Notice of Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX

Notice of Nondiscrimination

As a recipient of federal funds, Central Piedmont Community College is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity, in educational programs or activities. Central Piedmont Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs or activities, including in the context of admission or employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to Central Piedmont Community College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Statement of Equal Opportunity

Central Piedmont Community College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all qualified persons without discrimination against any person by reason of sex, race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability or any other legally protected status. This policy is consistent with relevant governmental statues and regulations, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, and The Equal Pay Act.

The Equal Opportunity site is designed as an informative resource for issues pertaining to equal opportunity in education and employment at Central Piedmont. This site does not offer any form of legal advice.

It is the policy of Central Piedmont Community College to treat employees equitably in the terms and conditions of their employment. It is also the policy of Central Piedmont Community College to treat students fairly. Discrimination against or harassment of any employee or student is contrary to College policy and will be justification for disciplinary action.

How to File a Title IX Complaint

If you experience sexual discrimination, harassment, or violence, you have rights and you have options. Title IX and Central Piedmont’s resources exist to help you get the support you need. Whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or guest, you have the right to file a complaint through the college and/or explore other options. Any person (student, faculty, staff, or guest) who believes discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss these concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX (in an emergency, call 704-330-6911).

  • Submit a Title IX Reporting Form

    Complete the Title IX Reporting Form and submit it one of the following ways:  

    – email Margaret Smith

    – drop off the printed form to: Central High Building, Room 338 on Central Campus 

    – mail the printed form to: Central Piedmont, PO Box 35009, Charlotte, NC 28235, Attn: Title IX office

    Title IX Reporting Form

Learn More about Title IX

The following Title IX information and valuable resources can help you, a friend, or colleague with a specific issue.

Title IX is commonly associated with sex-based discrimination in athletics, but it so much more. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that states:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or by subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all college programs and activities, including but not limited to, admissions, recruiting, financial aid, academic programs, student services, counseling and guidance, discipline, class assignment, grading, recreation, athletics, housing, and employment.

Sexual harassment and sexual violence are forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against people for making or participating in complaints of sex discrimination.

For more information about Title IX, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

If you are a Central Piedmont student or staff member who didn't find the information needed, we encourage you to call us at 704-330-6524 for assistance. We are also available to speak to your student group or department to share more information on Title IX and how it works for you.

Title XI Policies and Procedures

You have rights and responsibilities under Title IX. Title IX prohibits discrimination based upon sex in all aspects of college life. Central Piedmont has adopted policies and procedures that govern our college's response when a member of our community is alleged to be either a victim or a perpetrator of sexual misconduct under Title IX.

Unlawful Discriminatory Behaviors Under Title IX

Many people are confused about what constitutes sexual discrimination under Title IX. We have prepared a partial list of behaviors and circumstances that may be unlawful behavior under Title IX. The list is not all inclusive; it is merely intended to give you a broad idea of prohibited conduct. In general, if your conduct is unwelcome or offensive, don't do it. Even if such behavior does not violate Title IX, it probably does not contribute to a robust learning or working environment due to its unwelcome or offensive nature.

  • Examples of Unlawful Behaviors and Circumstances

    Unlawful discriminatory behaviors under Title IX include, but are not limited to:

    1. Sexual Harassment (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature);
    2. Sexual Misconduct (rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual exploitation and other forms of non-consensual sexual activity);
    3. Stalking (repeatedly following, harassing, threatening, or intimidating including by telephone, email, electronic communication, or social media);
    4. Dating Violence (including emotional, verbal, and economic abuse without the presence of physical abuse); and
    5. Retaliation (adverse employment, academic, or other actions against anyone reporting or participating in an investigation of Title IX allegations).

    The following are examples of types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment:

    1. Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
    2. Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
    3. Demands or subtle pressure for sexual favors
    4. Unwanted phone calls, texts, email, or gestures

    Retaliation for participating in a protected activity is against Central Piedmont's policy.  Retaliation may be verbal or nonverbal and may be overt or subtle.  Whether or not discrimination or harassment occurred, retaliation will not be tolerated against anyone who participates in any capacity in a claim of discrimination or harassment, including without limitation, reporting or objecting to discrimination or harassment or participating in an investigation or other proceeding, whether as a witness, a bystander, a respondent or a complainant.

Contacts and Resources to Help You

  • College Resources

    • College Security Services is located on all campuses and is available by phone at 6911. College Security Services Officers are available 24/7 and offer an annual security report on their website.
    • Student Conduct and Civility is located in Overcash Center, Room 214 and is available by phone at 704-330-6819. The office is staffed from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
    • Central Piedmont Community College’s Acting Title IX Coordinator is Margaret Smith, whose office is located in the Central High Building, Room 338 on Central Campus. This office may be contacted from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by phone at 704-330-6524 or by emailing Margaret Smith. 
    • The Office of Human Resources is located in the Pitts Building and is available by phone at 704-330-6631. The office is staffed from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    • Counseling Services is located on all campuses and is available by phone at 704-330-6420. The centers are staffed from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • Community Resources
    • Local Law Enforcement Agencies can be reached by calling 911
    • Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center is located at 200 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte NC 28204. The Emergency Department can be reached at 704-384-4000.
    • Atrium Medical Center is located at 1000 Blythe Boulevard, Charlotte NC 28203. The Emergency Department can be reached at 704-355-2000.
    • Charlotte Children and Family Services Center: 704-332-9034
    • 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotline/Safe Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter: 704-332-2513
    • 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline: 704-375-9900
    • Victim Assistance for court assistance and safety planning 704-336-4126
    • Community Support Services: 704-336-3210
    • Domestic Violence Healthcare Project-Crisis services for victims based at Atrium Medical Center:704-446-3999
    • NOVA (a division of CCS DV services) Batterer education/counseling 704-336-4344
    • National Sexual Violence Resource Center: 1-877-739-3895
    • Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Title IX Training

  • What's Covered

    Knowledge is power. Central Piedmont is developing training modules for employees and students. This training will address many issues and will add to your confidence in dealing with potential Title IX concerns. The training will cover many topics, including the following:

    • types of sexual misconduct
    • resources for victims of sexual misconduct
    • The college's sexual misconduct policy and procedures
    • reporting sexual misconduct
    • bystander intervention
    • responding to complaints
    • avoiding retaliation
    • maintaining a respectful work environment

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