What is Title IX?

Many people associate Title IX only with equity for women in athletics; however, that is only part of the wide-ranging Title IX law. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs that receive federal financial assistance. Educational programs and activities include: admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, athletics, housing, and employment. Title IX also protects pregnant students from discrimination in school programs and activities. Likewise, students, faculty, and staff of all genders, gender identities, and sexual orientation are protected from sex-based discrimination, harassment, or violence. Title IX similarly prohibits unlawful retaliation against individuals who have engaged in protected activity such as opposing, reporting, or resisting sexual harassment or violence or for participating in an investigation or adjudication process.

What Does Title IX Require?

The University is obligated to prohibit and respond to sexual harassment defined to include quid pro quo and hostile work/education environment sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. When the University learns of sexual harassment, including various forms of sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault or sexual exploitation) and/or interpersonal misconduct (e.g., domestic violence, dating violence or stalking) it must also take reasonable steps to eliminate the behavior and prevent its recurrence as well as remedy the effects of the misconduct.

Title IX, in conjunction with the Clery Act, ensures that both parties in a reported event have an equal opportunity to be heard and participate in a grievance process. In addition, the Clery Act also requires that the University provide prevention and awareness programming and campaigns regarding sexual misconduct (e.g., sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault or sexual exploitation) and interpersonal misconduct (e.g., domestic violence, dating violence or stalking).

• On May 6, 2020: The U.S. Department of Education released its Final Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment, including a lengthy, 2,000+ page preamble explaining the purpose and addressing the over 124,000 comments that the U.S. Department of Education received regarding the Draft Proposed Title IX Regulations it released in 2018.  Drake University, along with every institution receiving federal financial aid, must comply with these new regulations, which went into effect on August 14, 2020.  Individuals with questions or concerns about the new regulations are encouraged to reach out to Jessican Morgan-Tate, as the Title IX Coordinator here at Drake. 

What Does this Mean at Drake?

Consistent with Title IX and the Clery Act, Drake University has adopted the Sexual Harassment Policy to prohibit sexual harassment in its various forms including sexual violence, as well as other related types of interpersonal misconduct. Drake’s policy covers all students, employees, and third parties whose actions affect the University’s educational and working environment, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

Drake offers staff and resources to support as well as reporting, investigation, and adjudication processes to address complaints. Prevention and education including bystander intervention are available through staff as well as student groups on campus.