Students and faculty of Sam Houston State University received a campus-wide email yesterday regarding the university’s compliance with Title IX.
Title IX, part of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law which offers the protection of people from discrimination based on sex in federally-funded education programs.
According to the email sent by the president’s office, new requirements to stay in compliance with Title IX will soon be put into effect on campus.
“In the coming weeks, you will hear more on campus about these resources and the University’s effort to ensure a campus free from discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault,” University President Dana G. Hoyt said in an email. “All incoming students will soon receive an email regarding student training on the critical topics of maintaining safe and healthy relationships, alcohol, and sexual misconduct. Similarly, all faculty and staff will be receiving an email regarding training for all employees regarding Title IX.”
The law 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.”
Title IX encompasses approximated 16,000 local school districts, 3,200 colleges and universities, and an additional 5,000 for-profit schools, libraries and museums.
Currently, there are two different sexual assault cases that occurred on the SHSU campus which are still active in the District Attorney’s office, according to University Policy Department deputy chief Trey Holloway.
The first instance was reported on Nov. 14, 2013 when a student said she had been sexually assaulted by another student in a campus housing facility. The female reported that she knew the suspect prior to the incident.
The second incident was reported on March 31 when officers were dispatched to Raven Village in reference to a sexual assault report. The officers then met a resident who reported that she believed she was sexually assaulted by an unknown person on March 27.
In an effort to stay informed and preventative of these incidences, students and faculty have access to several resources on the SHSU Title IX webpage, such as the Sexual Misconduct Policy which applies to all entities included in the Texas State University System, a statement of rights, the definition of “consent,” frequently asked questions and risk reduction tips.
“All SHSU personnel must understand the required reporting responsibilities and help to create an environment where all members of the SHSU community feel welcome, valued, and able to work and learn in an environment free from discrimination,” Hoyt said.
For more information, students can contact Title IX coordinator and Associate Dean of Students Jeanine Bias at jbias@shsu.edu or 936-294-3026 while faculty and staff can contact Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Risk Management David Hammonds at david.hammonds@shsu.edu or 936-294-2709.
Attempts to contact Bias yesterday were unsuccessful.