Yesterday, the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued new regulations mandating how Howard University and all other colleges and universities (as well as elementary and secondary education programs) must investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct cases under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Title IX is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex or gender in any federally funded education program or activity. 

Howard University’s current Title IX Policy complies with the Title IX statute and with prior regulations and guidance issued by OCR. Our current policy and implementation practices are fair, thorough and sensitive to all individuals who may be involved in a matter.  However, like all educational institutions that receive federal funding, Howard University will likely need to modify our current policy in order to implement these new regulations and ensure our University’s compliance. 

We will be carefully reviewing and analyzing the new regulations to assess what we must do to implement the new requirements. As we embark on this work, while we must ensure compliance, a central goal will be the continuation of a fair and thorough system, that remains responsive to the needs of our community.  We will make efforts to share our implementation plans and seek input from the University community.

You may always reach the Title IX Office by emailing us at TitleIX@howard.edu or reaching out to one of our Title IX Officers directly. Information and resources can be found on our webpage at https://www2.howard.edu/title-ix/home. We remain available to provide excellent service to the community.

Excellence In Truth and Service,

Leslie T. Annexstein
Title IX Director
Office of the Provost