Non-Discrimination at NSCC
Northwest State Community College is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our community. We are committed to eliminating discrimination, upholding individual dignity, and removing obstacles to educational opportunities, freedom of academic inquiry, and employment access. We strive to eliminate barriers and ensure that our community is a place where learning and productive work can flourish.
The College places a high value on the protection of freedom of speech and academic freedom. We encourage open dialogue and diverse perspectives in both the classroom and associated programs, recognizing that these are essential to the growth and enrichment of our community. Embracing all members of our community is a cornerstone of our values, and we believe that everyone is welcome here.
The College has several administrators responsible for ensuring Northwest State's adherence to Federal and State of Ohio non-discrimination laws. They also oversee the College's ongoing commitment to Equal Opportunity in both employment and educational practices, ensuring that our community remains a place of opportunity and respect for all.
Both discrimination and harassment are unfair behaviors that can create a hostile environment, but they have distinct definitions and implications.
What is Discrimination?
Discrimination involves unfair or unequal treatment of individuals or groups based on certain characteristics such as race, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin. It can occur in various settings including workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces. Examples of discrimination include:
- Hiring practices: Not hiring someone because of their sex or race.
- Educational opportunities: Denying a student access to a program based on their disability.
- Promotion and salary: Offering lower wages or denying promotions due to someone's age or national origin.
What is Harassment?
Harassment is a form of discrimination that involves unwanted, offensive, and intimidating behavior. It can create an intimidating, hostile, or abusive environment. Harassment can be verbal, non-verbal, or physical, and can occur in any environment, including schools, workplaces, and public spaces. Examples of harassment include:
- Verbal: Insults, slurs, or derogatory comments based on someone's characteristics.
- Physical: Unwanted touching or physical intimidation.
- Non-Verbal/Visual: Displaying offensive posters, cartoons, or emails.
Key Differences
- Scope: Discrimination is broader and encompasses unequal treatment, while harassment is specific to abusive and offensive behavior.
- Impact: Both can create hostile environments, but harassment is typically more directly intimidating and aggressive.
Both discrimination and harassment are serious issues that can significantly impact individuals' well-being and opportunities. NSCC has policies, procedures, and support systems in place to address and prevent these behaviors. If you or someone you know is experiencing discrimination or harassment, it's important to seek help and report it to the College.
Discrimination and Harassment are illegal when perpetrated against a person or persons based on a “Protected Class.” Protected Classes are age, ancestry, color, disability, familial status, gender, genetic information (GINA), military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation, or any other bases under the law. NSCC has set forth comprehensive frameworks for receiving, processing, investigating, and resolving complaints.
The College has different policies and resolution procedures to respond to complaints and offer employee and student training to prevent discrimination.
For more information on Discrimination, including Harassment, based on sex, pregnancy, and related conditions, see NSCC’s Policy 3-35 Sexual Misconduct: POLICY 3-35 NSCC’s resolution procedures may be accessed here: Sexual Misconduct Resolution Procedures
For more information on Discrimination, including Harassment based on Race, Color, National Origin, Age, Disability, Genetic Information (GINA), Military or Veteran status, Religion, or any other bases under the law, see NSCC’s Policy 3-19: Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination/Anti-Harassment.