Section 2: Board Policies Relating to Employment
The following Board Policies are those that are of particular interest to employees. A complete book of Board Policies is available from the Secretary to the Board, from any Executive Officer or on the PCC website.
Non-discrimination (Board Policy B206)
Portland Community College does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, marital status, height/weight ratio, disability, veteran status, age, or sexual orientation in any area, activity or operation of the District. In addition, the college complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and all civil rights laws of the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the college’s benefit and services shall be extended to all persons, and the college shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative action plan.
(October 16, 2008)
Non-harassment (Board Policy B207)
The College’s goal is to provide an atmosphere that encourages individuals to realize their potential. Therefore, it is against the College’s policy for any manager, supervisor, faculty, staff, or student to engage in harassment or discrimination of any member of the College community.
Portland Community College does not tolerate unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, use of native language, national origin, sex, marital status, height/weight ratio, disability, veteran status, age, or sexual orientation in any area, activity or operation of the District. In addition, the college complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended), related Executive Orders 11246 and 11375, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and all civil rights laws of the City of Portland and the State of Oregon. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and participation in the college’s benefit and services shall be extended to all persons, and the college shall promote equal opportunity and treatment through a positive and continuing affirmative action plan.
The prohibition against harassment or discrimination based on the use of native language does not require the College to offer classes in any language other than English. Under the College’s policy harassing or discriminatory behaviors will not be tolerated. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every member of the College community to strictly comply with the policy and procedures directed by the District President to implement the policy.
This includes notifying each employee/student of their rights and responsibilities under PCC’s Non-harassment Policy. Management staff will be held accountable for taking reasonable action to maintain work sections and educational environments free of conduct that causes, or reasonably could be considered to cause, intimidation, hostility, or discrimination.
Any person who believes they have been discriminated against or harassed by a College employee, representative or student is encouraged to file a complaint through the Affirmative Action Office. Non-affirmative action complaints are to be filed in accordance with the appropriate collective bargaining unit, if any, or through the student grievance procedure, or, the procedure in the Management/Confidential Handbook.
At any point in the procedure, the complainant may file a complaint with (1) the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); (2) the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Division; or (3) the U.S. Department of Education, Region X. If the complainant chooses to file through any of these agencies or in court, the internal complaint procedure will be stopped.
The District President will establish procedures that implement this Policy consistently across the District.
(October 16, 2008)
Ethical Conduct (Board Policy B303)
The President shall establish administrative procedures to keep the College in compliance with Oregon public officials’ ethics statutes (ORS Chapter 244) and to prevent College resources from being used for personal gain. The procedures shall address proper use of College resources, facilities and equipment; employment and reporting relationships of relatives of PCC employees; the acceptance of gifts, honoraria and reimbursement for expenses.
(January 2004)
Alcohol and Controlled Substances (Board Policy B306)
The manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcoholic liquor, intoxicants or controlled substances not medically prescribed, or being under the influence of these to any degree by any employee in or about the College building or on the College premises or while performing any duties for the College is prohibited and is cause for suspension and/or dismissal. If the employee is not dismissed, suspension may be imposed in combination with a requirement to complete a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.
All employees are required to abide by this alcohol and drug-free workplace policy. In addition, they shall notify the Director of the Office of Human Resources within five days of their conviction for a violation of criminal alcohol drug laws involving the workplace, or if they become aware that another employee has been convicted of such a violation.
Employees may seek referral assistance from the Office of Human Resources in connection with alcohol or drug-related programs. Reasonable efforts shall be made to handle such requests confidentially. Requests for assistance are encouraged and will not themselves be considered as grounds for dismissal. Such requests shall not, however, excuse violation of the actions prohibited by this policy.
The provisions of this policy regarding dispensing, possession or use of alcoholic liquor may be suspended temporarily by action of the Board or by the President with permission from the Board for specified and approved social functions.
(January 2004)
The American with Disabilities Act 1991 (Board Policy B408)
Portland Community College shall comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 (ADA), and other applicable federal and state regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. These acts mandate that no qualified person shall, solely by reason of disability be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by the College. Each qualified person shall receive reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to employment, educational opportunities, programs and activities, in the most appropriate integrated setting.
The President shall develop administrative standard procedures as required to carry out this policy. The President shall be responsible for dissemination of information to College staff, students and the community regarding the College’s compliance with these acts.
(April 1994)
Political Activities (Board Policy B702)
The Board directs the President to designate areas of each campus as “free speech” areas where College employees, outside groups and students can exercise their first amendment rights. Restrictions on the use of the locations shall be only to protect the safety of persons and property.
The Board directs the President to inform all College employees of the restrictions on public employee political activities imposed by ORS 260.432.
(June 2004)