Nepotism/Employment of Relatives

Policy

It is the policy of the College that a member of an employee’s family or household may be employed when it has been determined that the person is qualified; however, a determination of the qualifications may not be made or influenced, directly or indirectly, by any member of the candidate’s family or household in order to avoid a conflict of interest.

No qualified applicant shall be denied employment by the College based on the prior or concurrent employment of a member of the applicant’s family or household except where limited below.

The following restrictions shall apply to the employment of members of an employee’s family or household:

• An employee may not supervise, directly or indirectly, a member of the employee’s family or household.

• An employee may not participate in or influence the hiring process, directly or indirectly, in which a member of the employee’s family or household is a candidate.

The College shall not employ any member of the President’s or the Board of Trustees’ household or immediate family, including but not limited to spouse or domestic partner, child, or parent; nor shall the College employ any other person who is related within the fourth degree to the President or any Board member by consanguinity (lineage/blood), or affinity.

Under extenuating circumstances, the College President may authorize the employment of a Board member’s immediate family or household members, including individuals related to the Board member by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth degree.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the hiring and supervision of persons who may be legally related to, or members of the household of employees of the College or members of the College’s Board of Trustees.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

This policy applies to all employees of the College and members of the Board of Trustees. This policy also applies to persons who may apply for employment with or become employees of the College, and all volunteers.

References

RCW 42.52 - Ethics in Public Service

RCW 42.52.20 - Activities Incompatible with Public Duties

Definitions

Affinity: A spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something.

Board Member: A member of the Board of Trustees for Tacoma Community College as appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington.

Conflict of Interest: When an employee may have or appear to have an interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect, or engages in a business or transaction or professional activity that is in conflict with the proper discharge of the employee’s duties. Supervision of others, including members of an employee’s family or household, that may result in an interest to the employee is considered a conflict of interest.

Consanguinity (lineage/blood): The fact of being descended from the same ancestor.

Family Member or Relative: Any person related by blood, adoption, marriage, or registered domestic partnership. This includes, but is not limited to spouses, domestic partners, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, cousins, other dependent relatives, step, half, or in-law relations, the spouse or domestic partner of employee’s relatives, and relatives of the employee’s spouse or domestic partner. Family member or relative also includes other persons with whom the employee or Trustee has such a close relationship or bond as to give rise to an actual or potential conflict of interest, including but not limited to a fiancée, intimate partner, or person who has a child in common with the employee or Trustee.

Household Member: A person who resides in the same home as the employee or Trustee who has reciprocal duties to and provides financial support for one another. This term does not include persons sharing the same general house when the living style is predominantly that of housemates, dormitory or commune.

Nepotism: The practice of showing any favoritism that benefits members of the household or family or in hiring, supervision, and employment practices.

Spouse: A person related by marriage or commitment as a registered domestic partner.

Supervisor: An employee with responsibility for coaching, directing, evaluating and/or leading another employee or employees.