Title IX: Sex-based Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct

Title IX Explained:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX provides 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.”

VSU considers sex discrimination in any form to be a serious offense. Title IX refers to all forms of sex discrimination committed against others, including but not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual violence by other employees, students or third parties and gender inequity or unfair treatment based on an individual’s sex/gender. 

Title IX prohibits sex based discrimination and harassment in any university program including athletics, admissions, academic programs, extracurricular activities, employment, financial aid, housing, and student services. The application of Title IX is not gender specific.

Non-Discrimination Statement 

Valdosta State University (VSU) upholds all applicable laws and policies regarding sex based discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. The University prohibits specific forms of behavior that violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 

In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Valdosta State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, disability, or veteran status in employment processes, admission or financial aid programs, or educational programs or activities. 

Report An Incident

If someone has experienced sexual misconduct or sex-based discrimination, they can submit an electronic report or in-person with a Title IX Coordinator. Reports filed through this office are separate from any law enforcement reports which may or may not have been filed.

File a Report

The Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy outlines the policy and procedures for resolving complaints of sexual misconduct against alleged respondents at Valdosta State University. 

Title IX Complaint Process Map

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual misconduct, you may also report the incident to the University Police Department.

While compliance with the law is everyone’s responsibility at Valdosta State University, you can find a list of Title IX Coordinators who have primary responsibility for Title IX compliance.