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
Understanding Title IX
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 related conditions—in educational programs and activities. It states:
“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
All public and private schools, school districts, colleges, and universities receiving any Federal funds (“schools”) must comply with Title IX.
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination that results from sexual harassment. This could include sexual harassment (quid pro quo harassment, and hostile environment harassment), sexual assault (including rape and fondling), domestic/dating violence, stalking, and discrimination based on the status of pregnancy or related conditions (full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom).
What is Required of Schools?
Title IX requires institutions of higher education to employ a Title IX Coordinator tasked with ensuring compliance and coordinating the investigative process. In addition, schools are required to have a published complaint resolution process that explains to a student, employee or third-parties how to report an allegation of harassment or discrimination, list campus and community-based support resources for the parties involved in the investigation process, offer supportive measures for the parties involved in the investigation process, and explain possible disciplinary procedures.
Schools are legally required to respond to and remedy hostile educational environments. Failure to do so means a school could risk losing federal funding.
What does a Title IX Coordinator do?
The Title IX Coordinator ensures that the process for addressing complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment is 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 make determinations of responsibility or non-responsibility or adjudicate claims.
The Title IX Coordinator is the University’s expert on Title IX law as well as campus policies and procedures on sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. The Title IX Coordinator is also responsible for:
- Determining whether the complaint allegations could rise to the level of prohibited sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking.
- Ensuring reports and complaints are handled properly in a prompt and timely manner.
- Assistance with care and support resources, information about medical providers, connection to law enforcement, if applicable; and supportive measures that may be available.
- Information about participating in a University grievance process or informal resolution.
- Maintaining information and documentation related to the investigation in a secure manner, consistent with the university’s obligations to disclose information as required by law.
The Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Coordinators, and Prevention Educators also help develop sexual violence prevention initiatives, including trainings for students, faculty, and staff throughout the year.
Who is my Title IX Coordinator?
The University’s Title IX Coordinator is Julia Green.
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.
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. 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.
How can I view crime statistics at the University?
Each year the University annually prepares, publishes, and distributes a report related to crime statistics and security policies on or near University campuses and properties. This is a mandate of the Clery Act also known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. You can read the University’s report which is maintained by the Department of Public Safety.
Still have questions?
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.