Title IX

"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, or denies participation in any federally funded education program or activity.  In conjunction with Title IX, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against sex discrimination (as well as discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, and religion) in employment.

Sex discrimination is defined as unequal treatment of individuals based on gender, and has many forms.  Sexual violence is a form of sex discrimination, and is defined as any physical sexual act committed upon a person against the person’s will or where/when the person is incapable of giving consent due to use of drugs or alcohol, or for other reasons. Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to sexual assault (non-consensual sexual intercourse and non-consensual sexual contact), dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation.

Title IX Coordinator 

In accordance with Title IX guidance and regulations, Austin Peay State University (APSU) has appointed LaNeeça Williams as the Title IX Coordinator.

As the Title IX Coordinator she is charged with the oversight and monitoring of APSU’s compliance efforts.  Austin Peay State University (APSU) does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by APSU.   Inquiries or complaints regarding the non-discrimination policies, including Title IX complaints can be directed to any of the offices listed on this page.

9 Things to Know About Title IX

• Title IX protects ALL people, regardless of sex
• All schools must have a Title IX coordinator
• Schools must take IMMEDIATE action to ensure a victim can continue their education free of ongoing sexual discrimination, violence or harassment
• Schools must have an established procedure for handling sexual misconduct
• If your school fails to comply by these rules, file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education
• Schools may not retaliate against a victim filing a complaint
• In cases of sexual violence, schools are prohibited from resolving complaints through mediation
• Costs necessary for a victim to pursue his/her education, such as counseling or housing changes, should be provided by the school
• Schools are required to protect pregnant and parenting students from discrimination.

What Does Title IX Cover?

 Title IX prohibits:

• Sexual Misconduct (includes acts of sexual violence)
• Gender Discrimination
• Sexual harassment
• Retaliation 

How does Title IX affect APSU students?

If a student believes that they have been subjected to or they have been a witness to any of the prohibited behavior outlined above, (coming from a faculty member, staff, or another student), they may file an internal complaint.  See APSU Policy 6:001 (Discrimination and Harassment Complaints (other than Complaints of Sexual Violence and Stalking) Complaint Investigation Procedure at APSU Policy 6:001

Title IX Reporting 

Austin Peay State University (APSU) strives to provide a safe learning and working environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Accordingly, sexual discrimination in any form, including (but not limited to) sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and retaliation, is expressly prohibited by APSU.

APSU holds a zero tolerance policy against sexual violence. Sexual violence occurs when sexual acts are forced upon a person against his/her will, or whenever a person is unable to give consent to sexual acts.  Sexual violence can be committed by a stranger or by someone you know, whether you are in an intimate or sexual relationship with that person or not.  Sexual violence can be committed by men or women, and can occur between people of the same or different sex.

If you have experienced or have witnessed any form of sexual discrimination, including sexual violence, we encourage you to report the incident(s) to the APSU Campus Police or the Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça Williams at Williamslr@apsu.edu or by phone at (931) 221-7690.  She will assist in addressing the incident and preventing its recurrence.

Required Training

In order to maintain compliance with Federal Regulations all new employees are required to complete mandatory training on Title IX utilizing the website. All employees to include graduate teaching assistants are required to complete the training. 

Send any questions or concerns about any of the required training to the following personnel.