Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Smith explains how A&M works to keep the campus safe from sex-based discrimination, harassment and violence.
Editor’s note: This story is part of an occasional series about the impact of Title IX.
It’s been 50 years since Title IX — the historic civil rights legislation that opened countless opportunities for women in higher education — was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. Texas A&M Today spoke with the university’s Title IX Coordinator Jennifer Smith, an attorney who has spent much of her career working to protect civil rights. She shares some of the lesser-known history behind the law, how the Title IX investigation process works, and what Aggies can do to protect themselves and one another.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed in 1972 that protects everyone from unlawful discrimination on the basis of sex. In addition to requiring equitable opportunities for participation in university programs and activities (like athletics, housing and admissions), Title IX prohibits sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking and sexual exploitation. Any school that receives federal funding must comply with Title IX.
Any person – including campus visitors, parents or vendors – may report sex-based discrimination, harassment or violence. However, all full and part-time A&M employees (defined as anyone who receives a paycheck or a stipend,...
The wife of former University of British Columbia professor Steven Galloway was the first witness to testify on day one of the defamation trial against four defendants he says falsely accused him ...