Title IX

Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. On May 20, 2020, the Department of Education (ED) unveiled a Final Rule changing how colleges and universities must handle allegations of sexual assault and harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, effective as of August 14, 2020. Under the Final Rule, Title IX regulations recognize that sexual harassment, including sexual assault, is unlawful sex discrimination. USSU follows the requirements of the Title IX Final Rule regarding sexual discrimination and harassment.

USSA is committed to maintaining an academic climate in which individuals of the community have access to an opportunity to benefit fully from the institution’s programs and activities. When students experience acts of sexual misconduct, their sense of safety and trust is violated. This can significantly interfere with their lives, including their educational goals.

This policy has been developed to proactively create a campus environment in which incidents of sexual misconduct can be promptly and effectively responded to without further victimization, retaliation, and with possible remediation of its effects.

Sex discrimination, harassment, assault, and violence are forms of prohibited discrimination under Title IX. USSU expressly prohibits the offenses covered under this policy.

The University accepts students and employees regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability or genetic information.

The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education programs or any activities it conducts, and it is required by Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner. Any questions regarding Title IX may be referred to the University’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

A sexual misconduct grievance may be reported by anyone to a USSU Responsible Party with the authority to take corrective action on the part of USSU. Reports may be provided via the ussu.edu website, email, telephone, written notice, or in person.

The Responsible Parties who can receive actual knowledge of a grievance for USSU are:

• Title IX Coordinator
• President & CEO
• Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Assistant Vice President for Administration
• Dean of Students
• Human Resources Manager
• Executive Director of Registration and Records

According to the Code of Alabama, essentially everyone working in higher education is considered a mandatory reporter. Therefore, all USSU employees are considered mandatory reporters, and as such, employees must immediately report to a duly constituted authority if he or she observes any form of child abuse or sexual misconduct. Child abuse or sexual misconduct incidents must also be reported to one of the Responsible Parties as defined above.

USSA cares about supporting all students, employees, and others who are impacted by sexual misconduct. There are a number of resources available to assist with various needs. Below are Title IX training materials used by the University.

• USSA Title IX Training PowerPoint
• USDE Title IX Final Rule Overview
• USDE Title IX Major Provisions Summary
• USDE Title IX Unofficial Final Regulations
• CUPA HR Title IX Webinar
• D.Stafford & Associates Title IX Regulations Book
• Title IX Training Videos