Student Rights
Paris Junior College (PJC) is committed to fostering a respectful, equitable, and student-centered learning environment. As members of the PJC community, students are afforded specific rights and protections under federal and state law, as well as under College policy. These rights ensure equal access to educational opportunities, protection of personal information, freedom from discrimination and harassment, and fair treatment in academic and administrative processes.
Students are encouraged to review the following important policies and protections that safeguard their rights while enrolled at PJC:
Protects freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation: Other Protected
Characteristics
➤ For more info: Board Policy FFDB (Legal) and FFDB (Local)
PJC Policy Prohibits Sexual Harassment , sex discrimination, sexual misconduct, dating/domestic violence, stalking, etc.
➤ Report Online:
https://www.parisjc.edu/titleix
Title IX Coordinator:
Melanie Hatcher
903-782-0483
➤ For more info: Board Policy FFDA (Legal) & FFDA (Local)
Paris Junior College is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment where all students can learn and succeed.
PJC prohibits:
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Discrimination based on protected characteristics (race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, etc.) ➤ More Info
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Harassment, including sexual harassment ➤ More Info
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Bullying in any form ➤ More Info
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Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern or participates in an investigation
Students who believe they have experienced discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation are encouraged to report it promptly.
➤ For full policy information and reporting procedures:
PJC Board Policy FFDA (LEGAL)
🔗 PJC Board Policy FFDA (LOCAL)
🔗 PJC Board Policy FFE (LOCAL) – Bullying
🔗 Title IX Information: https://www.parisjc.edu/title-ix/
Student Complaints (FLD): https://www.parisjc.edu/complaints/
PJC reviews reports in accordance with federal and state law.
Related Policies:
PJC Board Policy FFDA Legal and Policy FFDA Local
PJC Board Policy FFDA Legal and Policy FFDA Local
Paris Junior College prohibits hazing. Hazing includes any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiating, admitting, affiliating with, or maintaining membership in an organization that may endanger a student’s physical or mental health.
Hazing is a violation of College policy and Texas law. Students and organizations may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct, as well as potential criminal penalties.
A student who engages in, encourages, assists, or fails to report known hazing may be subject to disciplinary action. Consent of the student or organization is not a defense.
Students are expected to report hazing to a College official.
➤ For full policy details, including definitions and legal requirements.
Under FERPA, students have the right to:
- Inspect their records
- Request corrections
- Limit release of directory information
- File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
Students have the right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Paris Junior College to comply with FERPA.
The office that administers FERPA is:
U.S. Department of Education
Student Privacy Policy Office
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)
In compliance with FERPA, Paris Junior College gives notice that certain directory information may be released to the public without prior written consent. Certain information may be released unless a student submits a written restriction during the first 12 class days (fall/spring) or first 4 days (summer).
➤ More about Directory Information
For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)
Under the Texas Public Information Act, request for public information must be submitted in writing.
Requestors may email pir@parisjc.edu with their request.
PJC military & veterans protections including excused absences for active military personnel called to duty in accordance with state and federal law.
Students using VA benefits will not be penalized for delayed VA payments.
Includes:
- Hazlewood Act
- VA Educational Benefits
- Excused absences for active military service
➤ Veterans Services
➤ More info: Board Policy FC (Legal)
Students observing a religious holy day will be excused without penalty if prior notice is given to instructors.
➤ For more info: Board Policy FC (Legal)
Admission materials submitted to Paris Junior College must be original documents. Once received by the Office of Admissions, documents become the property of the College and, except for foreign transcripts, will not be returned.
Applications and supporting documents from individuals who apply but do not enroll are retained and disposed of in accordance with the Retention Schedule on file with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
➤ For more info: Board Policy FJ (Legal) & FJ (Local)
PJC assigns each student an official college email (Dragonmail) address upon enrollment. This email account is the primary means of communication between the College and the student. All official correspondence—including notices of academic status, financial aid, billing, registration, and campus alerts—will be sent to the student’s PJC email account.
Texas law requires proof of vaccination (within 5 years) for entering students under age 22 unless exempt.
➤ Details & Exemptions
➤ For more info: Board Policy FFAA & State SB 1107 compliance
Together, these policies reflect PJC’s commitment to upholding student rights while maintaining a safe, orderly, and academically focused campus environment. Students who have questions about their rights or believe their rights have been violated are encouraged to contact the appropriate office within Student Services for assistance.