Title IX is a federal law that protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. The law reads, in part, as follows:
No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
(Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 to the 1964 Civil Rights Act)
What constitutes sexual harassing behavior?
Sexual harassment is unwelcomed, gender-based verbal or physical behavior that is objectively offensive and is severe, persistent, or pervasive. The effect of harassment creates a hostile environment and/or interferes with, denies, or limits a person’s ability to benefit from Concordia’s educational programs and/or activities. Learn more about CU's Sexual Misconduct Policy here.
Concordia University (CU) fully subscribes to all federal and state civil rights laws banning discrimination in private, church affiliated institutions of higher education, subject to the First Amendment. CU will not illegally discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student in any education program or activity or applicant for admission on the basis of: race, color, sex, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state or federal law. CU is a higher educational institution of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and, in compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion.
Gender discrimination and sexual harassment (including sexual assault) are prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
Biblical Perspective: The University holds the Scriptures to be the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and is compelled by the Scriptures to be faithful to the religious tenets articulated therein. These religious tenets are set forth in the Constitution of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and illuminated by the Lutheran Confessions, which the University holds to be a true and binding exposition of Holy Scripture. The University remains committed to complying with the spirit and letter of federal, state, and local laws affording equal educational opportunity and nondiscrimination in admission to and participation in the University’s programs and activities. In some instances, Scripture, as understood by the Church and the University, requires the institution to act in ways that may conflict with certain regulations implementing Title IX, as interpreted by the OCR and other state and local laws. This being understood, the following Statement of Purpose is set forth.
The purpose of Concordia University’s (CU) Title IX Compliance Program is to foster an environment in mind, body and spirit so that all campus stakeholders can enjoy the programs and activities offered by CU free from all forms of sex-based harassment, exploitation, or intimidation, including sexual assault. This commitment, as outlined above in the “Biblical Perspective,” is fulfilled by complying with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and all applicable federal, state and local laws.