Title IX, Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity that receives financial support from the Federal government. Under Title IX, discrimination based on sex includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sexual assault. Title IX also prohibits retaliation against individuals who complain about or participate in an investigation regarding an alleged Title IX violation.

Western and Title IX

In compliance with Title IX, Western does not discriminate on the basis of sex in employment or in its educational programs and activities. It is Western’s goal to maintain an environment that is free from all forms of illegal harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, sexual coercion, rape, bullying, and hazing.

Western's Title IX Coordinator

Questions, concerns and complaints concerning Title IX may be directed to Western’s Title IX Coordinator:

Dr. Sue Guenter-Schlesinger
Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity
Equal Opportunity Office
Old Main 345
Voice: (360) 650-3307
Washington Relay: 711
Sue.Guenter-Schlesinger@wwu.edu

Reporting Options

If you have experienced sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual violence, you have reporting options. If an incident occurs, you can report it to:

University Police, (360) 650-3911
Bellingham Police Department, 911
Equal Opportunity Office & Title IX Coordinator: Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, Old Main 345, (360) 650-3307, Sue.Guenter-Schlesinger@wwu.edu
Dean of Students Office, (360) 650-3706

Western’s Discrimination Complaint Procedure provides for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints alleging violations of Title IX.
We encourage you to see a confidential counselor at Crime and Sexual Assault Services (CASAS) to discuss your reporting options in detail, and to have someone there for you while you report. The 24 CASAS help line is (360) 650-3700.

Counseling and Support Resources

Crime and Sexual Assault Services (CASAS), (360) 650-3700
Counseling Center, (360) 650-3164
Student Health Center, (360) 650-3400

Additional Western and Bellingham resources are listed here.

Enforcement of Title IX

Title IX is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).