Title IX Policy Statement: Michigan Technological University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex and gender. Michigan Tech also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. For a complete copy of the policy or more information, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR).
Highlights
In December of 2022, President Biden signed into law two pieces of legislation, expanding federal protections for both pregnant and nursing workers:
1. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers (PUMP) Act expands protections for employees who are nursing and requires employers to provide the following:
a. Reasonable break time for nursing employees to pump breast milk during the workday. Lactation breaks for non-exempt employees may be unpaid, except: 1) If the nursing employee is not completely relieved from duty; 2) if employers pay co-workers for similar breaks; or 3) when breast milk is expressed during paid breaks. Exempt employees must be paid their full weekly salary, regardless of whether they take breaks to express breast milk.
b. A private place, other than a restroom, that nursing workers may use to express breastmilk. Michigan Tech currently has several lactation spaces available across campus. In some circumstances, a private office with a locking door may also be appropriate.These protections are available to employees for up to one year following the birth of an employee's child. The PUMP Act largely took effect December 29, 2022, but changes to remedies will take effect April 28, 2023.
2. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to address a worker’s known limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. The PWFA's accommodation provisions are based on the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). However, while the ADA covers employees with "disabilities", the PWFA protects employees with "known limitations" related to pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions. Also, unlike the ADA, an employer may temporarily have to eliminate an essential job function under the PWFA if requested and after the interactive process with the ADA Coordinator. The ADA Coordinator can be reached at adacoordinator@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310. The PWFA goes into effect June 27, 2023.
Michigan Tech supports pregnant and parenting employees and students. As a supervisor, should you have questions or need clarification regarding how to compensate or best accommodate pregnant and nursing employees, please visit Benefit Services for more information or contact your Human Resources representative.
Michigan Tech's Title IX staff will continue to monitor the upcoming review and possiblerevision of the Title IX regulations per President Biden's 2021 Executive Order on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity
June 23, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title IX—a critical piece of legislation that guarantees equal access and treatment for all sexes in education, kindergarten through college. Title IX guidance has recently focused on sexual misconduct, but the history of Title IX goes far greater. Below are various resources that tell the story, past, present, and future, of these significant 37 words in ensuring equality for all sexes within an educational setting.
Title IX is credited for opening doors for girls in women in college admission, academic majors, vocational programs, but many know it only for its elimination of barriers to girls and women in sports. The History Channel shares their take on the "groundbreaking gender equity law" that "made a lasting impact by increasing participation of girls and women in athletics." They also share information highlighting the "7 Women Who Broke Down Barriers in Sports.
Sports Illustrated also shares their take on "The Most Influential People in Title IX History," which includes Billie Jean King, Patsy Mink, Richard Nixon, Cynthia Cooper, Dominique Dawes, and Val Ackerman. Similarly, ESPN has dedicated their Fifty/50 series to the celebration of five decades of Title IX.
Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities that receive Federal funds. It states:
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Reporting Options
There are supports and assistance available by phone or web to students, staff or faculty. Resources listed are offered virtually or by phone. Title IX is available remotely Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please email titleix@mtu.edu to request a virtual meeting. Here are additional reporting resources:
- Michigan Tech Title IX:titleix@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310
- Michigan Tech Public Safety and Police Services: 906-487-2216
Confidential Resources
Michigan Tech Resources
- The Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing is licensed in the state of Michigan for tele-counseling. Those outside of the state
of Michigan can contact the Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing for assistance
finding mental health services. Contact the Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
at 906-487-2538 or after hours at 906-487-2216.
- The Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being is now offering telemental health services to Michigan Tech students through My SSP (student support program).
- Michigan Tech Ombuds Office provides confidential mediation and conflict resolution services to students, staff and faculty. Email Susanna Peters at speters@mtu.edu.
Local, State, and National Resources
- Dial help, Inc. (24/7) is offering services remotely to meet with clients and host support groups and individual meetings both by phone and through virtual meetings. Contact Dial Help at Crisis Call: 1-800-562-7622 Crisis Text: 906-356-3337.
- Barbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter Home (24/7): 906-337-5623
- Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7):1-855-864-2374
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7): 1-800-656-4673
- National Domestic Violence Hotline (24/7):1-800-799-7233
It's On Us
The It’s On Us campaign aims to change the way everyone thinks about sexual assault. Instead of viewing it as something that happens only between one victim and one offender, It’s On Us wants everyone to know they have a role to play in preventing sexual assault. Take the Pledge and stand up against sexual violence: itsonus.org.
