Title IX

“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 program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Both Title IX and University Policy prohibit discrimination in services or benefits offered by the University based upon gender.

Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment include:

• Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
• Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
• Demands or subtle pressure for sexual favors
• Obscene phone calls, texts, email, or gestures

Any person (student, faculty, staff, or guest) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss these concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the Title IX Coordinator.

It is the policy of this university to provide equal employment and educational opportunity without discrimination because of age, race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veterans’ status, or disability.

Faculty and Staff Mandatory Training

The Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education has issued additional Title IX guidelines of the Education Amendments of 1972. Gender-based harassment, including sexual harassment, is considered a form of discrimination under Title IX. The Education Amendments of 1972 prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender at educational institutions that receive federal funding.

Title IX is in some ways analogous to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Title VII prohibits sexual harassment in places of employment. Title IX has broader implications, protecting not just employees but also students, visitors, and any other participants in the University’s programs.

All SE employees have been designated as mandatory reporters of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation relating to any protected class status, and as a result, are required to complete online training upon hire on Title VII and Title IX as directed by Human Resources.

Student Mandatory Training

All students will have free training made available on matters of sexual harassment and sexual violence, including bystander intervention and prevention.

Faculty, staff, and students may report incidents or concerns to:

Title IX Coordinator: Mike Davis
Email: mdavis@se.edu
Phone: (580) 745-3090