Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits any person in the United States from being discriminated against on the basis of sex in seeking access to any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The U.S. Department of Education, which enforces Title IX, has long defined the meaning of Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination broadly to include various forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence that interfere with a student’s ability to equally access our educational programs and opportunities. While Title IX covers all forms of sex discrimination, the term “Title IX” is often used as a short-hand to describe the sub-set of policies, procedures, or programs that specifically address sexual misconduct.

What is sex discrimination?

Sex Discrimination is discrimination on the basis of sex or gender. It includes sexual harassment, sexual violence (including rape and sexual assault), stalking, domestic violence, dating violence, and any other gender-based discrimination.

Who is protected by Title IX?

Title IX protects all persons participating or attempting to participate in an educational program and/or activity within Knox County Schools, including students, faculty, and staff, regardless of gender or gender identity.

» Policy C-260 Sexual Harrassment

Who will determine if the conduct falls under the jurisdiction of the sexual harassment or sex-based discrimination policy?

The Title IX Coordinator will determine if the alleged offense falls under the Sexual Harassment and Sex-Based Discrimination Policy for Faculty, Staff, and Students.

How do I report sex-based discrimination involving myself or another person?

You should report any sexual misconduct or discrimination to Checovoia Foster-Bruce, Knox County Schools’ Title IX Coordinator. File an online report or contact Mrs. Foster-Bruce directly.

Contact Information for the Title IX Coordinator:

Checovoia Foster-Bruce, J.D.

400 W. Summitt Hill Drive
Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
titleIX@knoxschools.org
(865) 594-1261

Hotlines and Online Resources

• The National Dating Abuse Helpline — This helpline is designed for teens and young adults who have experienced abuse in a dating relationship.
• RAINN’s Online Hotline — This free and confidential service provides services to survivors of sexual assault through an online chat function, instead of by phone.
• The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-656-4673 — This free and confidential service provides services to survivors of sexual assault over the phone.
• Surviving in Numbers — Provides an anonymous and confidential space for survivors of all ages to share their experiences of sexual and domestic violence.
• Love Is Respect and That’s Not Cool also have helpful resources for teen survivors of dating violence and sexual assault.
• Know Your IX — Know Your IX is a survivor — and youth-led project of Advocates for Youth that aims to empower students to end sexual and dating violence in their schools.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Organizations and Resources

• Mental Health Association of East Tennessee — The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee is a 501 (C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the community about mental health issues.
• Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network - The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) is the statewide public-private organization responsible for implementing the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention as defined by the 2001 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) — The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support 1-800-273-8255
• Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network Crisis Text Line — Text “TN” to 741-741 to be connected to a crisis counselor. The line will provide immediate support and referrals for suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, child and domestic abuse, substance abuse, eating disorders, human trafficking and more.
• Mobile Crisis Unit Hotline — 865-539-2409 — Mobile Crisis Unit (MCU) provides a 24-hour crisis response system for individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The program provides assessments, triage, and access to appropriate levels of care.

Mandatory reporters are required to report information about known or suspected prohibited conduct to the Title IX Coordinator, whether the employee received the information by means of a complaint, report, personal observation, or otherwise, including information learned from third parties.

KCS employees are always mandatory reporters. As a mandatory reporter, if a student complainant or respondent reports an incident involving prohibited conduct to you, you must report it to the Title IX Coordinator. » Title IX Reporting Procedure for Employees

As a mandatory reporter, if an employee you supervise reports an incident involving prohibited conduct to you, you must report it to the Title IX Coordinator and advise them to do so as well.

» File a Title IX Report

The Title IX Coordinator has completed the following training.

• Title IX Coordinator - From one Title IX Coordinator to Another | Grand River Solutions | 7/2022
• Title IX Investigator Training | Grand River Solutions | 4/2022
• Title IX Investigative Writing Workshop | Grand River Solutions | 4/2022
• Title IX Training | Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law & Policy | 5/2022
• Certified Level I Title IX Investigator | Institutional Compliance Solutions | 4/2022
• FERPA Certification Compliance 6-Week Program | Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law & Policy | 10/2022
• K12 Certified 2024 Title IX Regulations Training, In-Person | Institutional Compliance Solutions | 6/2024
• Navigating the New Title IX Regulations: A Training For K-12 Professionals | Grand River Solutions | 6/2024