Title IX

Functions

The Title IX Committee is formally charged with advising the president of Washington State University on matters relating to the university’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These deal with nondiscrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance.

Washington State University Amnesty Statement

Washington State University (WSU) encourages students to report incidents of sexual violence without fear of consequences for having possessed or consumed alcohol and/or drugs at the time of the incident.  WSU’s primary concern is to ensure the safety of the students involved and gather relevant information so the university can address the student(s)’ concerns.  Generally**, WSU will refrain from imposing formal discipline for alcohol or drug use and/or possession under the Standards of Conduct for Students for victims and potential witnesses of sexual violence in order to facilitate reporting and resolution of sexual violence concerns.

This practice will not provide relief from disciplinary action for other alleged violations of the Standards of Conduct (e.g., hazing, theft, drug/alcohol manufacture or distribution).  Moreover, students who distribute alcohol and/or drugs that intentionally, or through negligence, contribute to the sexual violence will not be granted the same consideration.

**In rare circumstances where CCS has concerns that a student’s repeat or severe misuse of alcohol or drugs will result in additional harm if unaddressed, the university may impose care-driven educational sanctions to address those concerns.

Background

  • Title IX reads, “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.”
  • Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault.
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 (Title IX)
  • Executive Policy 15: WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment
  • WSU Standards of Conduct for Students prohibits discrimination and sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence).