Victims of sex-based discrimination and sexual misconduct on campus are usually directed to the Title IX office, but most students don‘t actually understand what Title IX is and what role it plays. It’s very important that students understand their rights and the resources offered to them by the university.
Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972. Its purpose is to protect people from sex-based discrimination and misconduct. Title IX applies to all educational institutions that receive financial support from the US Department of Education, so Eastern Michigan University must apply Title IX to their institution.
The Title IX Office page on EMU’s website reads: “The Title IX Office at Eastern Michigan University is dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusion, including the coordination of the University’s efforts to prevent and effectively respond to all forms of gender discrimination and sexual misconduct, including sexual and relationship violence, that occurs within and impacts our university community including sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking.”
Right under this opening statement is a large button to report. You can submit a report via the online form connected to this page, call the Title IX Office at 734.487.2202, email them at emu_titleix_office@emich.edu, or visit the Title IX Office at 100 Boone Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197. To be clear, reporting to the Title IX Office is not the same as making a police report, though you can do this in addition to your report to the office. It is important to note that there is no time limit for making a report.
After you report to Title IX, they will go over your report and reach out to you via email. Title IX gives reporters a lot of control over what happens. The Title IX page reads, “A person’s response to the email reach outs from the Title IX Coordinator are not required or obligated.” Because of this, a victim can comfortably report an incident and have it on file without making any further decisions at the time. It may be beneficial to have incidents on file in case the victim decides they need support, want to move forward against their perpetrator, or if additional misconduct occurs.
Title IX can offer the individual resources and discuss options for addressing the reported conduct. According to EMU's website, this includes both formal and informal processes.
Additionally, the Title IX Office also protects reporting individuals from potential retaliation.
Unfortunately, students sometimes misunderstand the role of the Title IX Office during this process. They are merely there to provide information and options to the reporter; they are not advocates. The Office has stated they take all reports in good faith, but the law requires that they remain neutral. This is why many students become frustrated or feel alienated by the office.
In consequence, there has been discussion of the university providing advocates for victims of sex-based discrimination and misconduct on campus, either through the TItle IX Office or as an independent entity.
In addition to the reporting section, the Title IX office page on the EMU website has other information as well.
There is one section directing users to the full Title IX policy, which is “BOR 03.07.07 - EMU Sexual Misconduct and Sex-Based Discrimination Policy” on PolicyTech. It’s very easy to navigate, and the policy is concise and easy to read. I think it's important for all students to understand their rights under the policy.
Additionally, there is a section for frequently asked questions. This includes general information about what Title IX is, what it does, et cetera. It also includes more specific information for international students, undocumented immigrants, parents, and more. There is also a drop down box that says, “What are available confidential resources?” with a number of both on and off campus resources for survivors. There are a number of other helpful things as well.
It’s very important for all students to understand the role Title IX plays at EMU. It’s important to keep yourself safe and to know what to do if you feel that you are the target of sex-based discrimination or misconduct.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to check out the Title IX Office page on emich.edu or contact the office directly using the contact information listed previously.
