Discrimination and Related Retaliation
Columbus State is committed to supporting a healthy, welcoming and respectful learning and working environment free of discrimination, which includes harassment and specific types of retaliation. The College prohibits discriminatory behavior based on a protected class by or against:
- Students
- Employees
- Persons participating in a College program or activity
- Vendors
- College visitors
While the College does not tolerate any form of discriminatory behavior, College Policy 3-43 overseen by the Compliance Office applies only to discrimination based on protected class. Protected classes for purposes of this policy are:
Sex
Race
Color
Religion
National Origin
Ethnicity
Ancestry
Age
Disability
Genetic Information (GINA)
Military Status
Sexual Orientation
Pregnancy
Status as a parent of a young child
Status as a nursing mother
Status as a foster parent
Gender identity and expression
While the College does not tolerate any retaliatory behavior, this policy’s prohibition of retaliation applies only to retaliation that is based on:
- An individual making a complaint of discrimination, supporting someone involved in a report of discrimination, and/or participating in a discrimination investigation or hearing
- An individual’s exercise of rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments (ADA/ADAAA) and/or under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- An individual’s exercise of rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- An individual’s exercise of rights under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
Please see College Policy 3-43 for more information.
Columbus State wants individuals who report experiencing discrimination based on a protected class and/or related retaliation and individuals who have been accused of the same to understand how the College addresses such concerns, the rights and options of each party, and availability of supportive measures and resources as well as the College’s legal responsibilities. Learn more by exploring the topics below or clicking the links on the menu on the right-hand side of the page.
If the respondent is an employee, a student or otherwise has a connection to Columbus State, the complainant may pursue a prompt, fair and impartial administrative investigation and resolution. Complainants may choose not to pursue an administrative investigation, but the College may have an obligation to further review and investigate the information it receives without the complainant’s consent or participation. Please see College Procedure 3-43 (A) for more information.
The College uses a secure reporting format to address concerns in a prompt and efficient manner. The online report form is sent directly to the Compliance Supervisor/Title IX Coordinator and Compliance Officer(s). This is the College's preferred method of reporting.
IMPORTANT: Your report will be reviewed during business hours. If you have an emergency, please call 911 or the Columbus State Police Department at (614) 287-2525.
To learn more about reporting, including anonymous reporting and external reporting methods, visit: https://www.cscc.edu/about/compliance/share-a-concern.shtml
The Compliance Office is your partner in supporting student and employee success. You can contact any member of the Compliance Office team via email or phone to share a concern or consult about a situation.
Renee Byers, Deputy General Counsel
rbyers7@cscc.edu (614) 287-5519
Jolene Broshious, Compliance Supervisor/ College Title IX Coordinator
jbroshious@cscc.edu (614) 287-5106
Retaliation in any form against an individual who brings forth a good faith allegation of discrimination and/or harassment, participates in an investigation of discrimination and/or harassment or supports someone involved in a report of discrimination and/or harassment is strictly prohibited by College policy and state and federal law. Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to, intimidation; threats or actual violence against the person, their family or property; adverse educational or employment consequences; ridicule; bullying; and ostracism or attempting any such actions. Retaliation also includes encouraging someone else to take such actions against an individual for reporting discrimination and/or harassment, participating in a discrimination and/or harassment investigation or supporting someone involved in a report of discrimination and/or harassment.
Retaliation in any form against an individual who exercises their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and its Amendments (ADA/ADAAA) and/or under Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is strictly prohibited. Examples of retaliation include, but are not limited to, intimidation; threats or actual violence against the person, their family or property; adverse educational or employment consequences; ridicule; bullying; and ostracism or attempting any such actions. Retaliation also includes encouraging someone else to take such actions against an individual who exercises their rights under ADA/ADAAA and/or FMLA.
For additional types of retaliation related to concerns of sex discrimination, please see Section 16 of College Procedure 3-44 (A).
Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to sanctions, and allegations of retaliation should be promptly reported to the Compliance Office.