Title IX: What is it and how does it protect women on college campuses

An engulfing of despondency and entanglement of confusion, grief, and vulnerability are just the beginning of emotions a victim of sexual assault may experience. While feelings cannot be concretely labeled as every woman holds her own story, one thing remains consistent and true; silence must be broken.  

While incidents of sexual assault have tragically been an occurrence in past years, a new light of transparency seems to be dawning among the younger generations. The acceptance of remaining silent after an occurrence of sexual assault seems to be dimming, with increased women coming forward with their stories. Experiences of sexual assault someone has endured cannot be taken away but can be provided with an open, nurturing space.  

The present  

Amber Feldman, a civil rights investigator at the University of Idaho is here to do just that. Growing up in Moscow, as well as graduating from the UI, Feldman holds an impactful and salient role on campus.  

“When I attended college here, I was completely unaware of any of the resources provided for women, such as Title IX,” Feldman said. 

So, what exactly is Title IX, and what role does it play for students?  

“Title IX is a federal mandate, so as an institution we have a duty to prevent or renegade any occurrences of discrimination,” Feldman said. “It is our job to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment, so students feel comfortable to attend class and outside activities.”  

Feldman investigates any reports of discrimination, harassment, or any type of sexual misconduct that occurs on or around campus. Once notified of such occurrence, Feldman can reach out to the student, where she then provides a set of listening ears, as she assists them while they navigate the many emotions and decisions that may come with what they have been endured.  

Feldman also noted that although Title IX provides great means of encouragement and support to students, the event of sexual assault itself cannot be erased. While individuals who are dedicated to the safety of students, they cannot rid the underlying issue of sexual assault themselves, they can support the individual to the best of their ability. 

“We can always try to air on the victim’s side and request,” Feldman said. “We are human. We have great empathy. And we have a goal to preserve the safety on campus, and we stand for the students, while also remaining respectful and private of their information.” Shane Keen serves as the Clery compliance officer here at the UI.  Keen believes that crimes such as sexual assault are underreported.”  

“I want to make sure there is no confusion about where and to whom survivors can make a report; as well as resources available to them,” Keen said.   

With a background in criminal/civil investigations, Keen’s position allows him to use that experience in a different manner. 

“Instead of investigating crimes/policy violations, I am now in a role that allows me to look at crime trends on campus and work with different groups across campus (and beyond) to better support members of this institution,” Keen said.  

With a motivation to support members residing in our community, Keen believes in a proactive approach toward campus safety. For many women, reporting sexual assault can be an intimidating and daunting process. With supportive community members such as Feldman and Keen, the hope for a future where women can share their experiences without judgment, bias, and ridicule seems bright.  

Glimpsing Into the Future/A Student’s Perspective  

Creating a future-oriented goal, dedicated to the safety of women on college campuses requires the fundamental diligence of all community members, including the active participation of fraternities. 

“My job is to make sure the members of my chapter are adhering to all of our policies, the universities policies, and overall being responsible men,” he said. “More logistically, I plan events that cover various health and safety-related topics, such as sexual assault prevention programs, fire safety, and responsible drinking habits.”  

Theta Chi has also incorporated programs such as Mobilizing Men, an organization on campus that addresses the notion of toxic masculinity, and how that can relate to matters of sexual assault. Kolpitcke claims that Theta Chi aims to provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for women who come in and out of their chapter. 

“We are also implementing IFC training, where an organization comes in and gives the men a chance to listen to an educational seminar on multiple topics, one of them being awareness to sexual assault and ways to prevent incidents from occurring,” Kolpitcke said. 

While women’s safety is focused around women, people who aren’t women play a large role in this issue.  Members of Greek life such as Kolpitcke are here to promote the overall well-being and safety of women, while also encouraging their peers to partake in the same actions. Although there is much more to be done, this is the start of a new awareness of the heavy impacts sexual assault can have on not only women but men as well.  

Olivia Redmond, a member of the sorority, Delta Delta Delta, is hopeful that the community of Moscow can begin having more conversations about the matter.  

“It seems like incidents tend to get swept under the rug,” she said. “Talking about an occurrence can be such a hard thing to do, but I think having transparency between Fraternities and Sororities is important. I think there needs to be better communication between all parties, men included.”  

Redmond found it important to convey that while coming forward with an incident can be difficult, there are always people willing to listen and support.  

“You are not alone, and you are validated,” she said.   

A Call to Open Your Ears, and Simply Listen 

Sexual Assault can be a heavy topic to process not only for the victim but for the victim’s friends and family as well. One of the biggest components of support one can offer a survivor is to simply listen. Listen to their story, their experience, and their emotional needs and longings.  

“Often times we want to fix things,” Feldman said. “Your natural instinct is to take action. Just be the support to listen. To listen and support as a non-judgmental friend.” 

  UI offers a multitude of resources for those who have endured an act of violence, discrimination, or harassment. Feldman recommends reaching out to the Dean of Student’s office, prepared to support a student in a variety of ways, whether it be an email to one’s professors excusing them for their lack of attendance to other supportive, personal measures that may need to be taken. The Women’s Center is available to provide resources to those in need. Despite the name, The Women’s Center is inclusive to all, including those who prefer gender-neutral pronouns.  Additionally, the Counseling and Testing Center, as well as Alternative to Violence on the Palouse are both resources prepared to offer supportive measures for those in need.  

The community of Moscow has a long and winding road in front of it.  To provide women with a safe and warming atmosphere and future generations with the proper tools and educational means to prevent more cases of sexual assault from occurring.  Listening to those who come forward with their stories, is providing deserved validation and support to survivors. A new light of transparency is just the beginning.  

*Carter Kolpitke is a former student media staff member.