About Us
Learn more about the Title IX Office at VSU
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Education protect all students, faculty, staff and employees from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment and retaliation, in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Some key areas that have Title IX obligations are: recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; disability accommodation; disciplinary process; academic programs and grading; housing, and employment.
The implementing regulations require postsecondary institutions to promptly respond to individuals who are alleged to be victims of sexual harassment by offering supportive measures; following a fair grievance process to resolve sexual harassment allegations; and, providing remedies to victims of sexual harassment and prevent the recurrence of possible sex discrimination. It also requires the designation of a Title IX Coordinator to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with the regulations.
Virginia State University is committed to fostering an environment free from sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct. The University’s Title IX Office is also committed to providing supportive measures to those who may have been impacted by or involved in incidents of sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct.
Sexual harassment is defined under Title IX as conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
- An employee of the University conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);
- Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity; or
- “Sexual assault” as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1092(f)(6)(A)(v), “dating violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(10), “domestic violence” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(8), or “stalking” as defined in 34 U.S.C. 12291(a)(30).
The University is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex, as described in Policy 1104 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and University’s’ Policy 1105 - Title IX Complaint Resolution Procedures. It carries out its responsibilities in administering and enforcing these policies through the Title IX Coordinator who oversees the university’s response to ensure compliance. Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Communicating with all members of the University community regarding Title IX, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and providing information about how individuals may access their rights;
- Reviewing applicable University policies and all related record keeping, timeframes, and other procedural requirements to ensure institutional compliance.
- Conducting training regarding Title IX, the Clery Act, and VAWA, and prohibited conduct as defined in Policy 1104 - Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy; and
- Responding to any report or formal complaint regarding conduct that violates the policy. For any report of which the University has actual knowledge (and any formal complaint), the Title IX Coordinator shall implement the provision of any supportive measures; oversee the investigation and resolution of such alleged misconduct, direct the provision of any additional supportive measures, and monitor the administration of any related appeal.
Have questions or concerns regarding possible sexual harassment or discrimination based on sex? Contact:
Deborah D. Howard
Title IX Coordinator
Colson Hall – Room 101-J
1 Hayden Drive or P.O. Box 9001
Virginia State University, VA 23806
P: (804) 524-5371
F: (804) 524-6506
TitleIX@vsu.edu