Equity and Non-Discrimination Information

EFSC Equity Statement

Eastern Florida State College is dedicated to providing a nondiscriminatory environment which promotes equal access, equal educational opportunity and equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, race, national origin, color, ethnicity, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, veteran status, ancestry or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

See more about College procedures related to harassment and discrimination below. Inquiries regarding the College’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to:

Ms. Darla Ferguson, Chief Equity Officer
Cocoa Campus, Building 2, Room 103
1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL  32922
Phone: 321-433-7080
E-mail: fergusond@easternflorida.edu
OR
Stephen W. Salvo, Title IX Compliance Coordinator
3865 North Wickham Road
Building 8-201G
Melbourne, Florida 32935
Phone: 321-433-5775
E-Mail: salvos@easternflorida.edu

Inquiries regarding veterans’ programs may be directed to:

Military & Veterans Service Center
Student Services Center/Administration, Building 1, Room 140
3865 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone 321-433-7880
OR
Military & Veterans Service Center
Ralph M. Williams Student Center, Building 11, Room 113
1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL 32922
Phone: 321-433-7880

Harassment and Discrimination Procedures

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is any repeated or unwelcome verbal or physical abuse which intimidates or causes the recipient discomfort or humiliation or which interferes with the recipient's educational or job performance. Any form of harassment related to an employee's, applicant's, student's, or student applicant's age, race, national origin, color, ethnicity, genetic information, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, marital status, veteran status, ancestry, or political affiliation is a violation of this policy.

Definition of Complaint

Complaints consist of disagreements between employees and/or students concerning the following:

  • Workplace harassment
  • Discrimination
How to File a Complaint

Inquiries regarding workplace harassment or discrimination at EFSC should be directed to:

Ms. Darla Ferguson, Chief Equity Officer
Cocoa Campus, Building 2, Room 103
1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL  32922
Phone: 321-433-7080
E-mail: fergusond@easternflorida.edu

OR

Stephen W. Salvo, Title IX Compliance Coordinator
3865 North Wickham Road
Building 8-201G
Melbourne, Florida 32935
Phone: 321-433-5775
E-Mail: salvos@easternflorida.edu

Due to the nature of the allegation and information received, confidentiality will be preserved wherever possible.

Any employee or student who believes that he/she is the recipient of discrimination or harassment should file a complaint with the Equity & Diversity Officer who will attempt to resolve the differences between the parties involved. The complaint should contain as much specific information as possible, including names and positions of persons involved;  identification of witnesses, if any; the time, place, and details of the incident leading to the allegation. A written statement of the complaint may be necessary for any action to be taken. Confidentiality will be kept to the extent possible to complete the investigation.

Retaliation against an individual for reporting any type of harassment or for participating in an investigation is prohibited by College procedures and by State and Federal laws. Retaliation is a serious violation which can subject the offender to discipline independent of the merits of the harassment allegation.

Determination of Action

Once a written complaint has been filed with any of the offices designated to receive a complaint, it will be investigated by the Equity Officer. He/she will forward a recommendation to the President for determination of action to be taken. The President will render a decision and advise the appropriate parties.

Disciplinary Action

Any employee or student of this institution, who is found to have harassed another employee or student, or to have filed a false claim, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination, suspension and or expulsion, within the provisions of applicable current College Procedures and Board rules.

Notification

Further information on Equity and/or Harassment is available from:

Ms. Darla Ferguson, Chief Equity Officer
Cocoa Campus, Building 2, Room 103
1519 Clearlake Road, Cocoa, FL  32922
Phone: 321-433-7080
E-mail: fergusond@easternflorida.edu
OR
Stephen W. Salvo, Title IX Compliance Coordinator
3865 North Wickham Road
Building 8-201G
Melbourne, Florida 32935
Phone: 321-433-5775
E-Mail: salvos@easternflorida.edu