Policy Statement:

A. It is the policy of the District Board of Trustees of Valencia Community College not to tolerate and to condemn, as being incompatible with the mission of the college, the commission of all forms of sexual assault and other crimes of violence by, or upon, any member of the college community, including students, employees, and guests of the institution.  

B. Crimes of violence, or other acts of violence, as defined by law that are prohibited under this policy shall include, but not be limited to, the following: "sexual assault", which shall include the criminal offense of "sexual battery" (commonly known as "rape"), as defined in Subsection 794.011(1)(h), Florida Statutes; "assault", as defined in Section 784.011, Florida Statutes; "aggravated assault", as defined in Section 784.021, Florida Statutes; "battery", as defined in Section 784.03, Florida Statutes; "aggravated battery", as defined in Section 784.045, Florida Statutes.

C. The commission of a sexual assault or other act of violence as defined by law and as prohibited under this policy, whether committed on or off a Valencia Community College campus or site, or at or in connection with a college-related or college-sponsored event, shall subject the violator, whether a student or employee, to appropriate disciplinary action by the college under student disciplinary and employee disciplinary policies and procedures of the college, with penalties up to and including expulsion as a student or termination of employment as an employee. College disciplinary proceedings may proceed before, during, or after criminal proceedings.

D. In the implementation of this policy in accordance with the "Guidelines for a Sexual Assault Policy in the Community College System", the president is authorized to adopt, periodically, and enforce procedures, including but not limited to, the provision of: information identifying laws prohibiting such misconduct; information regarding the rights of victims and the services available to them; administrative procedures for the investigation by the college of cases involving sexual assault and other crimes of violence; administrative proceedings, disciplinary actions, and penalties which may be imposed upon violators; and, a comprehensive educational program to assure awareness within the College community of the problems of sexual assault, in order to discourage and attempt to prevent such assaults, and to encourage reporting and the receipt of assistance by victims.

Related Documents and Policies:

History:

Adopted 8-19-92; Amended 11-18-92; Formerly 6Hx28:04-43; Amended 9-16-08.