GW Policies & Title IX

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in all aspects of education. This means that you are entitled to an educational environment free from sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment or assault, and that the university must work diligently to prevent and eliminate sexual harassment and assault in the community.

 

Title IX

 

 

Title IX includes a variety of requirements and guarentees. It applies to any school receiving federal funding. 

Title IX

  • Prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex
  • Includes the prohibition of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking
  • Applies to students, faculty, staff, volunteers and other participants in university programs and activities
  • Applies to individuals of any gender identity
  • Applies regardless of whether a report to law enforcement has been made

Under Title IX, schools receiving any federal funding must:

  • Maintain clear written policies prohibiting sexual harassment, as well as clear grievance procedures
  • Designate a Title IX Coordinator to oversee the implementation of the Title IX Sexual Harassment And Related Conduct Policy and to ensure compliance with Title IX and other applicable laws
  • Promptly contact the Complainant to (1) discuss the availability of and the Complainant’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures and (2) explain the process for filing a Formal Complaint.
  • Provide parties with reasonable Supportive Measures regardless of whether a Formal Complaint is filed.
  • Provide prompt, thorough, equitable and impartial resolutions of all Formal Complaints of violations of the Policy.

 

Rights of Both Parties (Complainant & Respondent)

Both parties are entitled to a fair and equitable process, including but not limited to:

  • Fair, equitable and respectful treatment throughout the process, regardless of outcome.
  • Access to the Title IX Sexual Harassment And Related Conduct Policy
  • Reasonable Supportive Measures
  • Written notification of the allegations within a Formal Complaint filed with the Title IX Office
  • Have an advisor of their choosing accompany them to any meeting and proceeding
  • Participate or not participate in any resolution process
  • Inspect and respond to all evidence gathered during an investigation that is directly related to the allegations in the Formal Complaint
  • A live hearing with cross examination conducted by the parties’ advisors
  • Simultaneous written notice of the outcome of the hearing
  • The opportunity to appeal the dismissal of a Formal Complaint or the Notice of Outcome.
  • Simultaneous written notice of the appeal outcome

For a complete list of the rights afforded to both parties please review the Policy.

 

GW’s Title IX Coordinator

Asha Reynolds is GW’s Title IX coordinator. She monitors the university’s overall compliance with Title IX requirements as well as internal compliance with GW’s own relevant policies.

Contact Asha if you would like to talk about a situation involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, or if you would like to discuss the university's policies and procedures.

 

GW Policies

GW has policies which explicitly prohibit sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.  They also explain the university’s resolution process when a Formal Complaint is filed with the Title IX Coordinator regarding alleged sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking. GW policies are designed to protect and support GW students, faculty, staff, participants, and visitors. GW’s goal is to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault through education and by developing a sense of community.  If sexual harassment or sexual assault occurs, the university will respond firmly and fairly, and in a timely manner.

GW policies are informed by:

  • federal laws like Title IX, the Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act
  • university values and resources

The Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy and the Policy on Prohibited Relationships with Students are intended to inform members of the university community about sexual harassment and the procedures that should be followed if they're encountered or observed.

GW’s policies:

  • encourage reporting of sexual harassment before it becomes severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive
  • identify persons to whom sexual harassment may be reported
  • prohibit retaliation against parties or witnesses
  • assure confidentiality to the extent possible consistent with the need to address and resolve harassment appropriately
  • assure all members of the university community that each complaint of sexual harassment will receive adequate and impartial resolution process
  • take appropriate action to respond to reports of Sexual Harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects

Code of Student Conduct

Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harrasment Policy, Retaliation Policy