What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972
“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 program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Both Title IX and University Policy prohibit discrimination in services or benefits offered by the University based upon gender.
Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and therefore prohibited under Title IX. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
The following are examples of types of conduct that may constitute sexual harassment:
- Inappropriate touching, patting, or pinching
- Physical assault or coerced sexual activity
- Demands or subtle pressure for sexual favors
- Obscene phone calls, texts, email, or gestures
Any person (student, faculty, staff, or guest) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based upon gender may discuss these concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with the Title IX Coordinator.
It is the policy of this university to provide equal employment and educational opportunity on the basis of merit without discrimination because of age, race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, veterans’ status, or disability.
To read more about Title IX, visit the Oklahoma State University Title IX website or read the interim policy. Title IX can be very confusing and is very lengthy! We want you to be as informed as possible, so if you have specific questions, please reach out to Student Conduct (okc.studentconduct@okstate.edu or the Title IX coordinator (melissa.herren@okstate.edu or 405-945-3298).
Faculty, staff and students may report incidents to:
Title IX Coordinator - Melissa Herren
Administration Bldg., Room 212
405-945-3298
melissa.herren@okstate.edu