Tuskegee University is committed to providing a safe educational community free from discrimination and harassment. The University is committed to operating in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws pertaining to anti-discrimination, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title IX. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for investigating and resolving all reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation at Tuskegee University.
Individuals who experience or are aware of Title IX violations are encouraged to report the incident immediately to the Title IX Coordinator for appropriate response. It is strictly against university policy to retaliate against individuals who exercise their right to file a report. Individuals who feel that they are experiences retaliation in response to their report should inform a designated contact person or the Title IX Coordinator.
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on gender, which includes sexual harassment and sexual assault. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in all university programs and activities.
Reporting Title IX violations is not difficult. The Office of Title IX provides a number of different options to report for those who have experienced or witnessed a Title IX violation. These violations include sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence or other conduct that violates the Title IX policy.
Tuskegee University Title IX Coordinator | Office of Civil Rights for Alabama |
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ATLANTA OFFICE Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 61 Forsyth St. S.W., Suite 19T10 Atlanta, GA 30303-8927 Telephone: 404-974-9406 Fax: 404-974-9471; TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Atlanta@ed.gov |
If you or someone you know has been assaulted:
Step One: Make sure you are in a safe location.
Step Two: Contact the Tuskegee University Police Department.
Step Three: Maintain any physical evidence you may have.
Step Four: Do not bathe which includes washing your face or hands, brushing your teeth, or douching. Do not drink, eat, or change clothes if possible. If you must change clothes, please place the clothing worn at the time of the assault in a paper bag. This is imperative in case that you decide to press criminal charges.
Step Five: If you have not already, seek medical attention immediately.
Step Six: Finally, please contact the resources below for continued support.
File a Report with the Title IX Coordinator
The Title IX Coordinator is charged with the oversight of Title IX investigations and responding to allegations of sexual misconduct. We first want to thank you for your bravery in submitting a report. We are committed to empowering and supporting you throughout this process. It is important that you know your rights, responsibilities, options and resources that are available to you. We respect your privacy in this process and are available to provide you with additional resources, information and updates as needed.
Tiyahri Wilson
Title IX Coordinator
Email: twilson@tuskegee.edu
Phone: 334.724.4768
Tuskegee University
**temporarily located** at Kenny Hall 70-132
You may also exercise the option to file a report on-line through the Title IX reporting form that is available to provide guidance to the reporter in developing a concise statement of their allegations and are sent directly to the Title IX Coordinator.
File an Anonymous Report
You may file an anonymous report directly to the Title IX Coordinator at www.Tuskegee.edu. All reports will be reviewed however; the University’s ability to investigate anonymous reports may be limited when the identity of the Reporting Party is unknown.
The form provided will allow the Reporting Party to give the details they are comfortable sharing at the time of the report. You may also send an email directly to the Title IX Coordinator at twilson@tuskegee.edu
Talk with a Confidential Resource
Tuskegee understands that some survivors of harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct or other violations of this policy may not be ready or willing to report through a channel that could result in university action. For such individuals, the following confidential resources are available:
A student reporting to any of the above confidential resources may request complete confidentiality. Therefore, the information disclosed will not be shared without the student’s written consent. Please note that these resources may have obligations under University policies, state or federal laws that prevent them from maintaining absolute confidentiality.
Report to Faculty or Staff
All faculty and staff are “responsible employees” and are required to report information to the Title IX Coordinator. Any reports of sexual misconduct made to faculty or staff who are not designated as confidential (clergy, counselors and general counsel) will be directed to the Title IX Coordinator who will investigate and respond accordingly.
File a Criminal Report with the Police
Community members impacted by sexual violence are strongly encouraged to report all allegations of Prohibited Offenses to TUPD as soon as possible, regardless of where the offense took place. TUPD can:
Reporting a sexual assault to TUPD does NOT commit the affected party to future legal action.
Please note that TUPD will report incidences of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator so the University may investigate and respond. If the incident is a crime, TUPD will include it in an annual security report without identifying the victim in accordance with the Clery Act.
Tuskegee University Police Department:
Our Policy on Title IX
Tuskegee University is committed to providing equal opportunity to its students and employees, and to eliminating discrimination when it occurs. Tuskegee University strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status.
The Tuskegee University Title IX policy defines how the University will respond to reported allegations of sexual harassment involving students, including sexual assault, and provides a consolidated statement of the rights and responsibilities under University policies and Title IX, as amended by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The policy describes how areas within the University will coordinate the provision of interim remedies and the prompt and effective investigation of allegations of Prohibited Offenses.
This policy applies to all members of the University community, including students and prospective students, employees and prospective employees, faculty, staff and volunteers in connection with University activities. It further applies to on- or off-campus behavior involving students.
Our Policy on Non-Retaliation
The Grievance Procedure and Title IX Policy also prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of discrimination. It is unlawful to take adverse actions against any member of the Tuskegee community for filing a report of harassment or discrimination, or for cooperating in an investigation of such a report.
Retaliation against a member of the Tuskegee community who reports alleged harassment or who participate in an investigation is a violation of the policy and is subject to appropriate discipline.
Retaliation may have an adverse impact in the following areas: hiring, firing, promotions, demotions, compensation, benefits, grading, pressure to withdraw from class, ignoring, refusing requests for assistance and may include additional areas as well.
The University will not tolerate retaliation against any person who makes a report of a Prohibited Offense. Any person who retaliates directly or indirectly against a Victim, witness, person reporting a Prohibited Offense, a respondent and/or charged party or any person involved in the investigation of a Prohibited Offense will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination (if an employee) or expulsion (if a student).
Our Policy on Non-Fraternization
Tuskegee University strives to provide an environment for students, faculty and staff that is respectful, fair and free of unlawful harassment or discrimination. In keeping with its commitment to provide equal opportunity to students, faculty and staff, and in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest, favoritism, exploitation, harassment or breaches of professional standards, the University’s Policy on Non-Fraternization prohibits romantic or sexual relationships where there is supervision, direction or control between the parties.
Our Policy on Sexual Harassment
The Policy on Sexual Harassment strictly prohibits all forms of sexual harassment. Every member of the Tuskegee community, including students, faculty, staff, contractors, alumni, parents, and visitors may have rights and/or duties under this policy.
Our Policy on Equal Opportunity
The Policy on Equal Opportunity strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status.
How to File a Report
Please contact Tiyahri Wilson Title IX Coordinator by email at twilson@tuskegee.edu to set up a meeting to discuss your rights, responsibilities, process and resources encompassing Title IX policy violations.
Discussions with the Office of Title IX are confidential and information about reported incidents will only be shared only with individuals who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the allegation. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration. Those who file a report will be asked to sign a release of information document consenting for a full interview that may include the following:
Additional Measures
Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator, TUPD, or other designated individuals will work with all parties involved in an incident of reported sex or gender-based discrimination. We will work to provide any appropriate measures or remedies to address their safety, health and wellness. Should you be the affected party or the Responding Party, you will be provided a notification that outlines your rights and available resources as well as the University’s obligations under Title IX.
Effective March 2019
A Responsible Employee is defined as “any employee who has the authority to take action to redress the harassment; or has the duty to report the harassment or other types of misconduct to appropriate officials; or someone a student could reasonably believe has this authority or responsibility.”
Tuskegee University employees including faculty, staff and contractors must report all incidents of gender discrimination and harassment to the Office of Title IX. This includes and is not limited to reports of rape, sexual misbehavior (assault/violence), stalking, intimate partner or domestic violence whether notified in person, by phone (text) or online. Responsible Employees are strictly prohibited from interfering with Title IX incidents and processes through counseling, mediating or attempting to resolve Title IX incidents among students, faulty or staff without proper Title IX authorization. Responsible Employees who do not report or who interfere with Title IX investigations will be in violation of the Responsible Employee policy and “will face disciplinary actions up to including termination.”
Examples include:
Contact the Title IX Coordinator
Please contact Tiyahri Wilson Title IX Coordinator by email at twilson@tuskegee.edu to set up a meeting to discuss your rights, responsibilities, process and resources encompassing Title IX policy violations.
Discussions with the Office of Title IX are confidential and information about reported incidents will only be shared only with individuals who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the allegation. In all cases, the wishes of the person initiating the conversation are given full consideration. Those who file a report will be asked to sign a release of information document consenting for a full interview that may include the following:
Additonal Measures
Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Coordinator, TUPD, or other designated individuals will work with all parties involved in an incident of reported sex or gender-based discrimination. We will work to provide any appropriate measures or remedies to address their safety, health and wellness. Should you be the affected party or the Responding Party, you will be provided a notification that outlines your rights and available resources as well as the University’s obligations under Title IX.
Coercion means the use of an unreasonable amount of pressure to initiate or continue sexual activity against an individual’s will. Coercion is more than an effort to gain consent, or persuade, entice, or attract another person to engage in sexual activity.
Consent is a voluntary, affirmative agreement to sexual activity proposed by another and requires mutually understandable and communicated words and/or actions that would demonstrate to a reasonable person agreement by both parties to participate in sexual activity. Sexual activity requires consent from all involved parties. Consent must be freely given, without physical force, threats, intimidating behavior, duress, or coercion. Silence, a lack of resistance, previous sexual relationships or experiences, and/or a current relationship may not, in itself, constitute consent. The initiator, or the person who wants to engage in the specific sexual activity, must obtain consent from the partner(s) for each sexual act. Both parties may be initiators at different points of sexual activity. A person’s initiation of a sexual act constitutes consent to that act, but not necessarily subsequent acts. Consent to sexual activity may be withdrawn at any time, and the withdrawal must be communicated in mutually understandable words and/or actions; if so, sexual activity must cease immediately.
Consent may never be given: by minors (in Massachusetts, those not yet 16 years of age), mentally disabled persons, or those who are incapacitated as a result of intoxication by alcohol or other drug consumption (voluntary or involuntary) or those who are unconscious, unaware, or otherwise physically helpless. A person who is incapacitated as a result of intoxication cannot give consent to sexual activity. Incapacitation is a state where one cannot make a rational, reasonable decision because they lack the ability to understand the who, what, when, where, why or how of their sexual activities.
Discrimination occurs when a person is subject to negative or adverse treatment, based on one or more of the protected characteristics described in the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy (race, color, religion, religious creed, genetics, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran or disability status) that denies or limits the individual’s ability to obtain educational benefits or interferes with the work environment.
Domestic Violence is the intentional infliction of physical, sexual or psychological harm on a current or former roommate, partner or spouse. Domestic violence includes dating, intimate partner and relationship violence.
Hostile Environment exists when the conduct is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it unreasonably interferes with, or deprives an individual from participating in or benefiting from, the university’s education or employment programs and/or activities. Conduct must be deemed severe, persistent, or pervasive from both a subjective and an objective perspective.
Prohibited Offenses is the conduct prohibited by this policy and includes Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Gender-based Harassment, Sexual Exploitation, Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner Violence, Dating Violence, Stalking and Retaliation involving a student or students.
Sexual Assault
With penetration: the oral, anal, or vaginal penetration by an inanimate object, penis, or other bodily part without consent, as defined below.
Without penetration: the touching of the intimate body parts of another (for example, breasts, buttocks, groin, genitals or the clothing covering them). The attempted oral, anal, or vaginal penetration of an individual(s) by an inanimate object, penis or other bodily part without consent, as defined above.
Sexual Exploitation means when a person(s) takes non-consensual sexual advantage of another, for any purpose. Sexual Exploitation includes but is not limited to:
Sexual Harassment is any unwanted or offensive sexual behavior that has the purpose or effect of creating a hostile living, learning or working environment, or whenever toleration of such conduct or rejection of it is the basis for a personal or academic decision affecting the individual. Sexual harassment may be found in a single episode, as well as in persistent behavior. Examples of such behavior include, but are not limited to:
Stalking is a willful and/or malicious pattern of conduct or series of acts directed at a specific person, which seriously alarms or annoys that person and would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress. Examples of stalking include, but are not limited to, conduct, acts or threats conducted in person, by mail, by phone, by electronic communication or social media.
Disparate Treatment is less favorable treatment of similarly situated individuals based on their protected class status (i.e. race, color, religion, religious creed, genetics, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, and veteran or disability status).
Disparate Impact are policies and practices that are neutral on their face but may have a disparate impact on protected classes.
Discriminatory Harassment is verbal or physical conduct by a member of the faculty, staff or student body based on protected categories listed in the University’s Equal Opportunity Policy that adversely affects a term, benefits or condition of an individual’s education, employment, housing, or participation in a University activity.
The Office of Title IX is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community with a mandate to ensure that all members of the community are equally protected by Title IX policy and law. Our mission is to create a culture of safety for all students who identify as both binary and non-binary. In an effort to educate our Tuskegee community, we have provided information below specific to our LGBTQ+ family here at Tuskegee. Title IX protects all students, including LGBTQ students, from sex discrimination. Title IX encompasses discrimination based on a student’s failure to conform to stereotyped notions of masculinity and femininity. Our University policy is as follows:
Tuskegee University strictly prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, religious creed, genetic information, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status.
Gender Expression
Using someone’s correct personal pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s name can be a way to respect them. It can be offensive or harassing to guess at someone’s pronouns and refer to them using those pronouns if that is not how that person wants to be known.
Alternatively, choosing to ignore the pronouns someone has stated that they go by could imply the oppressive notion that intersex, transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming people do not or should not exist.
When an individual shares their pronouns this is how they would like to be referred to in the subjective, objective, possessive and reflexive forms such as the following:
He (subjective) | Him (objective) | His (possessive) | Himself (reflexive)
She (subjective) | Her (objective) | Hers (possessive) | Herself (reflexive)
They (subjective) | Them (objective) | Theirs (possessive) | Themselves (reflexive)
Ze (subjective) | Hir (objective) | Hirs (possessive) | Hirself (reflexive)
*No pronoun individuals should simply be addressed by their name
Do not assume that because a person uses a particular set or sets of pronouns that is it indicative of their gender. This applies to transgender and non-transgender (cis) individuals. In addition, some individuals may go by multiple sets of pronouns and may agree to be addressed by any of their pronouns.
Non-Binary and Gender Neutral Titles
There are also non-binary, gender-neutral titles such as Mx. In lieu of Mr, Miss and Mrs
When addressing mixed gender groups addressees are encouraged to use language such as “friends and guests”, “everyone” or “all” in lieu of “ladies and gentlemen.”
A deliberate disregard in addressing members of the Tuskegee University by their proper pronouns is a violation of Title IX policy. All members of the community are encouraged to address individuals by their pronouns. In the event that a pronoun is unknown, the appropriate action is to ask without assuming. Most binary and non-binary individuals are not offended when asked as an effort to respect the individuals desire to be addressed appropriately. Try asking, “How should I refer to you?”
*Encourages others to share their pronouns is acceptable; however, it should never be forced.
Faculty members may want to include their pronouns in their initial introductions and allow students to do the same at the start of a class, session, seminar or workshop.
Student Expression
LGBTQ students have the right:
Resources Specific to LGBTQ+ Members
On Campus
Safe Space
President: Cynthia Lockwood
Email: Clockwood3641@tuskegee.edu
Office of Title IX
Title IX Coordinator: Tiyahri Wilson
Email: twilson@tuskegee.edu
Ph: (334) 724.4768
Wellness Center
Counselor: Warena Millon Counselor: Ardelia Lunn
Email: wmillion@tuskegee.edu Email: alunn@tuskegee.edu
Ph: (334) 727.8238 Ph: (334) 727.8147
Resources Specific to LGBTQ+ Members
Off Campus
Montgomery PRIDE United
635 Madison Ave. Montgomery, AL 36104
Ph: (334) 356.2464
Links for Resources:
Educational Materials
Annual mandatory training provided to all faculty and staff via the web based training provided through United Educators as of January 2019. Training modules can be accessed online through the Learning Portal at https://learn.ue.org/LoginAndRegistration.aspx. Any employee who has difficulty accessing the training should contact the Administrator at twilson@tuskegee.edu
Educational and training materials designed to provide a foundation to understanding Title IX are available at the Title IX website. All faculty and staff should watch for E-blasts notices of upcoming onsite trainings conducted by the Office of Title IX to include the following:
Training
The Office of Title IX is responsible for investigating and responding to reports. However, we will also provide trainings for the Tuskegee community including students, faculty and staff seeking a better understanding of Title IX and its effects on the University. To request training by a representative from the Office of Title IX or Human Resource, please email us at twilson@tuskegee.edu.
Reporting Gender-Based Discrimination by Responsible Employees
A “Responsible Employee” at Tuskegee University is any University employee, including faculty, staff and student employees within Residence Life. Responsible Employees are required to report allegations of sex and gender-based discrimination, including sexual misconduct, to the Title IX Coordinator.
Exceptions
The following employees are “Confidential Employees” and, by law, are not required to report allegations of gender-based discrimination, including Prohibited Conduct. If the employee is employed in multiple roles at the University, the report must be made while the responsible is acting in the “confidential employee” role. Otherwise, when acting in other roles the employee is expected to report the incident shared.
Confidential employees are required to inform students of their “confidential employee” status when reports are made.
Guidelines
Responsible Employees will safeguard an individual’s privacy and respect the sensitive nature of the information provided, but are required to report allegations of gender-based discrimination, including Prohibited Conduct, to the Title IX Coordinator and/or TUPD within 24 hours of being notified. Reportable information includes, but is not limited to:
Such reporting ensures timely support for all parties and enables an effective and consistent University response.
Please review the Responsible Employee Policy, which became effective March 2019.
When the report is received, the Title IX Coordinator will offer appropriate and available remedial and protective measures to the affected party/survivor, and take appropriate actions to resolve the reported incident as promptly as possible.
Privacy
Information reported to the Title IX Coordinator will be shared only with individuals who “need to know” in order to assist in the assessment, investigation, and resolution of the reported incident.
Reminders
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from sex or gender-based discrimination, including discrimination based on gender-identity, in educational programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.
Tuskegee’s Title IX Policy prohibits Prohibited Offenses, which are defined as sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship or domestic violence, and stalking. The Title IX Policy applies to the entire community, including students, faculty and staff of all gender identities.
If you or someone you know has been a survivor of a Prohibited Offense, confidential support and guidance is available at the University Wellness Center. By law, those employees are not required to report allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination to the University.
If you believe a violation of Title IX policy has occurred a report can be made non-confidentially to the Title IX Coordinator at: twilson@tuskegee.edu. Faculty members are considered “responsible employees” at Tuskegee University, meaning they are required to report all allegations of sex or gender-based discrimination to the Title IX Coordinator.
In case of an emergency, please call 911.
Please visit www.tuskegee.edu for a complete list of reporting options and resources both on- and off-campus.
Tuskegee University Wellness Center
Services: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Telephone number: (334) 727.8244
Student Health Services
Suite 71-235, John A. Kenney Hall
Phone: 334.727.8641
334.727.8642
Fax: 334.724.4437
E-mail (*Director): jsamuel@tuskegee.edu
Chapel (Clergy)
Dean Gregory Gray, Ph.D
Phone: 334.727.8702
Email: ggray@tuskegee.edu
Tuskegee University Police Department
Location: Tompkins Hall Suite-200
Emergency Number: 334.724.4911 (On-campus dial 4-911)
General Information: 334.727.8756
Confidential Hotline: 334.724.4583
Emergency Medical Services
Ext. 4-911
Vice-President for Student Affairs
334.724.4746
Dean of Students
334.727.8421
Residence Life and Development
334.727.8915 or 8930
Housing
334.724.8100 or 4617
New Directions Behavioral Health
Toll Free: 800-624-5544
Web: www.ndbh.com
Login code: Tuskegee
Crisis Assistance
1.800.650.6522
www.acar.org
City of Tuskegee Police
334.727.0200
Macon County Sheriff
334.727.2500
TIYAHRI WILSON
Title IX Coordinator
Email: twilson@tuskegee.edu
Phone: 334.724.4768
Location: Kenny Hall 70-132 (temporary location)