Washington State University is hosting live trainings for students and staff on recent changes to Title IX guidance from the federal government and subsequent updates to the University’s policies and procedures.
These live trainings are available on the new website for WSU Compliance & Civil Rights, formerly known as the WSU Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Investigation.
“While the name of the office has changed, our staff continue to carry forward the university’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the system,” Holly Ashkannejhad, director of WSU Compliance & Civil Rights and Title IX coordinator, said.
A complete list of trainings can be found on the office’s website.
WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any members of its community against any individual on the basis of race, sex and/or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, genetic information, status as an honorably discharged veteran or member of the military, disability, or immigration/citizen status.
The university’s prohibition of discrimination, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment and sex and gender-based violence is codified in its Executive Policy 15. That policy is available online.
Executive Policy 15 was recently amended to comply with new regulations unveiled by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights related to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These amendments prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving financial assistance.
The new regulations went into effect on Aug. 14. More information is available on the department’s website.
“Leaders across the university system spent the summer evaluating these new regulations and ensuring that WSU is in compliance,” Ashkannejhad said. “We are confident we have made the necessary changes to policies and procedures while ensuring that our community will continue to exemplify its values of diversity, inclusiveness, accessibility and equity.
In addition to live trainings, the office offers half a dozen on-demand trainings ranging from an overview of CCR investigation and reporting options as well as resources for survivors of sexual assault, stalking or intimate partner violence. It also offers an extensive overview of the retooled Executive Policy 15.
Members of the WSU community wishing to file a complaint or report can do so online, in-person, via email, by phone or postal mail. Questions about Title IX can be emailed to TitleIX.Coordinator@wsu.edu.
Retaliation against complainants, respondents, witnesses and others involved in Title IX reports, complaints, and/or investigations is prohibited under university policy and Title IX. Sanctions will be imposed for violations of university regulations as well as polices. University regulations and policies extend to individual students and advisors acting on behalf of student organizations at WSU.
Resources and supportive measures including interim measures, are available to all participants throughout these process. For more information, visit the WSU CCR website.
