J23-100 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex

James Madison University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities. The university is required by Title IX of the Education Amendments (PL92-318) of 1972 and Department of Education regulations to implement Title IX, Prohibition of Sex Discrimination in Educational Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance. This requirement extends to employment by and admission to the university. The university also complies with the broader federal statute, Title VII, which refers to discrimination by sex, national origin, age, etc.

J23-101 Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is covered under both statutes.

J23-102 Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and the implementation of regulations may be referred to the Title IX coordinator, Office of Equal Opportunity, 1017 Harrison Street, MSC 5802, Harrisonburg, VA  22807, (540) 568-6991; or to the U.S. Office of Education. Questions concerning Title VII also may be referred to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Addresses and telephone numbers are available from the Office of Equal Opportunity.

J23-103 A student who wants to initiate a grievance involving sex discrimination should confer first with the faculty member, staff member or student directly involved.

J23-104 For grievances involving a faculty or staff member: If the matter is not resolved and the student wishes to to take further action, the individual may go to the academic unit head or division director, then the dean of the college, if applicable, and then to the appropriate vice president. If the accused is another student, the person with the grievance may bring a charge of discrimination to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

J23-105 After exhausting the informal remedies, the student may institute a formal written complaint. The procedure for handling such complaints for either statute may be obtained from the Office of Equal Opportunity. The specifics of filing a complaint may be viewed in the JMU Policy 1324, Discrimination and Harassment Complaint Procedures.