USC Upstate is committed to providing an environment for working, learning and living that is free of sex discrimination.
“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 educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
— Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972
What You Should Know About Title IX
Title IX is a federal law and applies to educational institutions that receive federal funding. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs or activities, and protects all students, faculty, staff and visitors from sex-based discrimination. Some examples of educational programs and activities subject to Title IX include admissions, academic instruction, residence life, athletics, extracurricular activities, employment, hiring, and other on-campus or off-campus activities organized or sponsored by an institution. The regulations implementing Title IX require educational institutions to follow a strict process when responding to reports or complaints of sex discrimination, and provide support for parties involved in the process, including autonomy for a complainant when deciding how to proceed.
There are many forms of sex discrimination prohibited under Title IX, including sexual harassment and sexual misconduct such as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Title IX also prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as pregnancy and parenting, childbirth and related medical conditions. Title IX prohibits retaliation against an individual who asserts any right or privilege under Title IX, or because the individual has made a report or Title IX complaint, or participated or refused to participate in the Title IX process.
As a recipient of federal funding, USC Upstate is required by Title IX regulations to operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. USC Upstate is committed to providing an environment for working, learning and living that is free of all forms of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking), and related retaliation.
How We Can Help You
We are here to…
- Explain the university’s policies and procedures prohibiting discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and related retaliation;
- Connect complainants and respondents to supportive measures and resources;
- Review the options available at the university when making a report or complaint;
- Advise complainants and respondents of their rights and resources;
- Investigate claims of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation;
- Engage in resolution.
Quick Reference Materials
- USC Upstate Resource Sheet (PDF)
- Report and Get Support (PDF)
- How to Support Checklist (PDF)
- What is the Clery Act? (PDF)
Title IX Violation Report
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation, at USC Upstate, you can report it. Any individual can make a report by submitting an online report via the reporting link below, sending an email to titleix@uscupstate.edu, by calling (864) 503-7193, mail, or in person.
Please know that the submission of a report will not automatically initiate a formal complaint process but will serve as an initial step to assess whether a violation of university policy and Title IX has occurred and will connect those impacted with supportive measures and resources.
Contact Us
Dr. Lyda Costello Kiser
Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator
University of South Carolina Upstate
800 University Way Spartanburg, SC 29303
Phone: 864-503-5632
titleix@uscupstate.edu