About Title IX

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity¹. Title IX protects all members of our campus community who experience sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence), stalking, or discrimination on the basis of pregnancy. These protections apply to students, faculty, staff, patients, contractors, applicants and campus visitors. We are committed to creating and fostering a campus environment free from all forms of sex discrimination.

Protection from Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: sexual harassment, sexual assault, interpersonal violence (including dating and domestic violence), stalking, sex discrimination, sexual exploitation, unprofessional or inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature, retaliation, false information and false complaints, and interference with a grievance process under applicable UT Southwestern policies. The Title IX Office works to prevent prohibited conduct from occurring, and responds seriously and appropriately to all reports of prohibited conduct.

Protection from Gender-based Harassment

Title IX also prohibits gender-based harassment, which the Office for Civil Rights defines as "unwelcome conduct based on a student’s sex, harassing conduct based on a student’s failure to conform to sex stereotypes²." It includes "slurs, taunts, stereotypes, or name-calling, as well as gender-motivated physical threats, attacks, or other hateful conduct³."
University policy protects against discrimination on the basis of sex, and our policies include protections for gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. If you feel you are being discriminated against based on your sex or gender, you have the right to report to the Title IX Office.

Protection for Pregnant and Parenting Status

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including on the basis of pregnancy and parenting status. The university is required to provide reasonable accommodations due to pregnancy and parenting needs, including excused absences, changes in the work environment, or alternative participation options⁴. If you feel that reasonable accommodations are not being provided, please contact the Division of Title IX.

1 “Title IX and Sex Discrimination.” US Department of Education (ED). www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/tix_dis.html.

2 “Sex-Based Harassment.” US Department of Education (ED). https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/pro-students/issues/sex-issue01.html.

3 “What Is Sex-Based Harassment?” Sex Discrimination, US Department of Education
(ED). www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/faq/sex.html#sexhar1.

4 “Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination At School.” US Department of Education
(ED). www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-know-rights-201306-title-ix.html.