Understanding
Title IX
Warren Wilson College
Title IX
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces, among other statutes, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX 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.
Office of Civil Rights
OCR’s Enforcement of Title IX
OCR vigorously enforces Title IX to ensure that institutions that receive federal financial assistance from the Department comply with the law. OCR evaluates, investigates, and resolves complaints alleging sex discrimination. OCR also conducts proactive investigations, through directed investigations or compliance reviews, to examine potential systemic violations based on sources of information other than complaints.
Consent is knowing, voluntary, clear permission by word or action to engage in sexual activity.
Verbal, written, graphic, and/or physical conduct severe or pervasive and objectively offensive.
2. Sexual Harassment
Unwelcome conduct
Quid pro quo
Sexual Assault
Dating Violence
Domestic Violence
Stalking
3. Unethical Relationships
Power dynamics - where a student feels like they cannot say no because of the relationship. Can include a professor, supervisor, Student Crew Leader or other staff.
Example - professor pressuring students for sexual favors in regards to grads.
4. Force, Coercion, Consent, and Incapacitation
Force: Force is the use of physical violence and/or physical imposition to gain sexual access. Force also includes threats, intimidation (implied threats), and coercion that is intended to overcome resistance or produce consent.
Coercion: Coercion is unreasonable pressure for sexual activity. Coercive conduct differs from seductive conduct based on factors such as the type and/or extent of the pressure used to obtain consent. When someone makes clear that they do not want to engage in certain sexual activity, that they want to stop, or that they do not want to go past a certain point of sexual interaction, continued pressure beyond that point can be coercive.
Mandatory reporter
All employees of WWC!
Only Confidential resources
Counseling center staff
Spiritual Life staff
Health Center staff
Athletic Trainer
Community resources - Helpmate, Our Voice
How does the process work?
Needs to start with a Formal Written Report from the person who was harassed, assaulted, or discriminated against.
What are possible outcomes?
If a student is found or takes responsibility, there could be a number of sanctions given. Some could include:
An apology letter
A consent training
Mentorship or several meetings with an expert on sexual misconduct
Counseling
Restrictions of campus - certain buildings, not allowed in residence, etc.
Suspension/Expulsion
Thank you for your time!
Tacci Smith tsmith@warren-wilson.edu
Title IX Coordinator
Office is located in Dodge House, Room 201