Title IX
Jackson State University is committed to providing an environment free from sex discrimination and sexual misconduct. Learn your rights, access resources, and report an incident.
Welcome to Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that receives federal funding. Title IX is used as a means to address and end sexual violence on schools and college campuses. Under Title IX, discrimination on the basis of sex can include sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assault.
“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.”
- Title IX Coordinator
- LaShundra Jackson-Winters
Associate General Counsel - Title IX Investigator
- Bryant Guy
- Location
- Administration Tower, 8th Floor
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217-0280 - Phone
- (601) 979-1315
- TitleIX@jsums.edu
- Report Incident
- Online Report Portal
Official policies & documents
Access Jackson State University’s official Title IX policy documents and key resources below.
What can I do? Whom do I call?
The Title IX Coordinator ensures that Jackson State University establishes and follows a prompt, thorough, and equitable process for addressing allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination or differential treatment based on sex. You may contact the Title IX Office to file a Title IX complaint or report a Title IX Violation. We encourage students and campus members to call with questions or concerns regarding this process. With respect to specific cases, the Title IX Coordinator will work with the appropriate offices to provide academic and residential accommodations as well as no-contact orders.
Investigative process & interim measures
Investigative Process
An investigation is the process used by the Title IX office to carefully and thoroughly examine an allegation or formal complaint of sexual harassment or sexual violence in order to determine whether there has been a violation of JSU policy or federal law, and if so, what steps the University must take to address and correct such violation, including implementing interim measures and assessing discipline.
Interim and Protective Measures
Interim and protective measures are support services, accommodations, and other assistance the university puts in place after receiving notice of incidents of relationship violence or sexual misconduct. These measures can be implemented before any final outcomes have been determined. Interim measures are available even if an individual chooses not to report to law enforcement or participate in a university or criminal investigation. JSU will implement reasonably available interim measures to protect a claimant and facilitate the claimant’s continued access to university employment or education programs and activities.
Consent
Clear and unmistakable agreement, expressed in mutually understandable words or actions, to engage in a particular activity. Consent can be withdrawn by either party at any point. Consent must be voluntarily given and may not be valid if a person is being subjected to actions or behaviors that elicit emotional or psychological pressure, intimidation, or fear.
Consent CANNOT be given when:
- The person is incapacitated due to the use or influence of alcohol or drugs;
- The person is asleep or unconscious;
- The person is under the applicable age of consent; or
- The person is incapacitated due to a mental disability.
Education and Awareness Program
JSU has several methods of providing education about relationship violence and sexual misconduct to campus, including online and in-person training, educational and awareness campaigns, and other educational opportunities throughout the academic year. These educational programs are designed to:
- Raise awareness of the impact of relationship violence and sexual misconduct;
- Clearly communicate that relationship violence and sexual misconduct is prohibited at JSU;
- Reduce the prevalence of relationship violence and sexual misconduct;
- Connect students and employees with campus and community resources; and
- Encourage active bystander intervention and community involvement in shaping our campus culture.
Title IX training resources
Download and review Title IX training presentations for students, faculty, staff, and administrators. All materials are in PowerPoint format.
Complainant & respondent rights
Complainant’s Rights
The University will provide a timely and thorough investigation, and will treat the complainant with respect before, during, and after the student conduct process. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, cases of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment shall be resolved within a 60-day period once the incident has been reported.
Be informed of the University’s conduct process and possible outcomes, including available counseling services, medical services, mental health services, and other campus and off-campus resources.
Report a sexual assault to local law enforcement, which will not prevent University disciplinary action.
Request changes to academic and living situations after a sexual assault occurs; Title IX will assist to help facilitate such changes.
Have one advisor throughout the student conduct process, including meetings and hearings. The advisor may not be a witness in the case.
Obtain a campus “no-contact order,” which prohibits the alleged respondent from having contact of any kind (including electronic contact or contact from third parties acting on the alleged violator student’s behalf) with you.
Have reasonable efforts made to protect confidentiality, within the parameters of FERPA and HIPAA.
Be updated on the investigation and be informed of the outcome of a hearing.
Have prior, irrelevant sexual behavior or history with other individuals excluded from a hearing. Prior consensual behavior with the alleged respondent does not indicate consent on subsequent occasions.
Inform the hearing officer of relevant witnesses and to what the witnesses plan to testify, prior to a hearing.
Meet with a hearing officer prior to a hearing to discuss hearing procedures.
Give opening and closing statements and ask questions of the alleged respondent, via the hearing officer, during a hearing.
Appeal the decision within 1 business day of receiving notification of the decision.
Rights of the Respondent
The alleged respondent has similar rights to the complainant. The University will provide a timely and thorough investigation, and will treat the alleged respondent with respect before, during, and after the student conduct process.
Be informed of the University’s conduct process and possible outcomes, including available counseling services and other campus and off-campus resources.
Have one advisor throughout the student conduct process, including meetings and hearings. The advisor may not be a witness in the case.
Have reasonable efforts made to protect confidentiality, within the parameters of FERPA and HIPAA.
Be updated on the investigation and be informed of the outcomes of the process.
Inform the hearing officer of relevant witnesses and to what they plan to testify, prior to a hearing.
Meet with a hearing officer prior to a hearing to discuss hearing procedures.
Give opening and closing statements and ask questions of the witnesses and complainant, via a hearing officer, during a hearing.
Receive timely notice of a hearing as indicated in the Student Code of Conduct. The alleged respondent may waive the period of notice if desired.
Key terms & definitions
Need to report an incident?
Contact the Title IX Office directly or use the secure online reporting portal at any time.
Contact the Title IX Office
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217-0280
Associate General Counsel/Title IX Coordinator