Title IX
Dear Firebird Nation,
The University of the District of Columbia is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment of learning that is free from all forms of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and sexual discrimination. In doing so, the Office of Compliance and Title IX responds to all reports of discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination and harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, and retaliation. The Office of Compliance and Title IX also educates the University community about their rights, resources and responsibilities under the University’s Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy, the University’s Title IX Policy Statement & Procedures, and the Title IX Law of 1972.
This site is designed to be a resource for students, faculty and staff on issues related to all forms of discrimination and sexual misconduct, including options on getting help; policies and procedures; and how to report misconduct based upon discrimination and/or sexual misconduct.
As a member of the Firebird Nation, you have options to exercise in the event you or someone you know has encountered any form of discrimination, including sexual discrimination or sexual harassment. If you have a concern or know of someone who does, we want to know. Our phone numbers are 771-210-9423 (office cell—preferred number) or 202.274.5421 (office), and, in the event of an on-campus emergency, the University’s Campus Police Department can be reached at 202.574.5050.
If you have experienced sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, please see the brochure titled Rights and Options for Survivors of Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking on this page.
Regards,
Sheilah Vance
Compliance Officer/Title IX Coordinator
University of the District of Columbia
Office of General Counsel
Building 39, Suite 237
4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
sheilah.vance@udc.edu
771.210.9423 (office cell)
202.274.5421 (office)
What is Title IX?
- Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 that prohibits sex-based discrimination in all activities and programs of educational institutions receiving federal funds, which includes the University Of the District of Columbia (UDC).
- Once the institution knows or reasonably should know of a potential Title IX violation, we have an obligation to investigate and respond.
- Title IX covers ALL assaults regardless of the sex of the harasser, i.e., even if the harasser and the person being harassed are members of the same sex. * Under Title IX the University is required to investigate all matters involving gender-based harassment or violence, including stalking and domestic violence.
What does Title IX require?
ALL University community members must comply with Title IX, including, and without limitation: students, faculty, staff, university administrators, coaches, counselors, and visitors.
University community members, including students, in positions of authority, who know or receive a complaint of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment/violence, MUST report what they have knowledge of to UDC’s Title IX Coordinator and relay any request for confidentiality by the complainant. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action.
What is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual Harassment is a form of sex-based discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Sexual Harassment includes, but is not limited to-unwelcome verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct relating to sex or gender. The conduct must be sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive to limit a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the education program, or to create a hostile or abusive educational environment. *
Sexual Violence includes any physical sexual act perpetrated against a person’s will or where the person is incapable of giving consent (e.g. due to the person’s use of drugs or alcohol, being a minor, or having an intellectual or other disability that prevents them from having the capacity to understand the situation and give consent). Types of sexual violence include: rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse and sexual coercion. *
Stalking is defined as conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their or another’s safety, or behavior that causes substantial emotional distress. *
* The conduct described above as well as any other conduct prohibited by Title IX includes same-sex harassment regardless of either party’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally it applies to students, faculty and visitors on the campus.
Is Retaliation Prohibited?
Yes, Title IX prohibits retaliation for making a good faith complaint about sex-based discrimination or for participating in or otherwise being associated with an investigation of alleged sex-based discrimination.
Anyone who believes or receives a complaint that prohibited retaliation has or is occurring should immediately contact the Title IX Coordinator.
Title IX Training Materials
Section 106.45(b)(10) of the 2020 U. S. Department of Education Title IX Regulations require that an educational institution post “all materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, investigators, decision-makers, and any person who facilitates an informal resolution process. A recipient must make these training materials publicly available on its website, or if the recipient does not maintain a website the recipient must make these materials available upon request for inspection by members of the public.”
Materials used to train Title IX personnel are listed below and also available for inspection and upon request by contacting Sheilah Vance, Title IX Coordinator, at sheilah.vance@udc.edu, 202.274.5421.
Clery Act Training Seminar (CATS), Clery Center, June 2023 (Accessible version)
ATIXA (Association of Title IX Administrators) 2022 Annual Conference, October 20, 2022 https://atixa.org/2020-regulations-requirement-posting-of-training-materials/
Pre-Conference Session 2022: ADA and Section 504 for Higher Education. October 18, 2022 https://atixa.org/2020-regulations-requirement-posting-of-training-materials/