What is Title IX?
Title IX Basics
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex in any educational programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. This includes sexual harassment or any acts of sexual misconduct.
Creighton University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all community members and prohibits acts of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
Update Regarding Federal Title IX Regulations (Aug. 1, 2024)
Background
On April 19, 2024, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights released new Title IX regulations that replace the previous 2020 regulations.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. Creighton’s Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance (T9-CRC) oversees the University’s compliance with Title IX, including addressing all reports of sexual harassment and sex discrimination.
The 2024 regulations expand protections for sex discrimination, added pregnancy protections for students and updated adjudication procedures. T9-CRC has been working collaboratively since April to update the University’s Title IX policies and procedures, before the Aug. 1, 2024, implementation date.
Current Legal Challenges and Impact to Creighton
Nebraska joined North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas and Missouri in asking a federal court to issue an injunction blocking the 2024 regulations from taking effect. The court issued the injunction on July 26, 2024. As a result, the 2024 regulations are not currently enforceable in Nebraska, including Creighton University (As of Aug. 1, 2024).
In total, 21 states and approximately 700 additional schools and colleges across the country are impacted by a state or federal injunction.
Current Policies and Procedures in Effect
Creighton will continue to use the policies that were implemented in 2020 that prohibit sexual harassment and sex discrimination. During this time of legal uncertainty, T9-CRC will continue to work closely with the Office of the General Counsel to ensure the office remains compliant with Title IX.
Mindful that the injunction could be lifted, in whole or in part, at any moment, Creighton has revised its Title IX policy with the ability to implement it immediately should the 2024 regulations become effective in Nebraska.
Additionally, Creighton is finalizing a student pregnancy policy that provides protections and reasonable accommodations for pregnant or parenting students. T9-CRC will oversee the new student pregnancy policy.
Access to Resources
Creighton University remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment, free from harassment and discrimination. The Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance continues to be available to assist any individual who may have concerns regarding sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, and stalking.
To make a report to the office, please call 402-280-3189 or email titleix@creighton.edu. Additionally, reports can be made online at Tell Someone.
Scope of Title IX
Title IX applies to institutions that receive federal financial assistance from U.S. Department of Education. Educational programs and activities that receive federal funds must operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. Some key issue areas in which recipients have Title IX obligations are: recruitment, admissions, and counseling; financial assistance; athletics; sex-based harassment; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment. Title IX also protects from retaliation individuals who make or participate in a complaint regarding something covered by Title IX.
