What is Title IX?

Title IX, of the Education Amendments of 1972, is often associated with participation equity within sports. However, the scope of the Title IX legislation extends to protect ALL campus community members by prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities sponsored by an institution receiving U.S. Federal financial assistance. PLU is committed to upholding this legislation, and strives to provide an environment in which our students and employees can live, work, and study free from sex discrimination, sex-based harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released updates to the Title IX regulations. PLU’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, the University Title IX Coordinator, the Vice President of Student Life, the Department of Human Resources, and several other campus administrators revised the University’s policies and procedures (located on the Documents and Forms page) to reflect PLU’s compliance and obligations under the new regulations.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Definition of Title IX , Education Amendments of 1972

PLU’s Non-Discrimination Policy

Pacific Lutheran University, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (45 CFR 86), and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, does not discriminate in the administration of any of its educational programs, admissions, scholarships, loans, or other activities or programs on the basis of race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation or preference, national or ethnic origin, color, disability, marital status, age, or religious belief.

Inquiries regarding compliance with these statutes and regulations may be directed to the Office of the Vice President for Student Life, (253) 535-7200, PLU’s Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Childress-White, (253) 535-7361, or to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights. U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Switzer Building, 330 C Street S.W., Washington, D.C. 20202.

Inquiries about the University’s compliance with student access and privacy rights regarding educational records, under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, may be directed to the Office of the Vice President of Student Life or to the Student and Family Educational Rights and Privacy office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.