Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX, as is gender-based bullying and hazing.
Who is protected under Title IX?
Title IX covers men and women, boys and girls, staff and students in any educational institution receiving federal funding. These include local school districts, colleges and universities, for-profit schools, libraries, and museums. Vocational rehabilitation agencies and education agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories and possessions are also included. Title IX does not generally cover private educational institutions unless they receive federal financial assistance. In addition, music classes or choruses based on vocal range or quality, sex education classes and sports involving bodily contact are exempt from Title IX requirements, as are religious institutions if implementation of this law would violate their religious tenets. Title IX also does not apply to admission to private undergraduate institutions.
Title IX requires that if an educational employer (or its employees) knows or reasonably should know about sexual harassment (including sexual violence), the institution must take immediate action to eliminate the sexual harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects, even if the victim does not want to file a complaint.
Does Title IX apply mostly to athletics?
Although it is the application of Title IX to athletics that has gained the greatest public visibility, the law applies to every single aspect of education, including admissions and recruitment, comparable facilities, access to course offerings, access to schools of vocational education, counseling and counseling materials, financial assistance, student health and insurance benefits and/or services, housing, marital and parental status of students, physical education and athletics, education programs and activities and employment. Before Title IX was enacted, most colleges and universities emphasized sports only for male students. The educational opportunities of athletic programs were generally limited for women. Title IX has helped focus attention on the legal requirements of federally funded institutions to provide equal athletic opportunities for women. The result has been increased involvement of girls and women in sports at all levels.
Does Title IX benefit only girls and women?
Title IX benefits everyone - girls and boys, women and men. The law requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of gender. Elimination of discrimination against women and girls has received more attention because females have historically faced greater gender restrictions and barriers in education. However, Title IX has also benefited men and boys. Continued efforts to achieve educational equity have benefited all students by moving toward the creation of school environments where all students can learn and achieve the highest standards. "As research continues to show, gender-equitable education supports the teaching and learning of both girls and boys. It is as important for both girls and boys to learn about the contributions of women - from all groups and cultures - as it is to develop cooperative learning skills, or to learn about parenting... Gender equity in education is more than putting girls on equal footing with boys - it's eliminating the barriers and stereotypes that limit the opportunities and choices of both sexes."
If I notice something in my University that seems unfair or in violation of Title IX, how can I get help?
There are several resources available to help you on campus.
- Find your Title IX administrator or coordinator, and consult with him or her about the specific situation.
- Contact the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education. OCR is available to answer your questions or if you wish to file a complaint. To contact the enforcement office for your region, visit the OCR website.
The University is committed to providing an inclusive environment free from discrimination based on sex and provides a number of resources and services to assist students, faculty and staff in addressing issues involving sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct.
For more information, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity at (904) 620-2507.
Roles and Responsibilities
Title IX Administrator
Responsible for coordinating the University's efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX and its implementing regulations, and is primarily responsible for coordinating the investigation of all Title IX complaints in collaboration with the Tittle IX Coordinators and other University investigative units/offices.
Ms. Cheryl Gonzalez
Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity
Phone: (904) 620-2507
Title IX Coordinators
Academic Affairs Title IX Coordinator
Dr. Karen Patterson
Phone (904) 620-5279
Coordinates, provides assistance and refers faculty and faculty administrators, and staff, in all units reporting to the Provost and respective Vice President, in collaboration with the Title IX Administrator, for reporting of and investigating complaints and issues, awareness and outreach, education, and communication.
Administration and Finance Title IX Coordinator
Ms. Rocelia Gonzalez
Phone: (904) 620-2870
Coordinates, provides assistance and refers staff in all units reporting to the respective Vice President, in collaboration with the Title IX Administrator, for reporting of and investigating complaints, awareness and training, education, and communication.
Athletics Title IX Coordinator
Ms. Donna Kirk
Phone: (904) 620-2819
Coordinates, provides assistance and refers student-athletes, coaches, and staff in collaboration with the Title IX Administrator for reporting of and investigating complaints, awareness and training, education, and communication.
Student Affairs Title IX Coordinator
Mr. Tom VanSchoor
Phone: (904) 620-1491
Coordinates, provides assistance and refers students, and student organizations and staff under the guidance and purview of the respective Vice President, in collaboration with the Title IX Administrator for reporting of and investigating complaints, awareness and training, education, and communication.