Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

Title IX explained

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance…”

20 U.S.C. § 1681

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What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and parental status—in educational programs and activities.

All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.

Under Title IX, sexual discrimination includes harassment on the basis of sex. This can take many forms including:

• Verbal or written harassment
• Sexual assault, including rape and other unwanted sexual touching
• Stalking (when done on the basis of sex)
• Dating or domestic violence
• Discrimination based on the status of being pregnant or a parent

Schools are legally required to respond to and remedy hostile educational environments. Failure to do so means a school could risk losing federal funding.

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) ensures compliance with Title IX. You may contact OCR at its New York office at (646) 428-3800 or its national headquarters at (800) 421-3481; TTY: (800) 877-8339.

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What does a Title IX Coordinator do?

The Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators ensure that the process for addressing complaints of sex-based harassment and misconduct are handled promptly and equitably, with fairness to everyone involved. They make certain that anyone who comes to them understands their rights and has the information they need to determine what to do next. However, they do not investigate or adjudicate claims.

The Title IX Coordinator is the University’s expert on Title IX law as well as campus policies and procedures on sex discrimination and sexual misconduct. The coordinator works with colleagues University-wide to educate the community about the:

• Grievance processes involving another student or a faculty or staff member
• Reporting options
• Resources
• Support services

The coordinator and deputy coordinators also help develop sexual discrimination and sexual violence prevention initiatives, including trainings for students, faculty, and staff.

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Who is my Title IX Coordinator?

The University has a designated Title IX Coordinator and seven Deputy Title IX Coordinators who can answer questions and assist you with reporting options and resources. You are welcome to contact any of the coordinators, even if the person is in a different school or unit than you.

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When should I contact my Title IX Coordinator?

If you are currently experiencing an emergency or crisis, seek help immediately.

Once you are safe, we strongly encourage you to contact the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator if you have experienced or witnessed sexual misconduct or encountered sexual discrimination. You may also contact a coordinator if you have questions about policies or procedures, or need help with how to handle a situation that indirectly affects you.

Please note that Title IX Coordinators and Deputy Coordinators are private, but not confidential resources. A list of confidential resources is available here.

Pregnant or Parenting?
Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School

Title IX and New York State laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of pregnancy and parental status. Please refer to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights fact sheet about the University’s obligation to accommodate pregnant students.

Title IX requires a school to provide the same special services to a pregnant student that it provides to students with temporary medical conditions.  Explore more information on how to support students who may be pregnant or parenting.

What types of supportive measures are offered for pregnant or parenting students?

• Assistance with course load and scheduling
• Excused absences for pregnancy, childbirth, and recovery from childbirth
• Classroom modifications such as requesting a larger desk
• Permitting temporary access to elevators
• Rescheduling tests or exams
• Options for making up missed work
• Restroom or other breaks during class as needed

To request supportive measures for pregnant or parenting students please reach out to Title IX staff at titleix@rochester.edu