Title IX Policy in the California Community Colleges

Due to the ongoing problem of sexual misconduct and changing requirements from both the state and federal governments, it is important to assess how the California Community Colleges (CCC) are meeting Title IX obligations through policy. This study employed multiple methods of data collection, including a policy analysis, interviews with Title IX practitioners, and written feedback from a Title IX expert panel. The policy analysis revealed that districts were using multiple policies to meet state and federal regulations, and most districts relied on policy templates from the Community College League of California. Title IX’s obligations were not fully realized in the majority of policies. Districts were more likely to be compliant with provisions from California Senate Bill 967. Title IX practitioners viewed their primary duty as promoting safe learning environments and eliminating sexual violence. In order to meet those obligations, practitioners need support from the state and federal governments in terms of funding, direction, and leadership. Implications for policy include creating a standalone policy for Title IX complaints, adding sexual harassment as a prohibited behavior, naming Title IX Coordinators and their duties, and creating equitable and transparent processes for the adjudication of sexual misconduct cases. Implications for practice include support from both the CCC Chancellor’s Office and Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in terms of training, infrastructure, assessment of campus needs, creation of a policy task force, and development of a Title IX Coordinator job description