Sex Discrimination, Harassment, Misconduct and Retaliation Title IX at Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University strives to foster a safe and healthy environment. Mutual respect, communication, and a high regard for the well-being of others are examples of the characteristics expected of members of the W&L community.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the sex of students and employees of educational institutions which receive federal financial assistance. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Title IX states that "[n]o 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..." 20 U.S.C. § 1681

Title IX Coordinator

Lauren E. Kozak, Title IX Coordinator
Elrod Commons 237
Lexington, Virginia 24450
Phone: (540) 458-4055
Email: kozakl@wlu.edu

The Title IX Coordinator is:

  • Responsible for the oversight of the resolution of all reports of sexual misconduct involving students, staff, and faculty as well as volunteers and third parties;
  • Knowledgeable and trained in University policies and procedures and relevant state and federal laws;
  • Available to advise any individual, including a complainant, a respondent, or a third party, about the courses of action available at the University, both informally and formally, as well as in the community;
  • Available to provide assistance to any University employee regarding how to respond appropriately to a report of sexual misconduct;
  • Responsible for monitoring compliance with all procedural requirements, record keeping and time frames outlined in this policy;
  • Responsible for overseeing training, prevention and education efforts, and reviews of climate and culture and patterns of sexual misconduct;
  • Responsible for conducting or overseeing investigations of complaints against students; and
  • Responsible for the oversight of the resolution of complaints involving gender equity in athletics.
Important Title IX resources:

Assistant Title IX Coordinator 

Jodi Williams, Title IX Assistant Coordinator 
2 South Main 109
Lexington, VA 24450
Phone: (540) 458-8318
Email: jwilliams@wlu.edu

Assistant Coordinator Williams is responsible for Title IX compliance for matters involving faculty and staff, including training, education, communication, and administration of the grievance procedure for all complaints against faculty and staff, including those complaints filed by students.

Retaliation

The U.S. Supreme Court has broadened the interpretation of Title IX to protect from retaliation whistle-blowers who accuse educational institutions of sex discrimination. The court is of the opinion that reporting incidents of discrimination is integral to Title IX enforcement and would be discouraged if retaliation against those who report it goes unpunished. Retaliation against a complainant, respondent or witnesses involved in a complaint under Title IX is prohibited at Washington and Lee University and is a separate violation of policy. (See full policy at go.wlu.edu/OGC/SexualMisconductPolicy)

Who Enforces Title IX?

The United States Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is in charge of enforcing Title IX. Information regarding OCR can be found at www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html

*Notwithstanding the noted designations and roles, the Title IX Coordinator and Assistant Coordinators will have the flexibility to address complaints of unlawful discrimination in the most appropriate, fair and effective manner to see that any such misconduct is stopped and prevented from recurring. Anyone may bring a concern or complaint directly to the Title IX Coordinator if the situation is outside the designated areas of the Assistant Coordinators or if, for whatever reason, the person prefers to contact the Title IX Coordinator directly.

Effective: June 9, 2014

Resources