Title IX & Sexual Misconduct
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Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. It reads:
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.
Thomas Jefferson University is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination on the basis of sex, including, but not limited to, sex-based disparate treatment, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment. Instances of Sexual Misconduct include, but are not necessarily limited to, sexual harassment, unwanted sexual acts which are committed by coercion, force, intimidation, manipulation or otherwise without consent. For definitions and more information about sexual misconduct response and options, please see the Sex and Gender-Based Misconduct Policy (PDF).
Sexual Assault Response
A student who is a victim of sexual assault should call 811 (Campus Security) or 911 (Philadelphia Police Department). When a report of a sexual assault is made to University personnel on an emergency basis, Campus Security or other University personnel will escort the victim to a place of safety.
If a sexual assault has occurred it is important for the victim to seek medical attention as soon as possible to check for internal injuries, receive preventative treatment, and gather forensic evidence. Immediate medical and/or psychological assistance is available, including treatment for emergent injuries, at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) Emergency Department. Forensic medical examinations are not administered at TJUH. However, TJUH will arrange transport to the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Response Center (PSARC), where a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner will conduct an exam. If not an emergeny situation requiring the close proximity of the TJUH Emergency Room, victims have the option of going directly to PSARC at 300 E. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124, 215-425-1625. PSARC provides forensic medical evaluation, injury documentation, forensic photography, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted infection prevention, HIV prevention, follow-up care, and court testimony. Victim advocacy and counseling is available through Woman Organized Against Rape (WOAR). WOAR has a 24-hour hotline (215-985-3333) and will arrange for a counselor to meet with you before, during, or after any forensic medical examination.