Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
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 and educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct
The Title IX Coordinator will receive and review all complaints/reports of gender-based violence, harassment, and/or discrimination and conduct an initial assessment, in collaboration with the Title IX team, including the implementation of supportive measures needed during or prior to the initiation of a resolution process. The Title IX Coordinator will weigh requests for confidentiality with the duty of the University to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all members of the campus community.
Furthermore, the Title IX Coordinator will initiate and supervise the Title IX investigation process and ensure that all complaints are resolved promptly and equitably. The Title IX Coordinator will identify and address any hostile environment or systemic problems that arise and coordinate Title IX training initiatives. The Title IX Coordinator will also continually review, revise, and update policies, procedures, and practices to align with best practices for institutions of higher education. Finally, the Title IX Coordinator will coordinate the assessment of the campus climate in order to direct future prevention and intervention efforts.
Statement of Anti-Harrassment and Non-Discrimination
Shepherd University strives to create a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment for all members of the campus community, based on mutual respect and acceptance of differences. Accordingly, the University provides an opportunity for all prospective and current members of the student body, faculty, and staff on the basis of individual qualifications and merit. Shepherd University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, ancestry, age, ability, pregnancy, marital or family status, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in institutions of education that receive Federal financial assistance. Colleges and universities are responsible for providing students with a non-discriminatory educational environment. Sexual and gender-based harassment that creates a hostile environment are forms of sex discrimination and will not be tolerated at Shepherd University. Sex discrimination can include sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Therefore, the University encourages all members of the campus community to report incidents of gender-based harassment, discrimination, or violence so that the University can respond and maintain a safe living and learning environment through both prevention education measures and an equitable resolution of all reports.
Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Contact information for the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Philadelphia Office:
| Address: The Wanamaker Building 100 Penn Square East Suite 515 Philadelphia, PA 19107 |
Email: OCR.Philadelphia@ed.gov |
| Telephone: 215-656-8541 | Website: http://www.ed.gov/ocr |