Title IX & the LGBTQIA+ Commu...

Title IX & the LGBTQIA+ Community

We support you & stand with you.

Title IX & the LGBTQIA+ community

LGBTQIA+ individuals are at greater risk for being victimized by acts of sexual violence and experience higher rates of gender-based and sexual discrimination.

Title IX, Title VII, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the Worcester State University Title IX policy collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression and sexual identity. Worcester State is committed to protecting people of all genders and sexual identities from harassment and discrimination as expressed in our Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination and Title IX Plan.

Note: The Trump Administration’s rescission of the 2016 Office of Civil Rights Guidance on Transgender Students under Title IX has no legal effect on Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The Commonwealth itself provides protections to transgender individuals through state legislation and executive orders, and our Equal Opportunity Plan has protected transgender individuals since before the Commonwealth enacted its legislation.

Update: January 20, 2021 – We are happy to update the rescinded guidance from the Trump Administration. See the Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.

Options, rights & resources

If you have experienced any form of sexual violence or discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Quinn (jquinn@worcester.edu, 508-929-8243) to report the incident and receive any support and guidance that may be needed.
Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging: diversity@worcester.edu or 508-929-8053
Bias Incident Response Team: All members of the Worcester State community who experience or witness a bias incident should immediately report the incident via the Bias Incident Reporting. All reports of bias incidents are directed to the EO Officer and/or their designee(s) and then taken to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). Find out about additional reporting options.
Find out more about confidential reporting options and resources.
Worcester State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action, and dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. Worcester State University does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status.
For more information or to report discrimination please contact The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at diversity@worcester.edu or 508-929-8053.
You have the right to present your gender however you choose.
You have the right to have your correct name and pronouns respected.
You have the right to engage in romantic and intimate relationships with people of any gender.
You have the right to safety in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, or threats of harassment or intimidation.
You have the right to knowledgeable and respectful healthcare providers.
Abusers might attempt to wield control by threatening to “out” the survivor to friends, family or employers.
Fear they will not be believed if they report an incident.
Fear they will lose the support of their community.
Fear that reporting the crime to the police or local agencies will expose them to discrimination, homophobia, or gender policing.