Title IX changes

  • May 18, 2020
  • Faculty and Staff Students

Dear students, faculty and staff,

On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, The U.S. Department of Education released the Final Rule on new regulations to Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972. Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX 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.

We are currently reviewing these new regulations alongside other federal and state laws to make any necessary changes to our policy and process to be compliant by August 2020. Any changes will be communicated with our community as soon as possible.

Let us state unequivocally: it is the position of the Regis University, as a Jesuit Catholic University, that sexual misconduct in any form is a direct violation of our institutional values, which call on us to uphold “the sacred dignity of all individuals.”

The new 2020 Title IX regulations are a minimum threshold set by the federal government with which our university must comply. Regulations, however, do not reflect the threshold of our university community’s commitment to ensure safe and equitable access to a learning environment free from discrimination based on sex, which includes sexual misconduct.

Regis University will continue to work to prevent, respond to, and remedy any incidents of sexual misconduct experienced by our community, and continue to:

  • Provide a prompt, fair and equitable process for complaints of sexual misconduct

  • Provide confidential resources and supports to all students, staff and faculty

  • Prioritize the physical and emotional health of our community, as well as provide medical support when it is needed

  • Provide education to our community on resources, prevention and policy

  • Provide training for professional staff and administrators on processes and skills to reduce re-traumatization and harm

  • Support and advocate for the rights of all students, faculty,and staff under Title IX, regardless of sex and gender identity

  • Support and advocate for the rights of all minoritized and/or protected populations in our community

  • Continue our commitment to sexual misconduct prevention work to create a university culture of consent and respect

Our community values call upon us to remember that while federal regulations may change, our community responsibility to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct remains and extends well beyond rules and mandates.

Our community and country are navigating the coronavirus pandemic, and now major changes in regulation on sexual violence on college campuses. During this time of potentially heightened concern and emotion, we encourage you to care for yourself and your loved ones by accessing these confidential resources as needed:

Resources about the upcoming changes

These resources can help you understand our current policy (which remains in effect until further notice), and the new regulations released by the Department of Education. 

Regis University Non-Discrimination and Sexual Misconduct Policy

Regis University Equal Opportunity & Title IX Compliance

U.S. Department of Education Final Rule on Title IX Regulations

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to:

Carole Goddard, she/her/hers (not confidential)
Equal Opportunity & Title IX Coordinator
Cgoddard001@regis.edu