Title IX

Title IX

Santa Ana College is committed to providing an educational and work environment free from sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking. We are dedicated to ensuring all students and employees have equal access to educational programs and activities.

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that protects students and employees from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities.

At Santa Ana College, Title IX applies to a wide range of behaviors, including:

  • Sexual harassment and sexual violence (including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking)
  • Pregnancy or related conditions (including childbirth, false pregnancy, and termination of pregnancy)
  • Parenting status (including protections for pregnant and parenting students)
  • Gender-based discrimination (including unequal treatment or access to programs)
  • Athletics equity (including equal opportunities, resources, and treatment in sports)

Title IX ensures that all students have the right to learn in an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from discrimination.

If you experience or witness behavior like this, the college can provide support, explain your options, and take appropriate action to address the situation.

Learn more about Title IX

Where Title IX Applies

Title IX applies to conduct that occurs on campus, during college-sponsored activities, and in some off-campus settings where the college has control over the context, including travel, conferences, and online environments. It can also apply to conduct that occurs off-campus but had a on-campus impact.

Know Your Rights (California Education Code §221.8)

As a student at Santa Ana College, you have the right to learn in an environment free from sex discrimination and harassment. This includes the right to:

  • Be free from sex discrimination and sexual harassment in all college programs, activities, and services
  • Receive equitable treatment and access, including in academics, student services, and athletics
  • Request support and adjustments (called supportive measures), such as academic flexibility or no-contact directives, whether or not you choose to file a formal complaint
  • File a complaint with the college or directly with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
  • Be protected from retaliation for reporting concerns, asking for help, or participating in a Title IX process

If you are unsure whether your situation falls under Title IX, you are still encouraged to reach out. The college can help you understand your options and connect you with support.

How to Get Help or Report a Concern

You can reach out to Santa Ana College for support, to ask questions, or to report a concern. You do not need to be sure that what you experienced is a violation of policy to contact us.

You have several options:

1. Report to the College

You may submit a report directly to the Title IX Office:

Once a report is received, the Title IX Office will reach out to offer support, explain your options, and answer any questions.

2. Speak with a Campus Employee

You can share concerns with a staff member you trust.

Please note: Most employees are considered responsible employees and are required to share information with the Title IX Coordinator so the college can respond and offer support.

3. Speak with a Confidential Resource

If you would like to talk with someone without starting a report, you may contact a confidential resource such as the Health and Wellness Center or LGBTQIA+ liasion (contact information below).

These individuals can:

  • Listen and provide support
  • Help you understand your options
  • Maintain privacy to the extent allowed by law

4. Report Anonymously

You may submit a report without identifying yourself by calling the Title IX Office.

Please note that anonymous reports may limit the college’s ability to respond fully.

5. File a Complaint Outside the College

You have the right to file a complaint with the:

What Happens After You Report?

When the Title IX Office receives a report, we will:

  • Reach out to offer supportive measures
  • Explain your rights and options
  • Respect your choices about how to move forward
  • You are not required to participate in a formal process to receive support.

Supportive Measures

Supportive measures are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed.

These may include:

  • No-contact directives
  • Counseling services
  • Class or schedule adjustments
  • Safety planning

Training and Prevention

Santa Ana College provides ongoing education and prevention programming, including consent education, bystander intervention training, and awareness campaigns such as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Who Can Help

The Deputy Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance and response for student cases. The college may coordinate with district offices for investigations, while providing supportive measures at the campus level.

Dr. Jennifer De​ La Rosa
Dean of Student Development
Telephone: 714-564-6211​ | ​Email: titleix@sac.edu

The District Title IX Coordinator oversees compliance and response for employee cases.

George Williams
Assistant Vice Chancellor​, Human Resources
Telephone: 714-480-748​ | ​Email: titleix@rsccd.edu 

Confidential Resources

Confidential resources are available for students who wish to speak privately about their experiences. These individuals are not required to report information to the Title IX Office without your consent.

LGBTQIA+ Liasion (SB 1491)

In accordance with California Senate Bill 1491, Santa Ana College has designated a campus point of contact to support the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and two-spirit (LGBTQIA+) students, faculty, and staff.

This designated employee is available to:

  • Provide support and guidance
  • Share information about campus and community resources
  • Assist individuals in understanding their options

Conversations with the SB 1491 point of contact are confidential to the extent permitted by law. This individual is not a responsible employee for Title IX purposes, meaning information shared will not be reported without your consent, unless required by law.

Contact information:

Policies and Procedures

To review the full Title IX policy, visit: AR 3425 Title IX Sexual Harassment Interim.

For questions or assistance, please contact the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Remember, students can report concerns, get support, or ask questions—no formal complaint is required.