There are several initiatives going on all around campus that are focusing on inclusion and Elon is adding new programs to campus this fall handling sexual harassment.

"It was really time for this and it was an important institutional priority," said Leigh-Anne Royster, Director of Health Services and Health Promotion at Elon.

For the first time this fall, students can use the internet to make a report of sexual or bias harassment. They can fill out a form online and be anonymous or choose to seek help after an incident.

"We're really going to use that this first year," said Royster, "to respond to people's needs and make sure people understand the process and feel supported in whatever their process is. But also to use the anonymous reporting as a data set to begin to assess our efforts on campus."

Other efforts include a new "Bias and harassment Reporting Hotline" for students to call at 336-278-3333 in the event of harassment or bias and have someone who is trained respond to them immediately.

A new assistant director position, although not limited to Title iX, also began in June in the Office of Human Resources to monitor these situations campus wide.

"The fact that we do have this office available for students now," said Kanree Wright, Student Program Coordinator for Diversity Education Emerging Program, "means it could help a lot of students prevent similar situations."

The Bias and Harassment Reporting Hotline are part of the work being done by the Inclusive Community Council. The council at Elon provides institutional oversight for programs and policies that upholds the dignity of each community member and oversees campus-wide response and education to acts of bias and discrimination

Elon is adding the programs in response to a letter known as the "Dear Colleague" letter sent by the White House Office of Civil Rights. The letter reminds educational institutions of the provisions found in Title IX.

Title IX, the landmark amendment that especially changed athletics for women, was signed into law in June 1972 by President Nixon. The amendment makes sure that no one is excluded from educational programs or activities receiving federal funding because of gender.

"It sets up everyone in life to have equal opportunities for jobs and just living arrangements and opportunities," said Candice Silas, junior on the Elon Women's Basketball team.

Although most people most commonly associate Title iX with athletics. There are 10 key areas in Title iX to make sure there are gender equal opportunities.

The key areas include: Access to Higher Education, Career Education, Education for Pregnant and Parenting Students, Employment, Learning Environment, Math and Science, Sexual Harassment, Standardized Testing and Technology.

On-campus Title iX organizers like Leigh-Anne Royster say that the mandates presented in Title iX are a civic responsibility to the community. Students should know the provisions of Title iX and make sure they're vocal to leaders when they see something that does not match up to its policies and processes.

You can submit information about an incident of discrimination or harassment here:

http://www.elon.edu/e-web/org/inclusive-community/default.xhtml