What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex—including sexual orientation and gender identity—in any federally funded education program or activity. Originally adopted to address inequalities of girls and women in programs and activities such as athletics, today it provides protection against sexual harassment, sexual violence, bullying, pregnancy and parenting discrimination, and gender-based stereotyping and harassment.
Title IX is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR). At UMass Amherst, the Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access is responsible for compliance with Title IX and for overseeing the university’s policy and procedures.
Kerri Thompson Tillett, J.D.
Title IX Coordinator
Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access
225 Bartlett Hall, 130 Hicks Way
@email
Associate Vice Chancellor Equal Opportunity and Access
Frequently Asked Questions
The university has designated certain employees as “responsible
employees” who are required under Title IX and University policy to
promptly report any potential incident of sexual misconduct, sexual
assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking or other assault
or harassment involving a UMass student and/or employee.
Responsible employees include senior administrators, faculty with administrative or supervisory responsibilities, academic advisors, coaches and trainers, advisors to RSOs, employees in Student Affairs and Campus Life (unless they are designated as “confidential” such as licensed clinicians, clergy, or certified rape crisis or domestic violence counselors), and staff in managerial and supervisory roles.
If you share an experience of violence in class via discussion or assignment, and it is clear that the violence occurred while you were affiliated with UMass, the faculty or TA may report to the Dean of Students Office.
The Dean or Title IX Coordinator will follow up with you to discuss options for support and accountability.
Visit our Resources page for links to Title IX training materials.
