Equal Opportunities in Education

The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (UWW) is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment that is free of sexual misconduct. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq., and its implementing regulations, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, sex-based misconduct, relationship violence, discrimination based on pregnancy, and the failure to provide equal opportunities in employment, admissions, or any educational programs or activities.

Title IX Sexual Misconduct and Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct
The current rule treats all allegations of sexual misconduct the same. The new federal regulations narrow the scope of conduct to which Title IX protections apply. However, the federal regulations specify that schools are not prohibited from addressing a broader scope of conduct under institutional codes of conduct. Under the new rule, allegations of sexual misconduct that do not fall within the scope of Title IX will continue to be addressed using student and employee conduct codes. Inquiries or complains may be addressed to Vicki Schreiber, Title IX Coordinator, 800 W. Main, Hyer Hall 330, UW-Whitewater 262-472-2143 titleix@uww.edu or through the Dean of Students Office.

In accordance with Title IX regulations, the University has designated Vicki Schreiber as the University's Title IX Coordinator. She is charged with monitoring compliance with these regulations. Questions regarding Title IX, as well as concerns and complaints of non-compliance, may be directed to her. She is responsible for receiving employees' complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct, against other employees. The Dean of Students office is responsible for receiving student complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct, against other University students.

Contact Information

Vicki Schreiber, Ph.D.
Title IX Coordinator
800 W. Main, Hyer Hall 330
UW-Whitewater
262-472-2143
titleix@uww.edu

Dean of Students Office
Anderson 2130
(262) 472-1533
Fax: (262) 472-1275
deanofstudents@uww.edu

Definitions

The current rule defines sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment and sexual assault, under the corresponding statutory definitions in the Wisconsin Statutes. The new federal regulations require adoption of definitions for sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking from the federal Clery and Violence Against Women Acts and adds a definition of “sexual exploitation” to the list of sexual misconduct.

Additionally, the new federal regulations define sexual harassment for Title IX purposes to include quid pro quo and “unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectionably offensive.”

The current rule allows the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater to address allegations of sexual misconduct when the conduct occurs on university property, at university-sponsored events, or the conduct affects a substantial university interest. The new federal regulations narrow that definition to the following elements: (1) the school has actual knowledge of sexual harassment; (2) that occurred within the school’s education program or activity; (3) against a person in the United States. The regulations go on to define “education program or activity” to include situations over which the school exercised substantial control as well as buildings owned or controlled by student organizations officially recognized by a university, such as many fraternity and sorority houses.