TITLE IX

2024 Title IX Regulation Updates

Posted August 5, 2024

Villanova University advances its Augustinian mission through the contributions of a diverse faculty, staff, and student body and strives to provide a respectful and welcoming environment informed by the belief in the humanity and intrinsic worth of all members of our community regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected category. To this end, the University’s Non-Discrimination/Non-Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policies, provide means to address discrimination, harassment, and sexual and related misconduct.

These policies and the associated procedures are rooted in local, state, and federal laws, and must be updated as the legal landscape evolves. In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released updated Title IX regulations, set to go into effect nationwide on August 1, 2024. The 2024 Title IX regulations include many substantive changes, including to the definition of sex-based harassment, the scope and application of grievance procedures; and requirements for reporting alleged misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.

Over the summer, Villanova’s Title IX Office and key stakeholders drafted updates to applicable University policies and associated procedures to ensure compliance by August 1. However, the 2024 Title IX regulations have faced multiple legal challenges. As of July 31, 2024, several federal courts have issued injunctions prohibiting the U.S. Department of Education from implementing, enacting, and/or enforcing the 2024 Title IX regulations in 26 states, and nationwide at hundreds of schools attended by students who are members, or in some cases children of members, of three organizations.

Villanova is subject to the injunction based on student membership in one of the organizations; and, as a result, remains subject to the 2020 Title IX regulations. We will continue to monitor these cases for any updates to Villanova’s compliance obligations. In the meantime, Villanova remains committed to preventing and responding to all forms of prohibited discrimination and harassment and will continue to use the current policies and procedures, which are compliant with the 2020 Title IX regulations and applicable federal and state law.

Any questions about the University’s Non-Discrimination and Non-Harassment or Sexual Misconduct policies or the associated Procedures should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, ryan.rost@villanova.edu.

What is the role of the Title IX Coordinator?

Ms. Ryan Rost ‘96, ‘98 serves as Villanova University's Title IX Coordinator. The Coordinator works with the University community on education and training to help prevent incidents of discrimination. The Coordinator also oversees the University's centralized review, investigation and resolution process for matters arising under the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy and coordinates the University's compliance with Title IX.

The Title IX Coordinator is a University resource who:

• Can discuss with Complainants and Respondents the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint;
  
• Will consider the Complainant’s and Respondent’s wishes with respect to available supportive measures;
  
• Will explain to the Complainant the process for filing a formal complaint;
  
• Can explain to the Respondent the process following the filing of a formal complaint,  

The Title IX Coordinator is supported by several Deputy Title IX Coordinators, all of whom are knowledgeable and trained in state and federal laws that apply to matters of sexual misconduct, as well as University policy and procedure. The Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators are available to receive reports alleging violations of the University's Sexual Misconduct Policy.
 

Title IX Notice

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Sexual harassment, which includes sexual assault and other sexual misconduct, is a form of sex discrimination. Under the University Sexual Misconduct Policy, the University prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct including, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and retaliation, some of which may constitute prohibited conduct under Title IX. As a recipient of federal funds, Villanova University complies with Title IX and has appointed Ms. Ryan Rost as its Title IX Coordinator.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overall Title IX compliance, including oversight of the University’s centralized review, investigation, and resolution process for matters arising under the University Sexual Misconduct Policy. Ms. Rost can be reached at 207 Tolentine Hall, (610) 519-8805, ryan.rost@villanova.edu.

Any student, employee or applicant for employment or admission to the University who believes that they have been discriminated against on the basis of sex, in violation of Title IX, or has been a victim of sexual misconduct under the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, may file a complaint with the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator designated below. The Title IX Coordinator is a University resource who can: discuss with Complainants and Respondents the availability of supportive measures with or without the filing of a formal complaint; consider the Complainant’s and Respondent’s wishes with respect to available supportive measures; explain to the Complainant the process for filing a formal complaint; and explain to the Respondent the process following the filing of a formal complaint. The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will assist the Complainant in identifying the appropriate University policy (with its grievance procedure) to resolve the complaint in a prompt and equitable manner. The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator may consult with other Villanova administrators, as needed, to resolve the complaint in the most effective manner.

The Title IX Coordinator is supported by several Deputy Title IX Coordinators, all of whom are knowledgeable and trained in state and federal laws that apply to matters of sexual misconduct, as well as University policy and procedure.