Title IX | NorthWest Arkansas Community College

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Title IX


Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities in federally funded schools at all levels. Title IX protects students, employees and other persons from all forms of sex discrimination. All individuals at education institutions are protected by Title IX, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, part- or full-time status, disability, race, or national origin. 

Title IX (20 U.S.C. § 1681(a))

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

Understanding Title IX

View the following information to better understand terminology associated with Title IX. 

Sex-based discrimination is treating someone unfavorably because of the person’s sex. This treatment may include sexual harassment and sexual assault.

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact (such as unwelcome sexual touching, battery or rape) of an individual without consent, or against an individual who is incapable of giving consent due to the use of drugs or alcohol, physical or mental disability, and/or age.

Sexual harassment can be unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Both victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.

Consent means agreeing to participate in sexual activity, based on an individual's knowledge of what that action involves, its likely consequences and having the option of saying no. The absence of no does not mean yes. Consent can only be given by a person who has control of his/her mental and physical capabilities. 

Sex without consent is sexual assault. Use of force, intimidation or manipulation is a denial of a person’s right to freely give consent. Even if someone has agreed to participate in sexual activity, the individual has the right to withdraw consent at any time.

Title IX’s prohibition against discrimination based on sex, includes discrimination against pregnant and parenting students in academic programs and activities. Title IX also prohibits treating one sex differently than another with regard to parental status. More specifically, Title IX prohibits discrimination against a student based on pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery from any of these conditions.

You may request supportive measures through the Disability Resource Center and/or the Title IX Office as a result of pregnancy, childbirth, and conditions related to pregnancy. If you have a chronic medical condition related to pregnancy and/or if you experience a pregnancy-related complication, you may also contact Disability Resource Center at disability@nwacc.edu for further support. 

Regardless of your circumstance, the Title IX Office is available to guide you to the office best situated to handle your requests. The Title IX Office encourages pregnant students to schedule a meeting to discuss your options and the availability of supportive measures.

What types of supportive measures may be offered for pregnant students?

Supportive measures are made on a case-by-case basis and may include:

  • Assistance with course load and scheduling
  • Excused absences for pregnancy or childbirth
  • Classroom modifications such as requesting a larger desk
  • Rescheduling tests or exams
  • Options for making up missed work
  • Breaks during class as needed

This list is not exhaustive. Please contact the Disability Resource Center at disability@nwacc.edu, or the Title IX Office at titleix@nwacc.edu to discuss individualized options that will best support you.

Resources for further support:

  • Dean of Students Office/Student Title IX Deputy
  • Burns Hall lactation room
  • Washington County lactation room
  • Brightwater lactation room
  • Counseling and Wellness Center
  • View additional information and resources on pregnancy and sexual health
  • Career Pathways

Reporting Harassment/ Discrimination Based on Pregnancy

If you would like to report harassment and/or discrimination based on pregnancy or parental status:

  • If you are a student, please email the Dean of Students/Student Title IX Deputy at jharbin1@nwacc.edu
  • If you are an employee, please contact the Executive Director of Human Resources/Employee Title IX Deputy at m3milam@nwacc.edu.  
    • You can also contact the Title IX Coordinator, Teresa Taylor, at ttaylor19@nwacc.edu, or by calling: 479-619-4188.

The US Department of Education has additional information on your rights under Title IX.