Procedures for Institutional Disciplinary Action
In Cases of Alleged Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
Authority: Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) of 2013 — 34 CFR § 668.46(k); Texas Education Code §§ 51.282–51.286
Paris Junior College is committed to a prompt, fair, and impartial response to all reports of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The following procedures apply whenever a report is made alleging that a student or employee violated PJC’s policy by committing one of these offenses.
1. Initiation of the Process
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- When a report is received, PJC will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation. All disciplinary proceedings will be conducted by trained officials who receive annual training on the dynamics of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and on how to conduct investigations and hearings in a manner that protects the safety of all parties and promotes accountability.
2. Rights of Both Parties
Both the complainant (reporting party) and the respondent (accused party) are entitled to equal rights throughout the process, including:
- The right to a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution.
- The right to be accompanied to any related meeting or disciplinary proceeding by an advisor of their choice, which may include an attorney. PJC may establish reasonable restrictions on the advisor’s participation, provided those restrictions apply equally to both parties.
- The right to present witnesses and other relevant evidence.
- The right to be notified simultaneously, in writing, of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding, the rationale for that outcome, and any sanctions imposed.
- The right to be notified simultaneously, in writing, of any available appeal procedures and the outcome of any appeal.
3. Standard of Evidence
PJC uses a preponderance of the evidence standard in all disciplinary proceedings involving these offenses.
4. Range of Sanctions
Possible outcomes for a respondent found responsible may include, but are not limited to: written warning, probation, suspension, expulsion, or termination of employment.
5. Confidentiality
PJC will protect the privacy of all parties to the extent permitted by law. Personally identifiable information will not be disclosed except as required for the resolution of the complaint or as otherwise required by law.
6. Interim Protective Measures
Regardless of whether a formal disciplinary proceeding is initiated, PJC may take immediate interim measures to protect the safety of the parties involved. These may include no-contact directives, changes to housing or class schedules, escort services, and referrals to counseling. Either party may request these accommodations by contacting the Title IX Coordinator.
7. Support Services
Both parties have the right to receive written information about available campus and community resources, including counseling, health services, victim advocacy, and legal assistance. For a full list of resources, contact the PJC Title IX Coordinator:
Title IX Coordinator: Melanie Hatcher
Office Location: Human Resources Office in the Administration Building on the Paris Campus
Phone: 903-782-0304
Email: mhatcher@parisjc.edu
8. Appeals
Either party may appeal the outcome of a disciplinary proceeding. Requirements for an appeal:
- The student must submit a written appeal within 10 business days of receiving the decision.
- Appeals must be submitted to the Director of Student Life or the Vice President of Student Services or designee.
- Email: ss@parisjc.edu or studentlife@parisjc.edu
- The appeal must clearly:
- State the specific ground(s) for appeal
- Provide supporting facts or documentation
- Include the requested outcome
- Grounds for appeal include: procedural error, newly discovered evidence, or disproportionate sanction.