Civil Rights & Compliance Office
The Civil Rights & Compliance Office promotes a safe, equitable, and inclusive educational and workplace environment by enforcing the District’s non-discrimination policies, responding to allegations of protected class and sexual misconduct, facilitating informal resolution and conflict management when appropriate, and providing supportive measures to impacted individuals.
CONTACT US
civilrights@rsccd.edu
(714) 480-7448
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation, or other civil rights violations, support and reporting options are available below.
Report a Concern
Conflict Management
Resources
Civil Rights & Compliance - Frequently Asked Questions
What can I report?
Discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct (Title IX), and other violations of District policy, including conduct based on protected characteristics.
Who can file a complaint?
Anyone may file a complaint, including students, employees, applicants, or third parties.
How do I file a complaint?
- Online reporting form
- Email: CivilRights@rsccd.edu
- Phone: (714) 480-7448
- In-person
- Anonymous reporting available
What happens after I file a complaint?
The Office conducts an initial intake, reviews the information, and determines the appropriate next steps.
What is an investigation?
A neutral, fact-finding process that may include interviews, document review, and evidence analysis to determine whether District policy was violated.
How long does the process take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the matter. The District aims for prompt and equitable resolution.
Will I be notified of the outcome?
Yes, consistent with privacy laws.
What are supportive measures?
Non-disciplinary, non-punitive services to support access to programs or work. Examples include:
- Schedule adjustments
- No-contact directives
- Academic/workplace accommodations
- Referrals to support services
What are my rights during this process?
- Be treated with respect
- Participate in the process
- Present information
- Have an advisor present
What is retaliation?
Adverse action taken for reporting or participating. It is strictly prohibited.
Is my complaint confidential?
The District respects privacy and shares information only as necessary. Full confidentiality cannot always be guaranteed.
Can I report anonymously?
Yes, but it may limit the District’s ability to investigate.
What is Title IX?
A federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.
What training does the Office provide?
Civil Rights & Compliance offers training for students, employees, and supervisors on topics including:
- Discrimination and harassment prevention
- Title IX obligations
- Responsible employee reporting requirements
- Workplace professionalism and conduct
What is informal resolution?
An optional, voluntary process that may resolve concerns without a formal investigation, when appropriate and agreed upon by the parties.
What types of informal resolution are available?
- Facilitated conversations
- Mediation (when appropriate)
- Educational or corrective measures
- Agreements between parties
Is informal resolution always available?
No. It depends on the nature of the allegations and must be appropriate under District policy and law.
Are employees required to report?
Yes. Most employees must report known or suspected discrimination or harassment.
What should I do if someone reports something to me?
Listen, do not investigate independently, and report promptly to Civil Rights & Compliance.
What if I’m not sure my concern qualifies?
You are encouraged to report or consult. The Office will help determine next steps.
Where can I find District policies?
Receiving a Notice of Investigation does not mean that you have been found in violation of District policy. It means that the District has received information and is conducting a neutral, fact-finding process to determine whether a policy violation occurred.
The District’s process is administrative, not criminal, and all parties are treated fairly and with respect throughout the process.
A Respondent is considered not responsible for a policy violation unless and until the evidence, evaluated under a preponderance of the evidence standard, supports a finding that a violation occurred. The burden is on the District to gather and assess relevant evidence, conduct interviews, and issue a determination at the conclusion of the process.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Be informed of the allegations
- Participatein an interview
- Provide information, evidence, and witnesses
- Have an advisor present during meetings
Supportive measures may also be available to Respondents during the process, as appropriate. No determination regarding responsibility is made until the process is complete.