Information for Students - Unlawful Discrimination / Sexual Harassment

SMC prohibits unlawful discrimination and sexual harassment in any of its programs and activities.

If you are a student experiencing issues with an instructor's teaching style or methods, please contact the Chair of the department. 

• List of Department Chairs

If you are a student and would like to dispute your grade, please contact the Ombuds Office.

• Contact information for the Ombuds Office

To speak to someone confidentially

SMC Ombudsperson – ombuds@smc.edu

SMC The Center for Wellness & Wellbeing (formerly Psychological Services) – 310-434-4503

For immediate safety or crime-related concerns

Campus Police – 310-434-4300 or 911

For information about sexual assault

Karen Monzon, HR Analyst, Employee and Labor Relations 
Email: monzon_karen@smc.edu – 310-434-4942 or 310-434-4415

Vina Chin, HR Analyst, Employee and Labor Relations 
Email: chin_vina@smc.edu – 310-434-8071 or 310-434-4415

Mailing Address:
Santa Monica College, Office of Human Resources,
1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

In Person [please note that an appointment is required]:
Santa Monica College, Office of Human Resources – 310-434-4415
2714 Pico Blvd., 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90405

For immediate safety or crime-related concerns

Campus Police – 310-434-4300 or 911

SMC Sexual Violence Response and Prevention

What is unlawful discrimination?

Unlawful discrimination is conduct that denies or limits a student’s full and equal access to participate in or benefit from a school’s programs or activities because of the student’s legally protected status in one or more of the following categories.

Legally Protected Statuses:

• Ethnic group identification

• National origin

• Religion

• Age

• Sex or gender

• Race

• Color

• Ancestry

• Sexual orientation

• Mental Disability

• Physical Disability

• Or on the basis of any of these perceived characteristics or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics

What is sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is a type of unlawful discrimination. It is conduct that is sexual in nature, is unwelcome, and denies or limits a student’s full and equal access to participate in or benefit from a school’s program or activities.

Sexual harassment can take different forms depending on the harasser and the nature of the harassment. Both male and female students can be victims of sexual harassment, and the harasser and the victim can be of the same sex.

• Information about Sexual Assault

What are some examples of unlawful discrimination & sexual harassment?

Such conduct can be verbal, non-verbal (such as gestures or picture), or physical.

Examples of conduct that might constitute unlawful discrimination include, but are not limited to:

• The use of racial epithets

• Pictures or graphics that are derogatory to an ethnic or religious group

• The physical harassment of a student based on his/her sexual orientation

• Refusing to provide appropriate academic adjustments to auxiliary aids/services that are necessary to afford a student with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in the school's program

Examples of conduct that might constitute unlawful sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

• Sexual propositions or pressuring students for sexual favors

• Touching of a sexual nature or sexual assault

• Displaying or distributing pornographic materials

• Telling offensive dirty jokes

What is unlawful retaliation?

Unlawful retaliation occurs when a person is subjected to intimidation, threats, coercion, or another type of adverse action because the person complained about unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment or participated in an investigation about unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment.

Where can I get more information?

Student Information regarding your Rights to File a Complaint with the following agencies:

• California Community College Chancellor's Office

• Office of Civil Rights for the U.S. Department of Education

To file a complaint regarding unlawful discrimination and/or sexual harassment, you may submit the form below:

Unlawful Discrimination Complaint Form

The following resources provide information about the complaint process:

• Administrative Regulation 3120

• Administrative Regulation 3121

• Title 5 Regulations on Unlawful Discrimination

SMC Resources

• Board Policy 7100 - Commitment to Diversity

• Board Policy 3430 - Prohibition of Harassment

• Board Policy 3540 - Sexual and Other Assaults on Campus

• Board Policy 4430 - Student Organizations

• Administrative Regulation 3120 - Equal Employment Opportunity Program and Discrimination Complaint Procedure

• Administrative Regulation 3121 - Sexual Harassment Prevention

• Administrative Regulation 4405 - Student Bill of Rights

• Administrative Regulation 5220 - Faculty Ethics Statement

• Administrative Regulation 5530 - Religious Holidays

Board Policies & Administrative Regulations regarding non-discrimination on the basis of disability: 

• Board Policy 2410

• Board Policy 2175

• Board Policy 5230

• Administrative Regulation 4115

• Administrative Regulation 4343

• Administrative Regulation 4345

• Administrative Regulation 4353

• Administrative Regulation 4353.1

• Administrative Regulation 4111.2

Information about Sexual Assault

• Student Discrimination/Harassment Brochure

• Information on Workplace & Campus Violence 

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For assistance filing a complaint or to obtain more information, please contact:

Office of Human Resources HRInquiries@smc.edu – 310-434-4415