Title IX Update - Next Steps in OCR’s Comprehensive Review of Title IX Actions: A New Q&A and the Public Hearing Transcript

The following is an update from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). OCR is the federal agency that administers and enforces the Title IX law and related guidance.

As the Office for Civil Rights continues our comprehensive review of the U.S. Department of Education’s actions under Title IX, the landmark law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in our nation’s schools, we are pleased to share several recent steps—including two taken today.  

Thank You

Board of Trustees Structural Changes

Howard University Celebrates Pride Month - June 2021

As Howard University celebrates Pride Month, the Title IX Office both celebrates our LGBTQ+ Bison community and reaffirms the University’s commitment to protecting all members of our community from discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Meeting the needs and protecting the rights of all members of our community will always remain at the forefront of our approach.

U.S. Department of Education Confirms Title IX Protects Students from Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

During this Pride Month, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which administers and enforces the federal Title IX law, issued a Notice of Interpretation confirming that it will enforce Title IX’s prohibition on discrimination on the basis of sex to include (1) discrimination based on sexual orientation; and (2) discrimination based on gender identity.

Title IX Public Hearing: June 7 - 11, 2021

The US Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) wants your input on Title IX! The Department is holding a virtual public hearing on improving Title IX enforcement from June 7 to June 11, 2021.

Update on Student COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Howard University students who reside on campus or come to campus for any reason are required to be fully vaccinated prior to their arrival on campus for the Fall semester. Being fully vaccinated means that two or more weeks have passed since receipt of the second dose in a two-dose series or since receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine. Vaccines are available to all adults, with over 256 million doses given and 118 million people now fully vaccinated in the United States.

COVID-19 Vaccine information & Updates

Howard University Hospital is working to safely implement an equitable strategic COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan in accordance with the city’s COVID-19 vaccine guidelines.

April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

Every April, the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), along with other organizations, coordinates the national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign to educate and engage the public in addressing the issue of sexual assault.

Howard University President Issues a Vaccine Public Service Announcement: When The Time Comes, Get Vaccinated!

Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, a practicing surgeon and person living with sickle cell disease, has a message for Black America: When the time comes, please get vaccinated! As an essential health care worker, educator, father and person at high risk, Dr. Frederick decided to lead by example by producing a public service announcement (PSA) on the importance of getting the coronavirus vaccine.