Every effort is made by Northland Pioneer College to preserve the privacy of reports of allegations of sexual harassment/discrimination. For the purpose of the Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy 1102, privacy and confidentiality have distinct meanings.
Privacy means that information related to an allegation will be shared with a limited number of Northland Pioneer College employees who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the report. All employees who are involved in the institution’s response to allegations under this policy receive specific training and guidance about sharing and safeguarding private information in accordance with state and federal law. The privacy of student education records will be protected in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), as outlined in the institution’s FERPA policy. The privacy of employee records will be protected in accordance with Human Resources policies.
Confidentiality exists in the context of laws that protect certain relationships, including those who provide services related to medical and clinical care, mental health providers, counselors, and ordained clergy. Northland Pioneer College does not presently employee individuals who have the ability to have privileged communications as confidential resources. When information is shared by an individual with a confidential resource, the confidential resource cannot reveal the information to any third party except when an applicable law or a court order requires or permits disclosure of such information. For example, information may be disclosed when: (i) the individual gives written consent for its disclosure; (ii) there is a concern that the individual will likely cause serious physical harm to self or others; or (iii) the information concerns conduct involving suspected abuse or neglect of a minor under the age of 18.