(a) “Appeal” means a request by a complainant made in writing to a community college district governing board pursuant to section 59338 and/or to the Chancellor's Office pursuant to section 59339 to review the administrative determination of a community college district regarding a complaint of discrimination.

(b) “Complaint” means a written or verbal statement meeting the requirements of section 59328 that alleges unlawful discrimination in violation of this subchapter.

(c) “Days” means calendar days, unless otherwise specified.

(d) “Neutral investigator” means an outside investigator or an internal investigator who is not in the chain of command of the respondent, not substantially implicated by the allegations in the complaint, and who is otherwise impartial. Neutral investigators shall be properly trained to conduct such investigations.

(e) “Unlawful discrimination” means unfair or unequal treatment of an individual (or group) based upon an actual or perceived characteristic related to ethnic group identification, national origin, immigration status, religion, age, sex, gender, gender identification, gender expression, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law.