What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal civil rights law and provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” This law provides multiple protections for individuals to work to provide a safe and equitable learning environment free from gender based discrimination.
All students have the right to pursue an education free from sex discrimination, including sexual violence and harassment. Some key issue areas in which recipients have Title IX obligations are: recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment, which encompasses sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; treatment of LGBTQI+ students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division enforce Title IX in our nation’s schools. Sex-based discrimination in public schools also implicates legal rights under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act, which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Title IX Coordinator
Alicia Dorcey, LIMHP, LADC
24-hour phone: 402-375-7289
Email: [email protected]
For emergencies, call 911
Report a violation
You can also submit an anonymous report online about a Title IX violation or a student of concern.
Title IX Overview
The college has a responsibility to respond to reports of sexual violence or sex harassment and attend to the needs of the students who are involved. Reports are taken with the utmost seriousness, and the student will be promptly referred to the appropriate persons or resources for assistance.
If the college knows about possible sexual violence, it must quickly investigate to determine what occurred and then take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. A criminal investigation into allegations of sexual violence does not relieve a school of its duty under Title IX to resolve reports promptly and effectively.
The college must ensure that the person who experienced the sexual violence is safe, even while an investigation is ongoing.
The college is also responsible to ensure that the individual charged with committing such violence or harassment is treated fairly. Individuals are presumed innocent unless proven responsible and will also be referred to appropriate services for assistance.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving federal funds. Athletics are considered an integral part of an institution's education program and are therefore covered by this law.
Student interest and abilities
The athletic interests and abilities of male and female students must be equally and effectively accommodated. Compliance with this factor is assessed by examining a school's:
- determination of the athletic interests and abilities of its students;
- selection of the sports that are offered; and
- levels of competition, including opportunity for team competition. Requests can be made to observe and assess the interest and ability of athletes to compete in a particular sport.
Complete the Observation and Assessment Request form
Elevate or add a sport
Requests can also be made for a sport or program to be considered for sponsorship as an intercollegiate varsity sport. Requests are submitted to the WSC Athletic Director.
Make a request to elevate/add a sport
Equity in athletics data
The U.S. Department of Education provides reports for public inquiries relating to equity in athletics data. You can view WSC's report by searching our school on their website, or you can download the report here.
Wayne State College is committed to providing an environment in which all students who participate in college programs and activities can work together in an atmosphere free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, or violence. Ongoing awareness and prevention campaigns designed to combat sexual misconduct are provided throughout the school year to students, faculty, and staff.
WSC Title IX training resourcesNSCS Title IX training resources
If you have experienced sexual misconduct, sex harassment, or sexual violence:
