The University of Tennessee is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment free from Sexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation.
History
In September 2016, UT President Joe DiPietro appointed a special, independent commission to review and address Title IX compliance across the UT System. The commission released a report of its findings in June 2017.
In August 2017, the university established the Office of Title IX to provide a comprehensive community approach to the institution’s Title IX responsibility. Under the direction of the Title IX Coordinator, Title IX team members, housed in critical areas across campus, work collaboratively to educate the campus community, prevent incidents, support those in need, and address Title IX-related concerns.
Model
Utilizing the commission’s report, national benchmarking, and current research, the University of Tennessee has identified our Title IX commitment grounded in the Center for Disease Control’s Social-Ecological Model. Our commitment emphasizes five key areas:
- Policy. Our foundation is in the policy and procedures we follow.
- Prevention and Education. Our goal is to preventSexual Harassment (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking), Sexual Exploitation, and Retaliation before they happen.
- Supportive Measures. Our promise is to provide support and appropriate supportive measures to individuals involved in the Title IX process.
- Investigation and Resolution. Our commitments to due process, campus safety, and encouraging reporting guide how we investigate and resolve reports.
- Patterns and Trends. Our responsibility is to utilize the best available research, evidence-based practice, and our own campus trends in our prevention and response efforts.
