Talk to your Title IX Coordinator
Discuss your options with Jamie Lynn Blum, Director of Institutional Equity and Title IX Coordinator. “I can tell you regulations, I can tell you official steps."
Immediate Survivor Support
Get medical and safety services. Treat injuries, test for drugs, perform a rape evidence collection procedure, and other health services.
Title IX Formal Complaint Report
Begin a full investigation that could lead to disciplinary action. This path is if you have experienced a Title IX or sexual misconduct violation. Read the Title IX policy before proceeding.
Survivor help and support
Pittsburg State provides professional therapy services for trauma caused by assault, abuse, or violence.
Pregnant and parenting student resources
Pregnant students are entitled to accommodations. Learn more about the discrimination policy for parenting students.
Safehouse, a confidential crisis center partnered with PSU
Free advocacy services include assisting with the Title IX trial process, working with prosecutors, going to the hospital, and more.
We are here to help.
If you are a survivor of...
- Sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Domestic/dating violence
- Stalking
- Sex-based discrimination
- Pregnancy discrimination
For Title IX questions or concerns, please contact Title IX Coordinator Jamie Lynn Blum: titleix@pittstate.edu, 620-238-7675 (text line), or 620-235-4189 (call line).
About and Helpful links
What is Title IX?
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
The University responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, sexual violence or other sexual misconduct, as part of its efforts to stop harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects.
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states:
“No person in the U.S. shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
The University is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex.
Complaints will be addressed following the University’s Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities or discrimination complaint procedures. PSU provides many resources to students, faculty and staff to address concerns relating to discrimination on the basis of sex, including all forms of sexual misconduct.
What the difference between an incident report and a formal complaint?
Incident Report (Sexual Harassment)
A report of concern initiates a preliminary review and explanation of services:
- Anyone can make a report of concern whether you are an involved party, concerned friend/faculty member, or bystander.
- A report of concern does not automatically begin the formal complaint process.
- Pittsburg State will determine the appropriate response based on the information available at the time of the report.
- If a report identifies a possible affected party, Pittsburg State will take reasonable measures to contact that person with information about rights and options.
- Pittsburg State will provide services and complete a preliminary investigation, as appropriate.
Formal Complaint (Title IX)
A formal complaint will begin a full investigation and could lead to disciplinary actions:
If you have experienced a possible Title IX or sexual misconduct violation, you may file a formal complaint against an employee or student to seek an investigation and possible sanction(s) or disciplinary process.
For more information, contact the Title IX Coordinator or review the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
I was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Is my case still valid?
The safety and well-being of students are PSU's primary concern and encourages reporting of sexual misconduct.
PSU recognizes that students may be reluctant to report an incident of sexual misconduct because of a concern that they will be charged with a policy violation like underage alcohol consumption.
Any other policy violations will be addressed separately from a sexual harassment allegation.
I'm worried about retaliation.
The University will not tolerate retaliation in any form.
University policy and state and federal law prohibit retaliation against an individual for reporting discrimination, sexual violence or harassment, or for participating in an investigation.
Retaliation is a serious violation that can subject the offender to sanctions independent of the merits of the allegation. Allegations of or questions about retaliation should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator, Jamie Thayer.
Whether you are an involved party, a witness, or an investigator you will be protected from retaliation.
I don't want to talk to a PSU resource.
If you do not wish to contact PSU University resources, there are other options.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) with the U.S. Department of Education
Kansas’ regional OCR office is located in Kansas City and is available to provide assistance:
Email: OCR.KansasCity@ed.gov
Telephone: (816) 268-0550
Safehouse Crisis Center
Email: brooke.safehouse@gmail.com
Hotline: (800) 794-9148
Textline: (620) 670-0754