What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 provides that “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 education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” In addition, Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. This includes situations where individuals are harassed; disciplined in a discriminatory manner; excluded from, denied equal access to, or subjected to sex stereotyping in academic or extracurricular opportunities and other education programs or activities; denied the benefits of a school’s programs or activities.
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities that are free from sexual harassment and retaliation. To ensure compliance with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational program or activity, the academy has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for those involved in alleged sexual misconduct or retaliation. The Academy values and upholds the dignity of all members of its community and strives to balance the parties’ rights in the grievance process during what is often a difficult time for all involved. In furtherance of this policy, IMSA has adopted the Title IX Policy for all members of the community – students, student organizations, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents/guardians, as well as Academy vendors, contractors, visitors, guests, volunteers, interns, invitees, and third parties – with respect to sexual harassment.
When to submit a sexual misconduct report:
- If you are reporting actual or suspected sexual misconduct that someone else experienced.
- If you are reporting sexual misconduct that you have experienced and you are unsure if you want to pursue an investigation at this time, but are interested in receiving supportive measures.
- Supportive measures are available on a confidential basis.
- You would like to submit the report anonymously. Please note that the Academy’s ability to respond to an anonymous or confidential complaint is limited.
When to submit a sexual misconduct complaint:
- If you are reporting sexual misconduct that you experienced and
- You would like to begin the university’s formal grievance process (including an investigation).
If you have questions, you may email the Title IX coordinator at dei@imsa.edu instead of filing a complaint.
Who is the Title IX Coordinator?
The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion serves as the Title IX Coordinator and oversees the implementation of this policy. The Title IX Coordinator has the primary responsibility for coordinating the Academy’s efforts related to the intake, investigation, resolution, and implementation of supportive measures to stop, prevent, and remedy sexual harassment and retaliation prohibited under this policy.
Adrienne Coleman, Ed.D.
acoleman@imsa.edu
630.907.5079
1500 Sullivan Road, Room C143, Aurora, IL 60506
The Title IX Coordinator and respective staff have completed the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA) Title IX K-12 Investigator, Coordinator, and Decision-Maker training, along with Implicit Bias Training. Training Materials can be found here.