In 1972, Title IX was first enacted into law. Title IX prohibits federally funded educational institutions from discriminating against students or employees based on sex. The law applies to every single facet of education, including (but not limited to) recruitment, admissions, and counseling; athletics; sex-based harassment, which encompasses sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence; student health services; housing; treatment of pregnant and parenting students; treatment of LGBTQ+ students; discipline; single-sex education; and employment. 

Doane University in Crete, NE hasn't had a dedicated Title IX Director since 2019. 

The current interim Title IX Director, Leah Cech, is also the Director of the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, and teaches on top of that. It is unfair to anyone needing to report a Title IX violation to have to report to someone who has heavy duties in other areas, and may even experience a conflict of interest in reporting serious matters. Before it was Leah, it was a Community Director who lived amongst the students reporting to them. Before that, it was a member of Doane's HR staff. 

Doane University has stopped actively looking for someone to fill this "interim" position. Doane has even removed the official job posting, and this is inherently harmful to everyone on campus. With a rise of Title IX reports on campus, it is imperative that there is a dedicated person who is responsibly trained and well-equipped to handle Title IX reports. 

It is time that Doane prioritizes Title IX and prioritizes its own campus. Sign this petition and get Doane to start the search for a Title IX Coordinator. Show your support for this 50 year old legislation, and show your support for 150 years of Doane University.