EDITORIAL: Take advantage of Title IX rights


editorial

While Title IX is best known for its impact on addressing gender equality in high school and collegiate athletics, the original statute made no explicit mention of sports. Students at Central Michigan University are afforded a multitude of other important rights under the comprehensive federal law.

More than 40 years after being signed into law, the extent of Title IX remains largely unknown. It is important for every student to be aware of their rights.

The federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in schools that receive federal funding. It addresses discrimination against pregnant and parenting students and women in science, technology, engineering and math programs. It also addresses sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination and sexual violence.

These rights are not just afforded to female students. The law applies to any person regardless of their biological or perceived gender, gender identity or gender expression.

As a student, you are protected under Title IX even if you do not experience sex discrimination directly. Schools must take immediate steps to address any sex discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence on campus to prevent it from affecting students further. If a school knows or reasonably should know about discrimination, harassment or violence that is creating a hostile environment for any student, it must act to eliminate it, remedy the harm caused and prevent it from reoccurring again.

Every school must have a Title IX Coordinator who manages complaints. CMU's coordinator is Katherine Lasher. She can be contacted at (989) 774-3253 or by email at lashe1km@cmich.edu.

It is also important to note that if you decide to file a complaint, CMU must promptly investigate it, regardless of whether you report it to the police. University faculty and staff are required to report information about sexual misconduct to Lasher. Resident assistants and multicultural advisers are considered "responsible employees," meaning students — like resident assistants and other student residence life staff — in these positions would also have to report sexual misconduct.

If you are unsure about whether to initiate a university investigation, you may speak confidentially to several resources on and off campus about your experiences. These sources are not obligated to report your story to the Title IX coordinator.

 You can always file a formal Title IX complaint with the U.S. Department of Education or seek legal counsel to enforce your right to education under Title IX.

It is your choice how to handle sexual harassment or violence, but realize that you have a right to your education and that CMU must take steps to ensure you can learn in a safe environment.

On-campus confidential resources:

  • CMU Counseling Center — (989) 774-3381
  • CMU Counselors in Residence
  • CMU Sexual Aggression Peer Advocates — (989) 774-2255
  • CMU's Employee Assistance Program — (800) 788-8630
  • Health care providers, including medical professionals at CMU's University Health Services providing related health care services
  • Members of the clergy providing related clerical or spiritual guidance

Mount Pleasant community confidential resources:

  • Listening Ear Crisis Hotline — (989) 772-2918
  • Women's Aid Service — (989) 772-9168

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