Sexual Harassment and Discrimination | Western Technical College

Western Technical College

Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Western wants to help all students and employees find the resources they need to feel safe from sex discrimination, sexual harassment or violence, and other harm. Nearly every Western employee can help you begin the process of leaving dangerous situations and relationships, asserting your rights to equal treatment, and achieving your dreams.

Sexual harassment is an umbrella definition that includes the offenses of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Acts of sexual harassment may be committed by any person upon another person, regardless of the sex, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity of those involved.

If you are not safe, or if you need immediate help: Call 911 or Western's Security Office: 608-785-9191. Immediately following a sexual assault, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Visit the Safety and Security website for more information about campus safety efforts.

Report a Sexual Harassment Incident

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965) is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions. This act is codified as Title 20, United States Code, Chapter 38, Sections 1681-1686. The act was also amended by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 ("Title IX").

The law states that "no person in the United States shall on the basis of sex be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of "program or activity" to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity, or private employer that receives federal funds.​ 

Western prohibits all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and coercion on campus and at College related activities and functions. Western takes a strong stance against sexual misconduct. The College seeks to create and maintain a campus free from sexual harassment by using a combination of education, programming, training for students and staff, clear policies, and consistent sanctions for any violation of these policies. The College’s Title IX Coordinator, supported by a cross-functional committee, assists in ensuring compliance. The Office of Human Resources, along with the Student Life Office, provides trained investigators to address any reported issues of sexual misconduct involving staff and/or students.​​​​​​​

Allegations of violations of Title IX, or inquiries or concerns regarding Western’s Title IX policies and procedures can be made to the Title IX Coordinator:

Title IX Coordinator – Students
Ge Vang
Manager of Student Life and Integrity
Kumm Center, Room 100
La Crosse Campus
vangg@westerntc.edu
608-785-9444

Title IX Coordinator – Employees
Megan Hoffman
Manager of Employment, Compensation and Compliance
Administrative Center, Room 109
La Crosse Campus
hoffmanm@westerntc.edu
608-785-9274

Title IX Pregnant Students

Your Rights

Title IX provides students who are pregnant or experience a false pregnancy, have a child or adopt a child, terminate a pregnancy or have a miscarriage with special services as it provides to students with other temporary conditions. As a student with one of these conditions, you have the right to:

  • Not be told to drop out or change education plans 
  • Be provided a comfortable space to pump milk 
  • Be excused from class due to pregnancy-related appointments (pre-natal, give birth, have an abortion or be on doctor-ordered bed rest) 
  • Not have excused absences count against your grades 
  • Be provided the opportunity to make up missed work from excused absences 
  • Not be harassed as the result of pregnancy 

Title IX does not assist with childcare issues, bonding time or similar parenting situations and challenges. What is meant by the context of Title IX is the medical recovery from the above conditions listed.

Private Wellness Rooms for Personal Needs

Western has designated Wellness rooms for personal use, including lactation (breast pumping). Under Wisconsin law, women may breastfeed their child in any area where the general public is allowed to go. 

The Wellness rooms are located in Coleman Room 252, Student Success Center Room 110, and the Administrative Building Room 219. 

All the rooms have a small fridge, sitting chair, and lock from the inside. There should be a slider that indicates when a room is in use. 

The Rights of Fathers

Some of the same protections and accommodations apply to fathers as well; however, in some situations, fathers will not receive the same accommodations due to the nature of pregnancy and recovery.

Apply for Title IX Pregnancy Accommodations

Pregnant and parenting accommodation is available for all Western students. For accommodations, contact Kris Follansbee, Manager of Access Services, at 608-785-9875 or follansbeek@westerntc.edu

The Accommodation Process

  • Pregnant students are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Title IX Coordinator and Manager of Access Services early in their pregnancy. Accommodation rights are not made until you have contacted Access Service and completed the required paperwork.
  • Western's Access Services will guide the student in obtaining appropriate medical documentation of their condition and the medical basis for accommodations. Accommodations are implemented based on what is determined by the medical provider.
  • Access Services will work with the students and their instructors to implement the accommodations.
  • The student is ultimately responsible for obtaining the appropriate medical documentation. Access Services will help guide you through the process and answer all of your questions. Reporting issues or concerns relating to title ix Pregnancy rights and accommodations

Discrimination against a person on the basis of past or current parental status, pregnancy and related conditions, and marital status is a violation of Western policy and federal law. Those who believe they were subject to discrimination may file a complaint or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Ge Vang, at 608-785-9444 or vangg@westerntc.edu or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Margy Krogman, at 608-785-9880 or krogmanm@westerntc.edu.
 

Policy Statements

Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Western Technical College (Western) is committed to building and preserving an educational and workplace environment where students and employees can learn and work together free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all benefits, programs, and activities. To ensure Western’s commitment to fostering an environment built on a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and respect, the college has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for complaints of discrimination and harassment on the basis of Protected Characteristics, and for complaints regarding retaliation. Western is committed to ensuring compliance with federal and state civil rights and First Amendment laws and regulations. 

Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Sexual Offender Registration

The Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386) is a federal law enacted in 2000 that provides for the registration and notification of convicted sex offenders enrolled at or employed by institutions of higher education. As provided in the Wetterling Act (amended by the CSCPA), any person required to register as part of a state sex offender registration program must notify the state regarding each institution of higher education in which the person is an employee or student. Sex offender information in the State of Wisconsin is compiled by the Department of Corrections (DOC). To learn the identity of registered sex offenders on or near campus, or anywhere in Wisconsin, visit http://offender.doc.state.wi.us/public/. In Minnesota, visit https://por.state.mn.us/OffenderSearch.html. In Iowa, visit http://www.iowasexoffender.com/.

Registered sex offenders, who are students at Western, are obligated to notify the Dean of Students (Kumm Center, Room 100) that they are attending a class or a program at the college and are registered with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections or appropriate state registration agency. Failure to notify the college is deemed to be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is subject to possible conduct sanctions. A student is defined as any person who attends and/or is enrolled in any classes or program at the College. Registered sex offenders, who are employees at Western, are obligated to notify the Human Resources Office as part of their background check requirement for employment.

Western will publish links to the above listed websites to share information about registered sexual offenders reported to Western as being enrolled, or employed at the College. This information is provided to the College by local law enforcement. The College does not independently verify sex offender registration information, nor is it responsible for its accuracy. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidation or harassment is prohibited.

Contact us

If you are not safe, or if you need immediate help: Call 911 or Western's Security Office at 608-785-9191.