Updated Statement on Allegations of Misconduct
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2020
Media Contact: Miya Walker; Public Affairs
The independent investigation into allegations of misconduct made by students on social media against the women's soccer team coaching staff, is still ongoing. After learning of these allegations, several employees have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an outside investigation.
The college became aware of the allegations on August 11, 2020, after they were posted on Twitter and Instagram. We responded the same day, encouraging anyone affected by the allegations to contact the Cerritos College Title IX office. On August 12, an independent investigator was assigned.
The outside investigation is proceeding as quickly as possible. Cerritos College is following the new United States Department of Education Title IX regulations that took effect on August 14, 2020. These new regulations are applicable to the allegations in this case and the District will be conducting its investigation pursuant to them. The investigators are committed to meeting the new 180-day timeline detailed in federal regulations and our 2020 Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures, which details the process for adjudicating cases. The changes required by the federal government are sweeping and require substantial changes to the way schools respond to Title IX allegations.
The investigators are using an impartial and comprehensive process to determine the facts. If the allegations are sustained through the Title IX formal complaint process, we will take appropriate and immediate action against anyone involved in compromising the safety of anyone in our campus community.
The allegations are deeply distressing, incredibly serious and do not reflect our values. We are grateful to all who have posted their stories online, despite the difficulty or pain they may have had in doing so. Our support goes out to anyone who feels that they are a victim of misconduct. Maintaining a safe and secure campus for students, faculty, staff, and visitors is a priority at Cerritos College. With our immediate response to these allegations, Cerritos College demonstrated that we take all allegations of misconduct seriously, whether they are reported directly to the school, or we learn about them on social media.
As the ongoing investigation involves personnel matters, Cerritos College is limited in the information that can be shared. While the outside investigation is occurring, Cerritos College does not intend to make further public comment.
Anyone who believes that they have information related to the allegations of misconduct should immediately contact Dr. Adriana Flores-Church, Vice President of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator at TitleIXCoordinator@cerritos.edu.
Cerritos College would like to remind any student experiencing stress, anxiety or other strong emotion that they can contact Student Health Services. The Campus Victim's Advocate is a certified rape crisis counselor who is available to provide support services to Cerritos College students and employees who have been affected by sexual violence or misconduct. The advocate can also assist those who have been affected by stalking, domestic or dating violence by linking students to appropriate resources.
Cerritos College Contact: Miya A. Walker, Director, College Relations, Public Affairs ,and Governmental Relations. mwalker@cerritos.edu
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