In some circumstances it may be desirable to remove one or more of the employees involved from the workplace during the investigation. Such a step may be seen as the best way to protect the interests of everyone involved. In this event, their absence from the workplace should not be interpreted as meaning they are guilty of any wrongdoing. It should be the intention of every member of the community to maintain a working and learning environment free of harassment and violence. Therefore, no retaliatory action may be taken at any point in the process against any individual because he or she makes a good-faith complaint against any member of the community.
False accusations can have serious effects on innocent men and women.
Accordingly, accusations which are not made in good faith may also be grounds for discipline, up to and including termination. The College has the discretion to apply any sanction, or combination of sanctions, to eliminate any unlawful conduct and remedy the impact of any harassment or threats. Faculty members charged with a violation of this policy will be governed by the grievance and dismissal procedure as written in the Faculty Handbook. Members of the Operating Engineers, Local 70, will be governed by their current contract procedures for grievance and dismissal. All documentation regarding any incident will be kept on file in the affirmative action officer's office.