Know your rights, resources, and options in navigating support both on and off campus under Title IX, even in our new reality of social-distancing and distance-learning!
What is Title IX?
A federal law passed in 1972 challenging gender-based discrimination in an education program or activity. It applies to all educational institutions who receive federal funds and applies to issues of program equity, such as athletics. It also applies to interpersonal violence, as these experiences are viewed as barriers to academic success and opportunities. Below are some highlights of rights and resources offered for those who have experienced interpersonal violence.
Academic Accommodations
You have the right to seek academic support in navigating your healing journey. Academic accommodations can look like an extension on an exam, an excused absence for a class, or other possibilities. You don’t have to share any details about your experience to access these. Arrangements are facilitated between your Class Dean and individual faculty. Faculty approval is not guaranteed. The SACE Director and/or Title IX Coordinator can support you in connecting with your Class Dean to make a request.
Residential Accommodations
If your on-campus housing no longer feels safe following an experience, you have the right to request a different living space. Facilitated through the Title IX Coordinator and/or SACE Director and ResLife, other housing options can be explored.
Mutual No-Contact Order
A mutual no-contact order is an agreement designed to give two or more people tools for navigating campus life with as much space and distance as possible. The conditions are negotiated by all parties involved, and is facilitated by the Title IX Coordinator. It does not require starting an investigation or making a formal report.
Reporting/Investigation
All students have the right to report their experience to on-campus resources (Public Safety or the Office for Equity & Inclusion) or off-campus resources (Middletown Police). Investigations can happen concurrently, so reports can be made to one or both options. Students also have the right to not report. Connecting with the SACE Director to explore all of these options could be a first step.
Access to Support Services
All students have the right to seek confidential supportive resources on and off campus. For a full list of these resources, please see www.wesleyan.edu/sace/resources.
Virtual versions of these options are possible. Questions? Contact Johanna DeBari, SACE Director at jdebari@wesleyan.edu