Resources
UW policies prohibiting sex- and gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination.
Supportive measures and reporting options for survivors
Title IX Employee reporting rules including who is a mandatory reporter
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal law that prohibits sex- and gender-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funds. The landmark legislation was spearheaded by Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink, the first woman of color elected to congress, and in the half-century since it passed, the impact of her work has encompassed a great deal of progress for women in education. But much work remains to achieve true gender equality in education – and elsewhere – including continued work to counteract the rollback of women’s rights and freedoms happening in the U.S. and around the world.
At the University of Washington, our utmost goal is to prevent discrimination and harassment, but when it does occur, we are committed to responding to the person who has been harmed with respect and care and taking the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again. We all share the responsibility for creating a caring community that works together to prevent harm, and through the work of our Office of the Title IX Coordinator, you can take concrete steps to contribute to a community that is safe, welcoming and free from all forms of discrimination.
Most crucially, students, faculty and staff should all complete the Husky Prevention & Response course. This 60-90 minute online course is required for all faculty and staff and if you haven’t yet fulfilled this requirement, do so now. For students, if this autumn or winter quarter is your first quarter, you must complete the student version of the Prevention & Response course before registering for spring quarter.
I also encourage you to get involved and informed because systemic change only happens when we all contribute. Use the prevention and response course as a starting place to talk with your friends and colleagues about how to prevent violence, harassment and discrimination. Schedule or attend a training focused on building respectful and inclusive work and learning environments. Learn more about Title IX through the Title IX annual report and the Know Your Rights & Resources guide.
You can also learn more about how to support someone who has experienced sex- or gender-based violence, harassment, or discrimination through the resources on our Title IX website, including this video on Responding with Care. Learn how to connect a person who has experienced harm to support by reaching out to SafeCampus or through the UW’s confidential advocates. By being prepared to help a survivor explore their options in a safe and caring environment, you can be an ally and help to reduce harm.
It’s also important to know that Title IX provides protections for employees who are who are pregnant or have pregnancy-related conditions. You can learn more through U.S. Department of Education’s recent fact resource, which reaffirms Title IX’s obligations to protect students and employees who are pregnant, give birth, or experience the loss or termination of a pregnancy.
As you may also be aware, the U.S. Department of Education has proposed new Title IX regulations and the UW has submitted a detailed response. We will post additional updates when the regulations are finalized.
As a community of students, faculty and staff who are here to do our best work in service of a more just, equitable, healthy society, we all share a stake in creating a culture free from sex- and gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination. Thank you for doing your part to make our University a welcoming, supportive and safe place for all.