Title IX - Sexual Misconduct

Q:   What is Title IX?

A:    Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any phase of a university's educational  programs or activities.  Title IX applies to WSU as a public institution that receives Federal funds.  Sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and retaliation for filing a complaint (collectively referred to as sexual misconduct) are all forms of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX.  Wayne State's policies on sexual harassment, sexual assault and non-discrimination are independent of and consistent with Title IX.  

Any person may become a victim of any form of sexual misconduct regardless of their age, sex, gender, sexual orientation or religion.  Anyone who becomes a victim/survivor of sexual misconduct has rights.  It is Wayne State's responsibility to protect those rights.

Q:   What are WSU's obligations under Title IX?

A:    Under Title IX, the University has an obligation to respond promptly and effectively to any complaints of sexual misconduct by providing appropriate and individualized interim measures and support resources and by conducting a prompt and fair investigation.   For more information on Wayne State's responsibilities under Title IX, please visit this website:  titleix.wayne.edu.  This website provides (a) a central location for accessing relevant information regarding Wayne State's policies prohibiting sexual assault, sexual harassment and non-discrimination and regarding Title IX; (b) easy access to contact information for those responsible for implementing Title IX at Wayne State; (c) a comprehensive list of available safety and security services and resources; and (d) information about available opportunities for learning more about Title IX and its requirements.  

To learn more about Wayne State's responsibilities and what you need to know about Title IX, please access the online training module for students (Voices for Change) and/or the online training module for faculty and staff (Title IX for Faculty & Staff).  These modules can be accessed through titleix.wayne.edu and are implemented in partnership with a third party vendor, Get Inclusive. 

Q:   Who is WSU's Title IX Director?

 A:   Wayne State has a full time Title IX Director, Brandy M. Banks, who can be reached at 313-577-9999 or titleix@wayne.edu.  In addition, the University has four (4) Deputy Title IX Coordinators who are available to assist the Title IX Director.  Their contact information is listed at titleix.wayne.edu.

Q:   What are options for reporting a Title IX matter?

A:    Wayne State encourages individuals to promptly report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Director at (313) 577-2268 or at titleix@wayne.edu, or in cases involving a serious sexual assault or imminent danger, to the Wayne State Police at (313) 577-2222.  

While students have a right to choose whether they report a sexual misconduct incident to the Title IX Director, to the Police, to both, or to neither, all Wayne State faculty and staff are considered Responsible Employees and must report an incident to the Title IX Director, regardless of whether the student choose to report it, so that Wayne State can fulfill its institutional obligations.  For more information on Responsible Employees and Mandatory Reporting, please go to titleix.wayne.edu.

If you feel it necessary to share the matter anonymously, you may do so through the Office of Internal Audit.  Their anonymous hotline is 313-577-5138.  You may submit an anonymous tip on their website at: http://internalaudit.wayne.edu/report.php.  The WSU Police also have an anonymous crime tip line, which can be accessed at wsupdis@wayne.edu.

Q:    How can I help reduce the risk of sexual assault occurring to me?

A:    The following suggestions can help reduce the risk of a sexual assault occurring to you:

• Always trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, do not try to be "polite" and stay.  Remove yourself immediately and call the WSU Police at 313-577-2222.
• When going out to social events, try to go with friends you trust.
• If you go alone, notify others of where you will be going and when you expect to return.
• If you plan on drinking alcoholic beverages, do not drink from open containers of alcohol (e.g. open punch bowls).  Open containers can be easily spiked with other drugs.  Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
• Be mindful of the amount of drinks you consume.  Alcohol decreases your ability to be fully aware of your environment.
• Program emergency contacts into your phone.
• Do not walk home alone.  If you do not have a ride, there are local taxi services you may utilize.
• For more resources on staying safe go to: www.police.wayne.edu/campus_watch.php.
• Attend one of the Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Courses offered by the WSU Police.  This is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women.  It covers awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance and progresses to the basics of hands-on self defense.  For information contact WSU Police.

Updated April 10, 2019