Title IX Explained
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including pregnancy and related conditions—in educational programs and activities.
Understanding Title IX
What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., 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 covers all the operations of a school that receives financial assistance, including academics, extracurricular activities, athletics, and other programs.
Examples of the types of discrimination that are covered under Title IX include but are not limited to:
- sexual harassment (quid pro quo harassment, and hostile environment harassment);
- sexual assault (including rape and fondling);
- domestic violence;
- dating violence;
- stalking;
- pregnancy or related conditions discrimination (full spectrum of processes and events connected with pregnancy, including pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or lactation; related medical conditions; and recovery therefrom);
- the failure to provide equal athletic opportunity;
- sex-based discrimination in a school’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) courses and programs; discriminatory application of dress code policies and/or enforcement; and
- retaliation.
What is Required of Schools?
Title IX requires institutions of higher education, including the University of Rochester, to employ a Title IX Coordinator tasked with coordinating the institution’s education and prevention efforts, as well as its response to reports of sex discrimination and harassment that fall within Title IX. The Title IX Coordinator must ensure the institution adopts a published policy that explains: types of discrimination and harassment prohibited by Title IX; how to report alleged sex discrimination or sexual harassment; available campus and community-based resources; and the institution’s processes to address alleged sexual harassment and related potential outcomes. Whether or not there is a formal Title IX process, the Title IX Coordinator must also evaluate and offer reasonable supportive measures to one or more involved parties in response to a report of sex discrimination or sexual harassment.
When a school has actual knowledge of sexual harassment in any of its programs or activities that take place in United States, it must respond promptly in a manner that is not deliberately indifferent.
What does a Title IX Coordinator do?
The Title IX Coordinator ensures that complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment 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 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 in a prompt and timely manner in accordance with the Title IX Policy and Title IX regulations.
- Providing assistance with care and support resources, information about medical providers, connection to law enforcement, if applicable; and the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint.
- Explaining the process for filing a formal complaint, which initiates a University grievance process or informal resolution that complies with § 106.45.
- 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 Campus Safety 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.