What is Title IX?

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.” – Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. § 1681) is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of sex in educational programs that receive federal funds. Title IX is most commonly associated with gender discrimination in sports and is credited with advancing participation of women in athletics. However, the scope of Title IX is much broader. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in all college programs, activities, and employment.

Title IX protection from discrimination extends to faculty, staff and students. It covers a wide array of sex- and gender-based discrimination, including such things as: sexual harassment, sexual violence, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, gender-identity, gender-expression, and pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions. It also prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a complaint or participates in a Title IX process.

Funnel showing five balls labeled 
"Pregnant & Parenting Students", "Athletics", "Gender-based Discrimination", "Sexual Harassment", and "Retaliation" funneling down to the words "Title IX"

Who Can I Talk to about a Title IX Concern?

The Title IX office staff is available to discuss Title IX concerns, options for resolution, and available supportive measures so that those impacted can make an informed decision about how, and if, they want to proceed. There is no requirement to provide additional information about the incident or initiate an investigation to receive services.

Anyone who has experienced or witnessed possible relationship violence, sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, or stalking, can report using this Online Referral Form.

A report does not automatically initiate an investigation.

A confidential resource means that information shared is protected by federal and state laws and cannot be shared without your explicit permission. The only confidential resource on campus for students is the Counseling Center. There are community-based resources available off-campus for both students and employees.

To request a consult with the Title IX staff, contact:

Rachel Wellman, Compliance & Title IX Coordinator
rachel.wellman@bellevuecollege.edu
Call: 425-564-2641 or Text: 425-389-5497

Jill Powell-Szep, Deputy Title IX Coordinator
jill.powell@bellevuecollege.edu
Call: 425-564-2704 or Text: 425-389-5520

Office location: C227

Related Bellevue College Policies

  1. 1447 Sex Discrimination
  2. 1447P Sex Discrimination Resolution (Procedures)
  3. 1447P2 Employee Sex Discrimination Discipline (Procedures)
  4. 1447P3 Pregnancy and Related Conditions and Parenting Students (Procedures)
  5. 1440 Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation
  6. 1440P Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation Procedures
  7. 2050 Student Conduct Code

Contacts

Compliance & Title IX Coordinator

Rachel Wellman
Location: C227
Office Phone: 425-564-2641
Call/Text: 425-389-5497

rachel.wellman@bellevuecollege.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Jill Powell-Szep
Location: C227
Office Phone: 425-564-2704
Call/Text: 425-389-5520
jill.powell@bellevuecollege.edu