the assault to the college and/or to law enforcement.
File a Complaint

Anyone or group related to PTCC who believes there has been an act of discrimination on the basis of sex against any person or group in a program or activity that receives financial assistance may file a complaint under Title IX. The person or organization filing a complaint need not be a victim of the alleged discrimination but may be affected by a general “hostile sexual environment” or complain on behalf of another person or group. You can file a complaint to the Title IX staff at PTCC by using the sexual misconduct report form.

All reports will be held in strict confidence and are anonymous unless you share your identity in the report text box. As you submit your report, please know that our ability to most thoroughly investigate any complaint is dependent on the information you provide. Providing details about the location, whether you are a student/employee, and the nature of the incident will enable us to most effectively address the matter you are reporting.

To anonymously report sexual violence contact Jennifer Reynolds.

Report Now

Victim's Rights

Members of the PTCC community who identify themselves as victims or survivors of sexual assault may rely on the following provisions in support of their recovery:

  • You can choose whether or not to file a complaint with the college or with law enforcement.
  • You do not have to identify the alleged perpetrator unless the information is necessary to respond to your request for a specific form of assistance.
  • Before making a report to a college official, you can request information about college policies and procedures for releasing personally identifiable information about you. You can request that information by contacting the Dean of Student Success at 320.629.5161 or the Chief Human Resources Officer at 320.629.5129. Individuals may also contact a Title IX Deputy at 320.629.4518 or 320.629.5174.
  • You can request assistance from a confidential advocate or the Title IX Coordinator in filing a report with law enforcement.
  • You can access confidential student services support from the PTCC Counselor, Jennifer Reynolds at 320.629.4556.
  • You can request a barring of personal contact between you and the alleged perpetrator through the Title IX Coordinator.
  • You can request relocation through the Title IX Coordinator.
  • If you are a student, you can request a change in your class schedule to avoid contact with the alleged perpetrator through the Title IX Coordinator.
  • You will be informed of the outcomes of the investigation.
  • PTCC’s investigative procedure guarantees the following rights if you have filed a complaint with the college:
    • To receive written information about the college’s policies and procedures.
    • To have a Title IX Deputy or an advocate of your choosing present during the investigative process.
PTCC Title IX/Bias Response Team

Title IX Compliance Officers:

Title IX Deputies:

Confidential Campus Resource:

Helping a Friend or Colleague

Helping someone can be a frightening experience, but it is important for you to know what to do to help someone in need.

To help a friend or colleague:

  1. Believe them. Statements such as “I believe you” and “It wasn’t your fault” can be extremely helpful.
  2. Make sure they feel safe in their current location.
  3. Listen and be available.
  4. Don’t judge or blame your friend for what happened.
  5. Encourage action, but allow your friend to decide what actions to take.
  6. Encourage your friend to seek medical attention, but don’t force them to do so. Making choices helps your friend to regain control lost during the assault.
  7. If they’d like to speak to someone confidentially on campus, please contact Jennifer Reynold, Campus Counselor, at 320.629.4556. The Campus Counselor can offer support and are not mandated to report to college officials.
  8. Encourage them to consider contacting PTCC student/employee support services to learn more about their options, including reporting the assault to the college and/or to law enforcement.
  9. Be patient. Healing from a sexual assault takes time.
  10. Consider getting help for yourself. Supporting a friend or colleague can be stressful. You can utilize the resources listed on this website.

Remember, sexual violence is never the survivor’s fault!

Campus and Community Resources

Counseling and Mental Health

  • Canvas Health, 651.777.5222
    • Canvas Health provides integrated programs and services that offer coordinated care to people of all ages in their homes, the community, and their clinics. Canvas Health strives for excellence in clinical care as we serve those living with mental illness, substance use disorders, crisis, unstable housing, and trauma.
  • Counseling services are available, free of charge, to assist students in attaining their personal and educational goals
  • Cornerstone is a violence prevention organization based in Bloomington, MN: 24-hour crisis line: 866.223.1111 or 952.884.0376
  • Minnesota Crisis Text Line
    • Text MN to 741741 to be connected with free, 24/7 mental health crisis support.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call or Text: 988
  • Pine County Public Health, 320.591.1570
  • Sexual Violence Center, 612.871.5111
    • Minneapolis Office: 3757 Fremont Ave. N.
    • Chaska Office: 500 North Pine St., Suite 303
    • 24-hour phone counseling, support groups, education, and individual counseling for victims, and loved ones of victims, who have experienced any form of unwanted sexual contact.
  • Therapeutic Services Agency (TSA), Inc., 320.629.7600
    • TSA provides professional mental health services to individuals and families of all ages.  Our clinical staff come from the fields of psychology, clinical social work, and marriage and family therapy and are licensed professionals and/or have advanced graduate training in a mental health field.
  • The Walk in Counseling Center: 612-870-0565, 2421 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis.
    • Crisis intervention and short-term counseling to individuals, couples and families. No appointment is necessary during counseling hours. These services are free, but donations are appreciated.

Health Care

  • Allina Health—Cambridge Medical Center, 701 Dellwood St. S, Cambridge, MN 55008, 763.689.8700
  • Burnett Medical Center, 257 W St. George Ave, Grantsburg, WI 54840, 715.463.5353
  • Essentia Health—Sandstone, 705 Lundorff Dr, Sandstone, MN 55072, 320.245.5600
  • M Health Fairview
    • Clinic—North Branch, 5366 386th Street, North Branch, MN 55056, 651.674.8353
    • Lakes Medical Center—Wyoming, 5200 Fairview Blvd., Wyoming, MN, 55092, 651.982.7000

Legal Resources

Advocacy

Support for Respondents

Wellness Room and Lactation

For parenting individuals, PTCC supports the needs of parents who are students, employees, or visitors to our campus who are breastfeeding their babies by providing a dedicated room to pump their breast milk in a quiet, comfortable, and private space. The Wellness Room at PTCC is in RM 236.

Any student may access the PTCC Wellness Room. The room has a lock to ensure users’ privacy. A sink and other amenities are also available. For more information, please contact the Dean of Student Success at 320.629.5161 or the Chief Human Resources Officer at 320.629.5129. Individuals may also contact a Title IX Deputy at 320.629.4518 or 320.629.5174.

  • It is the responsibility of everyone using the Wellness room to maintain a clean space that is ready for the next user.
  • PTCC students and employees requesting refrigerator access should contact the Dean of Student Success at 320.629.5161 or Chief Human Resources Officer at 320.629.5129. Expressed milk stored in the refrigerator must be labeled with the user’s name, telephone number, and the date the milk was expressed. It is the responsibility of each user to remove stored milk at the end of each day; the refrigerator will be checked regularly and expired expressed milk or other items will be removed and disposed of to keep the refrigerator clean for all users.

Definitions

Sexual Assault

Any sexual act directed against another person, against that person’s will or where the victim is incapable of giving consent.

Includes rape, sodomy, sexual assault, and fondling. Incest is sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law. Statutory rape is sexual intercourse with a person who is under the age of consent.

“Sexual assault” means an actual, attempted, or threatened sexual act with another person without that person’s consent. Sexual assault is often a criminal act that can be prosecuted under Minnesota law, as well as form the basis for discipline under Minnesota State Colleges and Universities student conduct codes and employee disciplinary standards. Sexual assault includes but is not limited to:

  • Involvement without consent in any sexual act in which there is force, expressed or implied, or use of duress or deception upon the victim. Forced sexual intercourse is included in this definition, as are the acts commonly referred to as “date rape” or “acquaintance rape.” This definition also includes the coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force sexual intercourse or a sexual act on another.
  • Involvement in any sexual act when the victim is unable to give consent.
  • Intentional and unwelcome touching, or coercing, forcing, or attempting to coerce or force another to touch a person’s intimate parts (defined as primary genital area, groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or breast).
  • Offensive sexual behavior that is directed at another such as indecent exposure or voyeurism.

Rape

The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person without the consent of the victim.

Domestic Violence

Violent misdemeanor or felony offense against a current or former spouse or cohabitant, or anyone who would be protected by domestic or family violence laws.

Dating and Relationship Violence

Violence against a person in a romantic or intimate relationship. Dating and relationship violence includes physical harm or abuse, and threats of physical harm or abuse, arising out of a personal intimate relationship. This violence also may be called domestic abuse or spousal/partner abuse and may be subject to criminal prosecution under Minnesota state law.

Stalking

Behavior that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their or others’ safety, or behavior that causes substantial emotional distress. Stalking is conduct directed at a specific person that is unwanted, unwelcome, or unreciprocated and that would cause a reasonable person to fear for her or his safety or the safety of others or to suffer substantial emotional distress.

Sexual Harassment

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwanted conduct of a sexual nature.

Consent

Consent requires words or conduct indicating a freely given agreement to participate in sexual activities. Consent does not mean the existence of a prior or current relationship between people or that one failed to resist a particular sexual act. A person who is incapacitated or physically helpless cannot consent to a sexual act. Consent is informed, freely given and mutually understood. If coercion, intimidation, threats, and/or physical force are used, there is no consent.

If the complainant is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired so that the complainant cannot understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual situation, there is no consent; this includes conditions due to alcohol or drug consumption, or being asleep or unconscious. Silence does not necessarily constitute consent, and past consent of sexual activities does not imply ongoing future consent. Whether the respondent has taken advantage of a position of influence over the complainant may be a factor in determining consent.

Non-forcible Sex Acts

Non-forcible acts include unlawful sexual acts where consent is not relevant, such as sexual contact with an individual under the statutory age of consent, as defined by Minnesota law, or

Minnesota State 1B.3.1 Sexual Violence Procedure

Reporting Incidents of Sexual Violence

  • Complainants of sexual violence may report incidents at any time, but are strongly encouraged to report incidents promptly in order to best preserve evidence for legal or disciplinary action.
  • Complainants are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual violence to law enforcement.
  • Minnesota State students and employees are urged to report any incidents that they are aware of to the appropriate authority (internal and external). Anyone with campus authority or with supervisory or student-advising responsibility must make a report for the annual crime statistics report if they are made away of an act of sexual violence.
  • Confidentiality is not guaranteed for reported incidents of sexual violence, except with privileged communications with health care professionals, clergy, or private legal counsel.

Investigation and Disciplinary Procedures

  • When investigating complaints of sexual violence, colleges will use the system procedure found in Minnesota State Policy 1B.1.1 Investigation and Resolution (see Appendix C for full text of policy).
  • The past history of the complainant and respondent shall be deemed irrelevant except as that history may directly relate to the incident being considered.
  • College investigation and disciplinary procedures concerning allegations of sexual violence against employees or students shall:
    • Be respectful of the needs and rights of individuals involved;
    • Proceed as promptly as possible with the goal of a resolution within 30 days of initial report.
    • Permit a student complainant and a student respondent to have the same opportunity to have an appropriate support person or advisor present at any interview or hearing, in a manner consistent with the governing procedures and applicable data practices law;
    • Employees shall have the right to representation consistent with the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or personnel plan;
    • Be conducted in accordance with applicable due process standards and privacy laws;
    • Simultaneously inform both the complainant and respondent of the outcome in a timely manner, as permitted by applicable privacy law.
    • Be based on a preponderance of evidence standard, meaning that it is more likely than not that the policy or code has been violated.
  • Any individual who knowingly provides false information regarding the filing of a complaint/report of sexual violence or during the investigation may be subject to discipline or legal action.
  • If a complainant no longer desires to pursue a complaint through the college’s proceeding, the college reserves the right to investigate and resolve the complaint as it deems appropriate.

Sanctions

  • If a finding is made that sexual violence has occurred include, but are not limited to: suspension, expulsion of students or termination from employment.
  • The appropriate sanction will be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the severity of the conduct, the respondent’s previous disciplinary history, and other factors as appropriate.
  • Actions by a student or employee intended as retaliation, reprisal or intimidation against an individual for making a complaint or participating in any way in a report or investigation under this policy are prohibited and are subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

See Sexual Violence Policy for full text of policy

Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights and History

Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights

Rights:

  • The accuser and the accused must have the same opportunity to have others present for support and consultation.
  • Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
  • Survivors shall be notified of their options to notify law enforcement.
  • Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
  • Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.

History:

The United States Congress enacted the “Campus Sexual Assault Victims’ Bill of Rights” in 1992 as part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992. It was signed into law by President Bush in July of 1992. The law requires that all colleges and universities that participate in federal student financial aid programs afford sexual assault victims certain basic rights.

It also requires the school to notify the victims of their option to report the assault to the proper law enforcement authorities.

If a school is in violation of this law they can be fined up to $27,500 or lose their eligibility to participate in federal student aid programs. Any complaints about a school should be made to the U.S. Department of Education.

The original purpose of this legislation was to combat the re-victimization of rape survivors across college campuses. This was a need that came about due to many image conscious colleges and universities that were more concerned with protecting their public image than seeing justice being served.

Pertinent Statutes

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 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.” The regulations regarding The IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 can be found on the Department of Justice website.

PTCC does not tolerate sexual misconduct or sexual violence of any kind in any context. We are committed to empowering students who experience sexual assault or other forms of gender-based violence to pursue disciplinary, criminal, and civil action if they choose to do so.



Campus Contacts

Title IX Compliance Officers:

Title IX Deputies:

Confidential Campus Resource:

Reports and Training

Student Training

PTCC fully supports the reduction of sexual harassment and sexual violence on our campus. Minnesota Statute 135A.15 requires all post-secondary students to complete a comprehensive sexual violence prevention training. Student participation in the required training is an investment to keep the PTCC community safe.

Each new PTCC degree-seeking, certificate-seeking, PSEO students, as well as others deemed appropriate by PTCC are required to complete an online Sexual Violence Prevention Training (SVPT) course. Students are automatically enrolled in the D2L Brightspace SVPT course to help educate and prevent sexual violence.

If students fail to meet the completion deadline, a hold will be placed on their student account which prevents them from registering next semester. If a student has completed the SVPT course at another Minnesota State college or university, the student will NOT need to take the PTCC training. If assigned the training and you do not believe you should have been assigned the training, please contact Farfum.Ladroma@pine.edu. Please have your TechID or StarID ready or included in any email communication.

Additional Resources for SVPT:

Sexual Violence Prevention Training Course Instruction (Available soon)

Frequently Asked Questions with Sexual Violence Prevention Training (SVPT) (Available soon)

Employee Training

Faculty and staff complete an online training program each year to stay up to date on policies and practices to prevent sexual violence.

Employees are automatically enrolled in these courses as part of ongoing safety training.

2024

April 12, 2024: Title IX at Pine, PTCC Campus Conversation Day 2024

Title IX Staff Training

Publication of Training Materials for Title IX Personnel

Per Title IX (34 CFR 106) Pine Technical and Community College is required to publicly share all materials used to train Title IX personnel at the institution: Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. The institution shall make these training materials publicly available on its website, continuing to post materials to the extent necessary to comply with federal regulations.

 

The Title IX regulations were effective on August 14, 2020. All trainings by the PTCC Title IX-Bias Response Team above meet the required training components (Title IX [34 CFR 106.45(b)(10)(i)(D)]) are included upon and following this date. All materials will be kept by the institution for seven years and can be reviewed below. The training slides were prepared for the identified training purposes, facilitated by the named presenters, and informed by discussion on the noted session dates.

 

2020

August 27, 2020: Title IX and Revised Procedure Training, Minnesota State

October 27, 2020: Title IX Compliance and Updates, Minnesota State

2021

February 18, 2021: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

June 24, 2021: Informal Resolution for Title IX Training, Minnesota State

November 2, 2021: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

2022

April 18, 2022: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Investigator Training, Minnesota State

April 22, 2022: Title IX and Sexual Violence Investigator Training, Minnesota State

June 14, 2022: Informal Resolution Refresher Training, Minnesota State

November 2, 2022: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

November 3, 2022: Title IX and Sexual Violence Investigator Training, Minnesota State

November 17, 2022: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Investigator Training, Minnesota State

2023

April 20, 2023: Title IX and Sexual Violence Investigator Training, Minnesota State

April 21, 2023: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

April 26, 2023: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Investigator Training, Minnesota State

August 8, 2023: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

August 9, 2023: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Investigator Training, Minnesota State

August 10, 2023: Title IX and Sexual Violence Investigator Training, Minnesota State

September 27, 2023: Title IX Coordinator Training, Minnesota State

November 14, 2023: Decision-Making for Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Violence Investigations Training, Minnesota State

November 15, 2023: Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination Complaint Investigator Training, Minnesota State

November 16, 2023: Title IX and Sexual Violence Investigator Training, Minnesota State

2024

February 27, 2024: Analyzing the Investigative Report, Minnesota State

February 28, 2024: 1B.1 Investigator Training, Minnesota State

February 29, 2024: Title IX & Sexual Violence Investigations, Minnesota State

March 27, 2024: Title IX and Athletics: Workshop, Minnesota State

Campus Security and Clery Reports

See PTCC Public Information and Policies

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