Title IX and VAWA
Title IX and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) are two of the federal laws that are focused on providing safe, inclusive, and welcoming learning and work environments on campus. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination and sexual harassment. Sexual assault and sexual violence are forms of sexual or gender-based harassment that are prohibited by Title IX. VAWA also requires Universities to address sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking.
FEDERAL LAWS
Title IX:
- Prohibits –> Prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance (e.g., athletics, courses), such as at UNC-Chapel Hill. Also prohibits sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence, and retaliating against a person for filing a complaint or speaking up about rights protected under Title IX.
- Action –> If the University knows about an instance of prohibited conduct that creates a hostile environment, Title IX requires the University to take immediate action to provide supportive measures and address the conduct.
- Procedures and Resources –> Requires schools to adopt specific procedures for addressing reports and designate a Title IX compliance coordinator to oversee the response including supportive measures for those impacted.
Section 304 of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (reauthorizing VAWA):
- Policies and Procedures –> Requires University policies and procedures to address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
- Education Programs and Campaigns –> Requires education programs, prevention programs, and awareness campaigns on sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
- Resources –> Requires information about available resources, law enforcement options, and protective measures such as changes to living situations or class schedules.
UNC-CHAPEL HILL
Policies and procedures at UNC-Chapel Hill:
The University has an umbrella policy that prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, as well as sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence and stalking: The Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct and associated procedures provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of reports of discrimination, harassment and related misconduct. Reports of conduct that meet the definition of sexual harassment and the jurisdictional requirements will now be addressed in the Policy on Prohibited Sexual Harassment under Title IX.
The Policy on Prohibited Sexual Harassment under Title IX and its Procedures was adopted in August 2020 following the release of the new Title IX regulations by the Department of Education. This Policy prohibits specific forms of Sexual Harassment, specifically, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Director of Report and Response:
For questions or concerns, contact UNC-Chapel Hill’s Director of Report and Response.
Rebecca Gibson
Director of Report and Response
214 W Cameron Ave., 2nd floor
Campus Box 9160
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
rmgibson@unc.edu
(919) 445-1578
Resources:
There are many resources on campus and in the community to provide services to those affected by incidents, including:
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- confidential medical care (e.g., evidence collection, pregnancy prevention, treatment of STIs)
- University reporting options to address the incident under the University’s policy and/or seek interim protective measures (e.g., changes to housing, modifications to class schedules or work schedules, changes to course assignments, no-contact orders)
- confidential emotional and psychological support
- law enforcement to pursue a criminal investigation
Get more information:
- View a Quick Reference Guide for a step by step approach about how to get help in emergency situations for incidents of sexual and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, interpersonal (relationship) violence, and stalking.
- View a Comprehensive Resource Guide that provides more detailed information about how to get help following an incident of sexual and gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, interpersonal (relationship) violence, and stalking.
Educational trainings, prevention programs, and awareness campaigns:
- EVERFI prevention course for employees – mandatory campus training on prohibited conduct and available resources.
- EVERFI prevention online course for students – mandatory training for all incoming students on prohibited conduct and available resources
- HAVEN – training providing the tools to be an ally to those who have experienced violence
- One Act – bystander intervention training
- Heels United for a Safe Carolina – awareness campaign
- Responsible Employees and CSA training
Other Information:
This website is primarily focused on the work of the EOC office. You can learn more about all policies, programs, and resources offered by partner departments by visiting SAFE.UNC.EDU – the University’s main portal for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and visitors at UNC-Chapel Hill for resources and information about discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, interpersonal violence, and stalking.