Title IX: Sex-based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

Title IX Explained:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX 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 subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

VSU considers sex discrimination in any form to be a serious offense. Title IX refers to all forms of sex discrimination committed against others, including but not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence by other employees, students or third parties and gender inequity or unfair treatment based on an individual’s sex/gender. 

Title IX prohibits discrimination in any university program including athletics, admissions, academic programs, extracurricular activities, employment, financial aid, housing, and student services. The application of Title IX is not gender specific.

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Non-Discrimination Statement 

Valdosta State University (VSU) upholds all applicable laws and policies regarding discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. The University prohibits specific forms of behavior that violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Valdosta State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in employment processes, admission or financial aid programs, or educational programs or activities. 

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Sex-Based Discrimination

Which behaviors are considered “discrimination based on sex” in violation of Title IX? “Discrimination based on sex” contains a broad category of activities that prevent or limit the victim from participating in or benefiting from an education program or activity. Examples of sex-based discrimination include, but are not limited to:

• Unequal admission, participation, or employment opportunities in education programs and activities based on a person’s sex
• Unequal opportunities to participate in intercollegiate athletics or to receive athletics-based financial assistance based on a person’s sex

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Sexual Harrassment

“Discrimination based on sex” also includes sexual harassment. This is unwelcomed sexual conduct, intimidation, or coercion that is severe and pervasive, and that prevents or limits the victim from participating in or benefiting from an education program or activity. 

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Sexual Misconduct

Valdosta State University uses the term sexual misconduct as a broad term encompassing sexual harassment, non-consensual sexual contact, non-consensual sexual penetration, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking, which are violations of Title IX. Valdosta State University administers the University System of Georgia Board of Regents’ Sexual Misconduct Policy.

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Report An Incident

If someone has experienced sexual misconduct or sex-based discrimination, they can submit an electronic report or in-person with a Title IX Coordinator. Reports filed through this office are separate from any law enforcement reports which may or may not have been filed.

File a Report

The Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy outlines the policy and procedures for resolving complaints of sexual misconduct against at Valdosta State University. 

Title IX Complaint Process Map

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual misconduct, you may also report the incident to the University Police Department.

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Title IX Coordinators

Under the regulations implementing Title IX at 34 C.F.R. § 106.8(a), educational institutions receiving federal funding must designate at least one employee as the Title IX Coordinator to oversee compliance efforts and investigate complaints of sex discrimination. Institutions must also provide all students and employees with the name, office address, and telephone number of the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinators are responsible for overseeing the university’s response to such reports, and identifying as well as addressing any patterns or systemic problems revealed by such reports. This would include ensuring that immediate and appropriate steps are taken to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. When investigations reveal that reported sexual misconduct creates a hostile environment, the Title IX coordinator is responsible for taking prompt and effective steps which are reasonably calculated to end the sexual misconduct or sex-based discrimination, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy its effects. 

While compliance with the law is everyone’s responsibility at Valdosta State University, you can find a list of Title IX Coordinators who have primary responsibility for Title IX compliance.