Resolving Complaints by students with disabilities regarding appropriate accommodations or discriminatory treatment
Nondiscrimination Statement
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, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (as amended), USERRA – Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and all county, state and federal civil rights laws. 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.
Complaint Procedures
Portland Community College supports you and your right to make a complaint when you believe that you have been denied equal access in the form of appropriate accommodations or that you have experienced discriminatory treatment as described in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act. While we encourage you to resolve your concerns directly with the PCC staff person involved, we recognize that this may not always be appropriate and offer the following informal and formal resolution procedures.
I. Complaints by students with disabilities regarding appropriate accommodations or discriminatory treatment under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the ADA:
Resolving Concerns with General College Staff, Programs, Departments, and Organizations
- You are encouraged to discuss your concerns with your disability services counselor. Your counselor can assist you in resolving concerns by clarifying your concerns and facilitating communication with the staff person, program, department, or organization. Your counselor may contact the appropriate department chair, division dean, dean of student development, or other necessary staff in an effort to clarify and resolve the situation. Any concerns that are not resolved within one week of the original request for accommodations must be reported to the Dean of Student Development or designee, with a copy forwarded to the Director of Affirmative Action, who may also initiate a formal complaint under the Nondiscrimination And Non-harassment Policy (see below).
- At any time during this informal resolution process, a student is permitted to raise a formal complaint for alleged discrimination under the Nondiscrimination And Non-harassment Policy.
Resolving Concerns with Disability Services Staff
- If you cannot directly resolve an issue with a disability services counselor, coordinator, or specialist, or if you do not feel comfortable discussing this directly with the staff member, you may contact the Disability Services Director at 971-722-4868. The Director will attempt to resolve your concerns regarding the staff member.
- If you have concerns regarding the DS Director, contact the Dean of Enrollment Services at 971-722-7800.
- At any time during this informal resolution process, a student is permitted to raise a formal complaint for alleged discrimination under the Nondiscrimination And Non-harassment Policy.
Resolving Discrimination Concerns Outside of the College
You may file an external complaint of disability discrimination with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, 915 Second Avenue, Room 3310, Seattle, WA 98174-1099, (206)220-7900 (v), (206)222-7887 (fax), http://www.ed.gov/ocr/complaintprocess.html.