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Title IX prohibits sex discrimination
and assault
As defined by the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance, including SMU.
Title IX states 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.”
Under Title IX, programs and activities that receive Education Department funds must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner, including admissions, recruitment, financial aid, academic programs, student treatment and services, counseling and guidance, discipline, classroom assignment, grading, vocational education, recreation, physical education, athletics, housing and employment.
The Office for Civil Rights has issued a guidance document to universities and colleges nationwide on Title IX’s prohibition of sexual violence, which it defines as: “physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, and sexual coercion.” Title IX requires universities and colleges to investigate reports of sexual assault and to provide internal grievance procedures.
Title IX at SMU
SMU’s Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Coordinators are responsible for promoting University policies, procedures and programs that foster inclusion based on sex and that prohibit discrimination, harassment and assault based on sex.
SMU’s Title IX Coordinator resides in the Office of Institutional Access and Equity, which develops and manages University policies, procedures and programs of equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action. The office serves SMU students, employees and applicants for employment and admission.
For questions, comments or concerns, contact the SMU Title IX Coordinator:
Beth Wilson, 214-768-3601
accessequity@smu.edu
www.smu.edu/aao
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