WAC 132H-155-050   Formal discrimination complaint procedure.  Discrimination complaints should be filed within one year after the incident(s) occurred. The college will act promptly to investigate the complaint and will attempt to protect the rights of the individual bringing the complaint (the complainant), the alleged discriminator, and any witnesses involved. All parties involved have the right to protection from any retaliating behavior by the alleged discriminator or any college employee. All complaints shall be kept as confidential as is reasonably possible during the investigation/resolution process. However, complaints may be subject to public disclosure under the state's Public Disclosure Act, and therefore the college cannot assure confidentiality to any participant in the process.

     If administrators or supervisors become aware that discrimination is occurring, receive a complaint, or obtain other information indicating possible discrimination, they must notify the vice-president of human resources as soon as reasonably possible, to ensure that the matter is addressed, even if the problem or alleged problem is not within their area of responsibility and authority.

     Complainants, individuals charged, and any witnesses are entitled to representation of their selection throughout the complaint process. The individual charged will be informed that his/her bargaining unit representative will be notified that a complaint has been filed against him/her, unless he/she requests that no notification be made.

     Within seven days after the formal complaint has been filed, the individual charged, his/her immediate supervisor and the area dean/vice-president will be notified that a complaint has been filed.

     The complainant may request an alternate dispute resolution process prior to or in lieu of the investigatory process outlined below. The vice-president of human resources or designee (the investigator) will conduct interviews with the complainant, the alleged discriminator, and any witnesses to allegations identified by the complainant and the alleged discriminator. Reasonable efforts will be made to complete such interviews within ninety days.

     The report summarizing the findings of the investigation and the determination as to whether or not discrimination has occurred shall be forwarded to the appropriate area dean/vice-president.

     The decision regarding what action to take on the complaint, including, but not limited to, appropriate corrective measures and/or disciplinary action shall be made by the area dean/vice-president and reported to the complainant. Copies of the determination shall be sent to the complainant, alleged discriminator, the alleged discriminator's supervisor and the vice-president of human resources. Reasonable efforts will be made to take action on the complaint within thirty days after receipt of the report. If a decision is made to take disciplinary action, such action shall be taken in accordance with appropriate college procedures and collective bargaining agreements.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 28B.50.140. 03-14-013, § 132H-155-050, filed 6/19/03, effective 7/20/03.]