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Title IX

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What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is an all-encompassing federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex of students and employees of educational institutions, including prohibiting sexual harassment, discrimination, assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking.

We are here to help

If you have you experienced sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, sexual harassment, stalking, or sex- or gender-based discrimination as an M State student, staff, faculty member or visitor, please seek help. M State has supportive resources and can offer measures to help you. M State's Counseling Services is a place you can go for confidential help instead of contacting the Title IX office. For more resources and support, in situations of sexual violence or harassment, visit Sexual Violence Resources.

What is covered by Title IX?

In compliance with Title IX, Minnesota State Community and Technical College and the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities prohibit discrimination in all educational programs and activities on the basis of sex.

Programs under Title IX at M State include academic programs, admissions, recruitment, financial aid, student engagement/life, athletics, fine arts and employment (this list is not exhaustive). Title IX is frequently thought of as a law that applies only to athletic programs, but it is much broader. Title IX applies to all educational programs and activities at M State.

Pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

Title IX also offers protections for pregnant or new parents who are students or staff. M State does not discriminate against any student on the basis of pregnancy or related conditions. The college will provide reasonable and appropriate adjustments and flexibility, upon request, to students based on their documented pregnancy-related circumstances. Such circumstances may include pregnancy, complications arising from pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, false pregnancy, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy or recovery. 

Request accommodations

Students needing pregnancy-related accommodations can seek assistance at 218.299.6522 or complete the Pregnancy, Childbirth & Breastfeeding Accommodation Assistance Request

More information

Lactation rooms

The college recognizes the breastfeeding needs of new parents by providing comfortable, private lactation rooms for students on all four M State campuses:

  • Detroit Lakes – across from E102
  • Fergus Falls – W640
  • Moorhead – C124
  • Wadena – S10A

M State Title IX Coordinator

Kara Helmig

218.299.6522
kara.helmig@minnesota.edu
titleix@minnesota.edu
Moorhead Campus B160 (serves all four campuses)

Responsibilities of the coordinator include monitoring and oversight of overall implementation of Title IX compliance and the prevention of harassment and discrimination at the college, including the coordination of training, education, communications and administration of grievance procedures for faculty, staff, students and other members of the college community.

M State Employee Image
Title IX and Clery Compliance Director

Complaint procedure

To report an incident of sexual violence, dating violence, stalking, harassment or discrimination complete the Title IX Sexual Violence Incident Reporting Form, visit Sexual Violence Resources, and/or contact any of these M State employees:

Name and TitlePhone #Email Office LocationInvestigator
Kara Helmig
Director of Title IX and Clery Compliance
218.299.6522kara.helmig@minnesota.edu
TitleIX@minnesota.edu 
Moorhead Campus D1111B.1 & 1B.3 Investigator & Decision Maker
Matt Borcherding
VP of Academic Affairs
218.736.1506matthew.borcherding@minnesota.eduFergus Falls Campus C336; Moorhead Campus A1111B.1 Decision Maker
Dacia Johnson
VP of Human Resources/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
218.736.1512dacia.johnson@minnesota.eduFergus Falls Campus A5201B.1 & 1B.3 Investigator & Decision Maker

Report possible violations

Report possible Title IX (1B.3) (sexual assault or sexual discrimination) violations on the Title IX Sexual Violence Incident Reporting Form

Report possible 1B.1 (all forms of discrimination) violations on the Discrimination Reporting Form - Student, Faculty and Staff

Title IX process timeline flowchart

Additional Title IX resources

Title IX personnel training materials

Materials below have been used to train M State’s Title IX personnel including Title IX coordinators, investigators, decision makers and anyone who may facilitate an informal resolution process.

Minnesota State system applicable policies