Statement on Allegations of Misconduct

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2020

Media Contact: Miya Walker; Public Affairs

Cerritos College is investigating allegations of misconduct made by students on social media against the women's soccer team coaching staff. Several employees have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an outside independent 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 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. 

The outside investigation is proceeding as quickly as possible. The investigators are committed to meet the 60-90 day timeline detailed in Administrative Procedure 3435: Discrimination and Harassment Investigations.  The investigators are using an impartial and comprehensive process to determine the facts.  Once the investigator's report is complete, Cerritos College will determine the appropriate actions. If the allegations are sustained through an independent investigation, we will take appropriate and immediate action against anyone involved in compromising the safety of anyone in our campus community. 

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. Valyncia C. Raphael, the Director, Diversity, Compliance, 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

 

About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at https://www.cerritos.edu.

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