Title IX

At Keck Graduate Institute, we are committed to providing an educational and working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Our Title IX team offers support, resources, and information on your rights and responsibilities under Title IX and SB493.

Keck Graduate Institute is committed to providing inclusive educational and working environment for all members of our community and visitors. Consistent with this and in accordance with applicable law, including Title IX, the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, KGI maintains a comprehensive program designed to protect members of the community from sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. This includes prevention and educational programming for all new and incoming students and workshops on topics such as consent and healthy relationships offered throughout the year.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It covers a range of issues, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender discrimination.

What is SB493?

SB493 is a California state law that expands protections against sexual harassment and violence in educational institutions. It includes specific mandates for transparency, fair processes, and survivor support in handling complaints.

KGI Policies

KGI has two distinct policies that address sex discrimination: a Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and a Discrimination/Harassment/Sexual Misconduct Policy (hereafter “Discrimination/Harassment Policy”).

The Title IX Sexual Harassment policy is based on definitions set forth in regulations recently promulgated by the US Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which took effect on August 14, 2020. KGI’s Title IX policy limits the scope of Title IX Sexual Harassment to conduct that occurs within a TCC education program or activity in the United States and to sexual harassment as defined by federal regulations. To address incidents of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct that do not fall within the regulatory definition of Title IX Sexual Harassment, KGI also has a Discrimination/Harassment policy. These policies are interrelated and must be read together.

KGI’s existing Discrimination/Harassment policy applies to sex discrimination and harassment that does not fall under the scope of the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, including Sexual Exploitation and non-Title IX Sexual Harassment. The Discrimination/Harassment Policy also applies to complaints alleging certain conduct that would otherwise be prohibited under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy (e.g., Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking under the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy) but which must be dismissed under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy because the conduct did not occur within the limited jurisdiction of Title IX as set forth in the recently-enacted Title IX regulations.

We will apply the Claremont Colleges Sexual Misconduct and Sex-Based Harassment Interim Policy to address any sexual harassment alleged to have occurred on or after August 1, 2024.

We will apply the Claremont Colleges Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy from 2020 to any sexual harassment alleged to have occurred prior to August 1, 2024, even if reported after that date.

Reporting Options and Online Reporting Form

Reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual exploitation can be made to KGI’s Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Shino Simons

Anonymous reports are allowed, but may limit the Institute’s ability to respond effectively.

You can also contact the Dean of Students for questions about reporting options, the availability of support measures, or to discuss any of your rights and options. You do not have to make a decision about whether to report to meet with the Dean of Students, and whether to disclose any specific information is always up to you.

Alternatively, reports can also be made to any of KGI’s complaint officers listed below, regardless of whether you are a student, faculty member, staff member, or third party. They will notify the Dean of Students of all disclosures or reports, but they can assist you with the first steps in the process.

Reports or complaints against a student

Shino Simons

Dean of Students
titleix@kgi.edu

Reports or complaints against a faculty member, staff member, or third party

Cheryl Merritt

Assistant Vice President, Human Resources and Employee Engagement
cheryl_merritt@kgi.edu

Title IX Coordinator

Our Title IX Coordinator is dedicated to ensuring compliance with Title IX and SB493. They oversee investigations, provide support, and ensure a fair and equitable process for all parties involved.

Title IX Coordinator

Shino Simons

Dean of Students
titleix@kgi.edu

Title IX Deputy Coordinator

Cheryl Merritt

Assistant Vice President of Human Resources and Employee Engagement
cheryl_merritt@kgi.edu

Support and Resources

For more information about confidential and other support resources, including counseling through the EmPOWER Center, please visit www.7csupportandprevention.com.

National resources such as www.rainn.org can be helpful and can help connect you with local support wherever you may be.

Additional Resources

The Claremont Colleges provide support and resources to students, faculty, and staff to address concerns related to gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual misconduct. Here is a list of helpful information about shared resources across the colleges, as well as institution-specific information:

Education and Prevention

KGI is proactive in preventing sexual harassment and violence through education and mandatory training for all students, faculty, and staff to understand their rights and responsibilities under Title IX.

Institutional member badgeThis badge acknowledges that our Title IX staff have completed training and that Keck Graduate Institute is an Institutional Member of the Student Conduct Institute with the State University of New York. See our Title IX training here.