Have you heard about Title IX but never really understood what it was? Here is simply a brief overview of what Title IX is. These are the basics. Not the whole thing.
1) What is it?
Title IX is a law exercised in college that declares “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.” It also covers all areas of sexual harassment and violence against one individual connected to the college committed by any other individual of the college or outside third party.
2) So what does that cover exactly?
Title IX covers the following grievances: Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Exploitation, Dating Violence and Domestic Violence, Stalking and Retaliation.
3) What is Lasell’s “Duty To Respond” Look Like?
When someone reports or when someone deemed a “Responsible Employee” learns of someone who has violated the Title IX policies in ANY form, the Title IX team at Lasell must act by first investigating and then taking proper steps to end the misconduct, as well as dissipating the effects of the misconduct. The final goal is to stop the violation from happening again.
4) What is a mandated reporter?
Someone who is obligated by law to report any and all violations of Title IX to a Title IX coordinator.
5) So who is considered a “Responsible Employee” or “Mandated Reporter”?
All faculty members (professors), Members of the Senior Management Team, all Deans of the college, Workplace Supervisors, Athletic Department Staff (coaches and assistant coaches are included), Professional Staff members in Student Affairs and all Residential Life Staff (this does include all Resident Assistants).
6) So who isn’t required to report, but is still able to help with talking through violations?
On Campus Resources: The Center for Spiritual Life, the Counseling Center and Health Services.
Off Campus Resources: All hospitals, Reach Beyond Domestic Violence (24 hour hotline) (800)899-4000, Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (24 hour hotline) (800)841-8371 and various other hotlines and centers around Boston.
7) What is the process of reporting?
Should an individual want to report a violation of Title IX that has been committed against them, they should seek out a mandated reporter. The higher up in the system, the less people will know about the violation. Example, by reporting to an Resident Assistant, they in turn will report to a Title IX coordinator. By reporting to the Coordinator first, fewer people are involved. If an individual does not want to continue with an investigation, the coordinator can close the case.
8) What is “first complaint”?
First complaint means the first person who the violation is reported to, whether it’s the coordinator, a mandated reporter or even just a friend, is the ONLY person who can be used as witness should the person who was violated choose to go to court.
9) Who are the Title IX Coordinators of Lasell College?
Jennifer Okeefe – Coordinator and Director of Legal Affairs
Deputy Coordinators:
Diane Parker – Assistant Vice President of Finance
Dean Diane Austin – Vice President, Student Affairs
Christopher Lynett – Director, Web & Electronic Marketing
Helena Santos – Dean of Academic Affairs
Kristy Walter – Director, Department of Athletics
Again, these are the basics of Title IX. Not the whole thing. To be fully aware of the policy and regulations check out the MyLasell Page and look under the Title IX tab. The more educated we are, the more protected we are. Please reach out to coordinators with any questions you may still have.
Become knowledgeable. Stay safe.
You can find the Department of Justice’s overview on their website.