Title IX and Preventing Sex/Gender Discrimination and Violence

St. Edward's University expects everyone within our community — students, faculty and staff — to treat others equally and does not tolerate hostile behavior toward others.

We recognize that sex and gender discrimination, as well as sexual harassment and violence, are critical issues of our society, and we consider it our responsibility to attend to these concerns within our community. As a member of our community, you should expect St. Edward’s University to not only comply with federal and state regulations as they apply to Title IX and state laws, but also to remain aligned with our Holy Cross values of community, diversity, social justice and service.

Our goal is to assist those affected by sex and gender discrimination, harassment and violence. Whether you are a survivor, the accused or a bystander of such an incident, we as a community are here to guide you through the process of resolution. We strive to be sensitive to the unique needs of different populations within our community.

Being informed is an important step in finding resolution, either for yourself, a friend, or others in our community. Through empathy and compassion, we may more readily address concerns of discrimination and violence surrounding sex and gender. Thank you for taking a step toward service to others. Together, we can bring about a better time for our community.

Non-Discrimination Statement

St. Edward’s University adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in employment and education. St. Edward’s University does not discriminate in its admissions practices [except as permitted by law], in its employment practices, or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. As a recipient of federal financial assistance for education activities, St. Edward’s University is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to ensure that all of its education programs and activities do not discriminate on the basis of sex/gender. Sex includes [sex, sex stereotypes, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or parenting status].

St. Edward’s University also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internal or external to the institution. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX and by St. Edward’s University policy.

Any member of the campus community, guest, or visitor who acts to deny, deprive, or limit the educational, employment, residential, or social access, opportunities and/or benefits of any member of the St. Edward’s University community on the basis of sex is in violation of St. Edward’s University Title IX Policy and Procedures.

Any person may report sex discrimination (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to have experienced the conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, by video, or by email, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator (below). A report involving a student may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by completing the Student Concern Form. A report involving an employee or third party may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by completing the Sex/Gender Harassment, Discrimination & Misconduct/Employee of Concern Form. If you are ever unsure where to report or what your options are, you are welcome to contact the university’s Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Lisa Kirkpatrick.

Lisa L. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Administration | Title IX Coordinator
Office Phone: 512-448-8777 |  Email: lisak@hrfjk.com

Title IX Policy Revisions

St. Edward’s University revised its Title IX policies and procedures (Box document) in August 2020, as well as again in August 2021, as instructed by the Department of Education. These revisions provide for live hearings to decide allegations of sexual misconduct, and those live hearings can also be conducted virtually using technology. This new procedure was the result of new Title IX regulations that were issued by the U.S. Department of Education in May 2020.  We comply with all requirements, but there is some latitude for how universities interpret the new rules, and how they are implemented.  Importantly, we will provide a number of procedural protections that are important to all members of the community. 

While the new regulations mean many changes for the policies and procedures, what hasn’t changed is our dedication to a process that respects the dignity of all members of the university community. We respect the right of someone who experiences sexual misconduct to process it in the way that is best for them and their healing process. We respect their right to choose to bring a report forward for a university formal resolution, or to seek a response from the university that is primarily centered on supportive measures and resources available from St. Edward’s or the larger community. Fair process is a priority, as is repairing harm and facilitating healing and safety for all members of the community irrespective of race, sex, gender identity/expression, age, ability, religion, socio-economic status, or the other qualities/identities that we value within a diverse community.

Additional resources can be found on our Title IX webpage, including updated syllabus language (Box document) for faculty and the mandatory reporter policy (Box document).   

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