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Restorative Justice & Title IX Office

Western Colorado University is dedicated to the safety, well-being, and belonging of all campus community members, including students, employees, and visitors. Through a restorative justice model, the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office ensures compliance with institutional policy, state, and federal laws.

Welcome to the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office

Two female students walk on campus together

Western seeks to support education and opportunity in a safe and secure learning environment, free of sexual discrimination or harassment. Through restorative practice, the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office upholds these goals by providing services to students and employees of diverse sexual, marital, and parental identities, as well as acting swiftly to support victims of sexual misconduct and investigate reported incidents.

Our Services

The Director of Restorative Justice and Title IX Coordinator maintains compliance with current policy and practice related to Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, most recently updated in 2020. Training related to this compliance has been provided by Grand River Solutions and was last completed in August of 2023. To receive a PDF document of this training, please email civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office also ensures compliance with the following regulations related to Title IX:

NCAA Board of Governors Policy on Campus Sexual Violence

Violence Against Women Act

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

The Jeanne Clery Act of 1990

If there are questions regarding compliance, please contact the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office by emailing civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office intakes, processes, and coordinates the resolution of incidents related to Board Policy 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct. University prohibits and will not tolerate any action that violates Title IX or this Policy.

We know that filing an incident report or formal complaint can be stressful; we are here to support you through the process. If you are unsure how best to proceed, we are available to discuss your concerns. Please see the Consultation section below and feel free to visit the Center for Civil Rights or email Civilrightsrjtix@Western.edu with any questions.

If you would like to submit an incident report regarding sexual misconduct or retaliation, you can use the link below, or you can visit or contact the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office for assistance.

Title IX Misconduct Reporting Form

In an ideal world, students and employees are able to work in a safe and secure learning environment, free from sexual harassment or related incidents; however, when students or employees have experienced or witnessed an undesirable incident related to sexual misconduct, the Restorative Justice and Title IX office is here to provide guidance and assistance. If you have questions or concerns regarding potential incidents or harm, we are available to support you.

NOTE: The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office is not a confidential reporting source. Communications regarding incidents constitute a report to the university and will be acted upon, in accordance with Title IX and Board Policy 3.5.

Please visit the Center for Civil Rights or email Civilrightsrjtix@Western.edu to set up a meeting.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office coordinates educational opportunities to support a safe and secure learning environment through diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ+) education and professional development in the workplace.

Click here to view our catalog of educational opportunities.

Pregnant and parenting students at Western Colorado University have rights under Title IX Federal Law. Therefore, the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office seeks to assist students and employees with understanding expectations regarding Title IX policy for protecting those rights. We also provide guidance regarding campus procedures to ensure that pregnant and parenting students receive an equitable educational opportunity and are successful in their parenting and student journeys.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office works to serve pregnant and parenting students by connecting them to supportive measures, campus resources and community resources. Additionally, the Office reviews complaints and incidents reported regarding infringement on the protections of pregnant and parenting student rights.

Supportive measures may include but are not limited to:

  • Adjustments or alterations to courses
  • Extensions of course deadlines
  • Leaves of absence
  • Protection for students’ standing until and upon their return

For more information, visit or contact the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office.

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office is responsible for promoting pre-professional position descriptions, as well as hiring and training pre-professionals for the Center for Civil Rights and this office.

Students seeking opportunities with the Center for Civil Rights can review opportunities within Handshake and WorkDay or by contacting civilrightsrjtix@western.edu

Read the Pre-Professional Employment manual

Policy and Law

Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 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.”

The US Department of Education is enforces federal law that makes it illegal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, parenting, and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation) at institutions that receive federal financial support, including institutions of higher education. 

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office upholds these federal laws prohibiting sex discrimination. More information regarding Title IX and “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance” (34 CFR. Part 106) can be found below.

Read Here

The US Department of Education enforces pregnant and parenting students’ rights under Title IX Federal Law. For additional information, see “Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance” (34 CFR. Part 106).

The Restorative Justice and Title IX Office enforces Western’s Board of Trustees Policy Manual, Section 3.5: Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct.

Read Here

The Student Handbook identifies policy and procedure related to incidents of sexual misconduct involving students, employees, and all those affiliated or unaffiliated with Western Colorado University. For more information regarding policies and practice, please review the following sections:

  • Section 3.XXXV: Sexual Misconduct Prohibition
  • Section 5: Title IX and Sexual Misconduct – Procedures
  • Section 6: Sexual Misconduct Involving Employees of Third Parties.

Access Student Handbook

Definitions

An individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sexual misconduct and/or sexual harassment.

A document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual misconduct and/or sexual harassment against a Respondent and requesting that Western investigate the allegation of sexual misconduct and/or sexual harassment.

An employee who has the obligation to report alleged sexual misconduct and/or sexual harassment and alleged retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator.

A report submitted by a Reporter or Complainant regarding an alleged incident that they experienced, witnessed, or were informed of after the fact. Incident reports alert the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office that there is a potential incident which should be investigated and prompt the Office to reach out to involved parties to provide support. Incident reports do not constitute a formal complaint.

An individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute sexual misconduct.

Intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by the Sexual Misconduct Prohibition policy and Title IX or its implementing regulation, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this policy. Such retaliation shall be dealt with as a separate instance of sexual misconduct.

Sexual Harassment as defined in the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Section 3.5 of the Board of Trustees Policy Manual, whether or not the misconduct falls within the scope of that policy:

  • Conduct committed by a student that, if committed by an employee, would constitute Quid Pro Quo under the Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Section 3.5 of the Board of Trustees Policy Manual, whether or not the misconduct falls within the scope of that police;
  • Conduct that is severe, pervasive or objectively offensive
  • Sexual Exploitation, defined as actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, power differential, or trust, for sexual purposes, including but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another

When there are:

  • Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature; and
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct results in adverse educational or employment action; or
  • Affects the terms or conditions of education or employment or activities with the University.

When there are:

  • Refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. A number of different acts fall into the category of sexual assault, including, without limitation, rape, statutory rape, sexual violence, domestic violence, incest, sexual batter and sexual coercion. All such acts of sexual assault are forms of sexual misconduct covered under the Sexual Misconduct Prohibition Policy including, without limitation:
  • Non-consensual sexual contact, including sexual touching, groping and fondling
  • Non-consensual sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and/or oral penetration by a body part of by an object.

Includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the State of Colorado, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.

Violence by a person who has been in a romantic or intimate relationship with the Complainant. Whether there was such a relationship will be gauged by its length, type and frequency of interaction.

Course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety, or to suffer substantial emotional distress. Stalking may take the form of, but is not limited to, harassing telephone calls, electronic communications and/or letter-writing.

Affirmative, knowing and voluntary words or actions that create a mutually understandable and clear agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that they have affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Silence, lack of protest, or resistance, by themselves cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, by itself cannot be interpreted as consent. Consent is not effectively given if force, threats, intimidation or coercion were involved, or if a person is incapable of giving consent due to use of drugs or alcohol, or due to intellectual or other disability.

Educational Opportunities

Educational Opportunities provide students and employees the option to dig deeper into the policies, procedures, and an understanding of how our campus community members are impacted by issues related to Title IX and Restorative Justice. Whether individually or in a group setting, these opportunities allow students and employees to explore issues related to the safety, security and movement toward justice for all of our community members.

This catalog lists existing opportunities that provide education for the Western community in a variety of formats, including virtual and in-person offerings. For more information regarding opportunities listed in the catalog, contact civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

Click here to view the Education Opportunities catalog.

Western provides a number of educational opportunities throughout the academic year to proactively educate students and prevent Title IX incidents on campus. Students, campus groups, and student organizations may request in-person educational opportunities and presentations by emailing civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

Employees

Employees who have questions or desire more information regarding Title IX may contact the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office for educational opportunities or access to educational materials. Employees may make requests by emailing  civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

Departments and Committees

At times, campus committees and departments might find it helpful to request the opportunity to receive additional review of Title IX, Q&A sessions, and Scenarios exploration. Committee and department leads may request educational opportunities for a department by emailing civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

The Restorative Justice & Title IX Office offers several asynchronous options for reviewing topics related to Title IX and Restorative Justice. As these free webinars* are not offered in an assessment setting, no learning objectives are explicitly identified beyond providing an opportunity to explore topics and gain personal awareness.

Title IX Basics – Sexual Misconduct: TBD

Title IX Basics – Pregnant and Parenting: TBD

Restorative Justice on College Campuses: TBD

Assessment

Please check back at a later time to view the Restorative Justice & Title IX Office’s ‘Year in Review.’ Please contact CivilrightsRJTIX@Western.edu with questions.

The Annual Clery Report, a part of Western’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, is available for review via the institutional website and upon request. Please contact Campus Security with questions.

Please check back later for more information.

Please check back later for more information.

Please check back later for more information.

Institutional Compliance

Please check back later for additional information.

Title IX Coordinator Training

Title IX Coordinator Training: Grand River Solutions, August 2023

Title IX Coordinator Training (pdf) – Available upon request to civilrightsrjtix@western.edu

Title IX Process Advisor Training

Process Advisor Training: [TBD]
Individuals interested in serving as a Hearing Advisor or Process Advisor for Title IX should communicate to civilrightsrjtix@western.edu.

Student Training

All students are required to complete an interactive educational experience upon admission to Western.

Student Employee Training

Student employees of the department of Residence Life and Housing are trained annually on Title IX law and university policy. Student employees who maintain authority over others, such as Resident Assistants, are considered “Responsible Employees” and required to report incidents that may be related to Title IX (see BOT Policy 3.5).

Employee Training

All employees are required to complete an interactive educational opportunity upon employment with Western. Western partners with Vector Solutions to provide this education.

Student Athletes and College Athletic Professionals Training

NCAA partners with colleges and Universities to ensure the safety and security of our student athletes.

Per NCAA, Student-Athletes and College Athletics Professionals are educated annually through a partnership between the Department of Athletics and the Restorative Justice and Title IX Office. This training is specialized and tailored for student-athletes.

For more information, access the NCAA Board of Governors Policy on Campus Sexual Violence.

Attestations

NCAA requires that colleges and universities participate in attestation processes regarding the release of Student-Athletes actions as related to Title IX. Colleges and universities may be asked to release information regarding a Student-Athlete’s identification as a wrongdoer in Title IX cases. Colleges and universities may be asked to release information regarding a Student-Athlete’s choice to leave an institution while in the midst of a Title IX case.

For more information, contact the Compliance Coordinator.

Our Team

Director of Restorative Justice & Title IX Coordinator

Headshot of Patricia Hartshorn

Patty Hartshorn grew up in Indiana among unique communities and cultures, from historical Amish villages to Mexican migrant populations. Through her experiences in higher education and her move to northern Minnesota, she has continued to experience a variety of cultures and build relationships with diverse populations. Patty also has personal experience journeying through life alongside individuals who see the world through neurodivergent lenses. Because of these experiences, she seeks opportunities to understand and appreciate all individuals, who experience life through intersecting perspectives.  

Patty prizes education and the opportunities that it can create. She grew up in a working-class family to become a first-generation college student. Patty believes every individual deserves equitable access to educational opportunities and that institutions of higher education should be some of the most inclusive and safe spaces to gain life experience and grow personally and professionally. Patty holds an Ed. Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (Emphasis: Student Affairs) from Minnesota State University – Moorhead (’23) and is currently working on her Doctorate in Educational Leadership through Minnesota State University – Moorhead.  

Patty emphasizes in her personal and professional life that all individuals should be seen, accepted, and respected. In her role at Western, she desires to provide educational opportunities and support students, faculty and staff through the Title IX policies and restorative justice practices so that each person may pursue their personal and professional growth freely and safely. 

Pre-Professionals

Emory Hopkins, Marketing Specialist

Etinosa Igunbor, Data Entry Specialist

Department Information

Restorative Justice & Title IX Office

Interim Director of Restorative Justice & Title IX Coordinator

Patty Hartshorn, Ed.S.

Director of Restorative Justice and Title IX Coordinator

Contact Information

970.943.2122

civilrightsRJTIX@western.edu

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F

Campus Location

Library 122A
Gunnison, CO 81231

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