More than five decades after its passage,  Title IX has changed and evolved in hopes to better fit the needs of college students and athletes. With recent changes in policies between the previous two presidents, it is important to know where Title IX currently stands and what it covers.

In informal survey yielded the following results as to the purpose of Title IX.

“Isn’t it that thing about sexual assault at colleges?” said first-year Ellajane Smithers

“Uhhhh, I don’t think I’ve ever even heard of that,” said first-year Schously Rodriguez

When it comes to Title IX, this is the reality for many college students. For some, they’ve never heard about the law. For others, it is mere confusion on what seems like the ever changing policies that deters them from learning more about it.

Ferrum College’s Title IX Coordinator, Kamrin Mitchell defines Title IX as a law that was put into place in 1972 that no person can be discriminated on the basis of sex.

Mitchell adds that students can discern whether an incident is Title IX reportable if it follows the SPOO guidelines.

“If you or another individual experience an adverse event that may be severe, pervasive, obscene, or obsessive than it may be Title IX reportable,” Mitchell said.

Although Mitchell has only held the position of Title IX coordinator at Ferrum for five months, she holds a firm understanding of what her job entails.

“I am a confidential person that a student can come and speak to, and we will follow up on that process if an incident is Title IX reportable.”

According to Mitchell, that process may include formal conversation, documentation, and the choice to pursue an investigation.

“As coordinator, I make certain that the individual on both sides is innocent until proven guilty and that each person will receive the same respect and offered accommodations.”

The Title IX policies changing not only affects victims of these adverse events, but also the parameters of a coordinator’s job.

“In the 2024 regulations that are no longer a thing, the Title IX coordinator could do the investigations. With the reestablished 2020 regulations, we do not investigate.”

To address the issue of uncertainty regarding Title IX policies, Ferrum College requires all incoming new students to participate in Title IX training, as well as all student athletes and employees. This training adheres to the 2020 regulations which have been reinstated since President Trump’s return to office.

“Title IX reportable incidents include but are not limited to, harassment, rape, sexual assault, stalking, peer pressure, non-verbals, and obscene comments.”

With questions arising on if Title IX requirements change between public vs. private colleges, it is important to note that private colleges must adhere with Title IX if they receive any federal financial assistance.

“Ferrum College makes certain that we are maintaining state and federal regulations at all times,” Mitchell said.

She also said that it is imperative that students know their rights under the law.

“(Making) certain that a young individual knows their rights and what they can do if, by chance, they do experience an adverse event is of utmost importance. Especially if it impedes on their learning,” Mitchell said.

Anyone who is struggling or thinks an incident is Title IX reportable, please contact with:

Kamrin Mitchell: Title IX Coordinator, [email protected]

Jill Adams: Dean of Students & Interim Title IX Coordinator, [email protected]

Ferrum College also offers Teledoc, a 24/7 counseling service for all students using their Ferrum emails.