Title IX

On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education released new federal regulations regarding how educational institutions must handle reports of sexual harassment. In July, the Eight Circuit of the Federal Court of Appeals issued an injunction preventing enforcement of those new regulations in Iowa. Accordingly, Luther College will continue to comply with prior federal Title IX regulations until that injunction is lifted.

Key Changes in the 2024 Title IX Regulations:

• Continued support for Sexual Harassment: Includes a wider range of behaviors such as quid pro quo harassment, unwelcome conduct that is severe or pervasive, as well as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
• Flexibility in Resolution Options: Provides higher education institutions with more flexibility in informal (restorative justice|shuttle negoations) and formal resolution options.
• Enhanced Retaliation Protections: Strengthens safeguards against retaliation for reporting, supporting a party, or participating in Title IX processes, including instances of peer retaliation.
• Support for Pregnant and Parenting Students: Offers greater clarity on how institutions can support pregnant and parenting students and address related medical conditions.
• Mandatory Training: Requires institutions to provide more training for all employees and students on Title IX policies and procedures, with stronger mandated reporter responsibilities.

Implementation and Task Force Contributions

Due to the short timeline for policy implementation, there was limited discussion and feedback from community members and the Task Force. However, the Title IX Office appreciates the dedicated work of the Task Force throughout the summer months. Their contributions went beyond their roles and responsibilities, offering meaningful discussions, edits, and suggestions to ensure the policy reflects the College’s mission and values.

Task Force Members:

• Matthew Bills: Director of Human Resources & Interim Title IX Coordinator
• Kasey Nikkel (chair): former Title IX Coordinator
• Emilee Burcham-Scofield: Student Senator & Title IX Advisory Board Member
• Robert Clay: Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer and Special Assistant to the President for Community Engagement
• Robin Currey: Associate Provost & Dean of Academic Affairs
• Nan Hibbs: Director of Community Standards & Chair of the Hearing Board
• Janet Hunter: Director of Behavioral Intervention and Care & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
• Bob Palmer: Director of Campus Safety
• Steve Pugliese: Interim Dean of Student Engagement & Chair of the Campus Appeals Board
• Chloe Rozga: 2024-2025 Student Senate President & NASA President & Title IX Advisory Board Member
• Jeff Wilkerson: Professor of Physics & Faculty Interest Committee Chair

These changes aim to create an effective framework for addressing sexual harassment and ensuring a safe educational environment for everyone on our campus. Luther College is committed to creating and maintaining an atmosphere where all members of the community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors—are treated with respect and dignity.