What is Title IX of the Education Amendments?

The federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions is Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965). This act is codified as Title 20, United States Code, Chapter 38, Sections 1681-1686. The act was also amended by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 ("Title IX"). Sexual violence is viewed under the law as an extreme form of hostile environment/sexual harassment and must be addressed.

The law states that "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. The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of program or activity to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity or private employer that receives federal funds.

Title IX forbids sex discrimination in all college student services and academic programs including, but not limited to, admissions, financial aid, academic advising, recreational services, Registrar's office, classroom assignments, grading and discipline. Title IX also forbids discrimination because of sex in employment and recruitment consideration or selection, whether full time or part time, under any education program or activity operated by an institution receiving or benefiting from federal financial assistance.

On March 7, 2013, President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) (Pub. Law 113-4) which, among other provisions, amedned section 485(f) of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), otherwise known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).  VAWA amended the Clery Act to require institutions to compile statistics for incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to include certain policies, procedures, and programs pertaining to these incidents in their annual security reports (ASRs). 

Platt College adheres to the VAWA of 2013 and includes annual security reports online to students, employees, prospective students, and the general public. 

Helpful Links Available for Students and Employees Regarding Title IX

What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Assaulted

How to File a Sexual Misconduct Complaint

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sexual Assault and/or Harassment

Sexual Respect at Platt College

Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA)

For more information regarding Title IX rights and responsiblities, please contact Michael Vigil, Title IX Coordinator by email ([email protected]) or by phone 3030-369-5151.  His office is located 220 at Platt College 3100 South Parker Rd. Aurora, CO 80014. 

Consistent with the values of an educational and employment environment free from harassment based on sex, the College also prohibits gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex-stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

Platt College and Title IX-Specifically Sexual Assault

Platt College prohibits sexual harassment and misconduct according to Policy 06:01:00 Sexual Misconduct, Policy 03:22:00 Non-Discrimination Policy for Students and Policy 05:16:00 Non-Discrimination Policy for Employees.  Sexual harassment is a term with a specific legal connotation.  It encompasses a broad range of behavior that includes all forms of sexual misconduct and sexual violence.  Sexual Violence refers to sexual acts committed against a person's will, or where the person is incapable of giving consent because of incapacitation, unconsciousness, or any circumstance rendering one unaware that sexual activity is occurring.  Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, cyber-stalking, bullying and cyber-bullying, aiding or facilitating the commission of a violation, and retaliation.