Clery Act and Sexual Violence
The Clery Act, a federal law, mandates that colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs, whether public or private, must divulge information regarding campus safety. This act also imposes specific requirements for handling incidents related to sexual violence and emergency situations. Annually, schools are required to issue an Annual Security Report (ASR) containing data on crime statistics and summaries of security policies. Additionally, information pertaining to particular crimes and emergencies must be made available to the public on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
The Clery Act is named in memory of Jeanne Clery, who was sexually assaulted and murdered in her campus residence by a fellow student she did not know on April 5, 1986. Her parents advocated for legislation that compels educational institutions to disclose information about campus crimes, and the federal law, now known as the Clery Act, was initially enacted in 1990. It has undergone numerous amendments over the past two decades to keep pace with evolving campus safety concerns, with the most recent update occurring in 2013, which broadened the law's requirements concerning the handling of sexual violence.
The MHCC Annual Clery Act Security Report
This report gives information about how MHCC follows the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The report has numbers for the last three years about specific crimes reported and actions taken for certain law violations that are said to have happened on-campus, in some off-campus places owned or controlled by MHCC, and on public property right near its campuses. It also talks about rules for campus security, sexual assault, drug and alcohol issues, and other topics. Visit the Public safety office or call 503-491-7310 for a copy. You can also download a copy online.
Download the Annual Security Report
Sexual Violence
MHCC is committed to ensuring everyone can work and learn together without being harassed, exploited, or intimidated. MHCC prohibits sexual violence, which is against the law and college rules.
Anyone who commits sexual violence faces disciplinary action and criminal charges. Students who are responsible for sexual violence may also be punished by the Executive Dean of Student Development, which could even mean getting expelled.
Consent
Consent must be informed, voluntary, and mutual. You can change your mind and revoke consent at any time. Consent is absent when there is force, whether it's clearly expressed or hinted at, or when someone uses coercion, intimidation, threats, or pressure. It's important to consider whether one person has an unfair advantage or power over another when determining consent. Just because someone doesn't say "no" or resist physically doesn't mean they're giving their consent. If you agreed to sexual activity in the past with someone, it doesn't automatically mean you're agreeing to it in the future, either with the same person or someone else.
If someone is unable to understand what's happening in a sexual situation due to mental or physical impairment, there is no consent. This includes situations where someone is impaired or incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs, or if they are asleep or unconscious.
Reporting Sexual Violence
Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Reports of sexual assault, domestic violence, or dating violence should be brought forward as soon as possible after the alleged conduct occurs. Prompt reporting will help MHCC and law enforcement respond to the report.
Report all incidents, even if a significant amount of time has passed. However, delaying a report may impede the MHCC’s and law enforcement's ability to conduct an investigation and take appropriate remedial actions. Report incidents to:
MHCC Public Safety Department
503-491-7310
The Title IX Office
503-491-SAFE (7233)
The local police department
503-823-3333
If you need assistance notifying authorities, college personnel will assist with the process. If local law enforcement is notified, also notify the MHCC Public Safety Department or email Traci Simmons, associate vide president of DEI. You can also email MHCC counselors or call the mental health and counseling center at 503-491-7432.