Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 (amending the Higher Education Act of 1965) is the federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions. This act is codified as Title 20, United States Code, Chapter 38, Sections 1681-1686. The act was also amended by the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 ("Title IX").

The law states that "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." The amendment in 1987 expanded the definition of "program or activity" to include all the operations of an educational institution, governmental entity, or private employer that receives federal funds.​

Western prohibits all forms of illegal discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and coercion on campus and at College related activities and functions. Western takes a strong stance against sexual misconduct. The College seeks to create and maintain a campus free from sexual harassment by using a combination of education, programming, training for students and staff, clear policies, and consistent sanctions for any violation of these policies. The College’s Title IX Coordinator, supported by a cross-functional team, assists in ensuring compliance. The Office of Human Resources, along with the Student Life Office, provides trained investigators to address any reported issues of sexual misconduct involving staff and/or students.​​​​​​​

Allegations of violations of Title IX, or inquiries or concerns regarding Western’s Title IX policies and procedures can be made to the Title IX Coordinators:

Title IX Coordinator – Students & Others

Ge Vang
Associate Director of Student Life – Senior Title IX & Civil Rights Officer
Kumm Center, Room 100
La Crosse Campus
vangg@westerntc.edu 
608-785-9444

Title IX Coordinator – Employees

Megan Hoffman
Associate Director of HR, Compensation, Benefits, and Compliance
Administrative Center, Room 109
La Crosse Campus
hoffmanm@westerntc.edu 
608-785-9274

Your Rights

Title IX provides students who are pregnant or experience a false pregnancy, have a child or adopt a child, terminate a pregnancy or have a miscarriage with special services as it provides to students with other temporary medical conditions. As a student with one of these conditions, you have the right to:

• Not be told to drop out or change education plans
• Be provided a comfortable space that is clean and shielded from view to pump milk
• Be excused from class due to pregnancy-related appointments (pre-natal, give birth, have an abortion or be on doctor-ordered bed rest)
• Not have excused absences count against your grades
• Be provided the opportunity to make up missed work from excused absences
• Be allowed to take a voluntarily leave of absence
• Be allowed to voluntarily access any separate and comparable portion of the College’s education program or activity if such a comparable portion of the program or activity is available.  
• Not be harassed as the result of pregnancy
• Only provide documentations when necessary and reasonable for modification request
• Reasonable modifications may include, but are not limited to,
  • breaks during class to express breast milk, breastfeed, or attend to health needs associated with pregnancy or related conditions, including eating, drinking, or using the restroom;
  • intermittent absences to attend medical appointments;
  • access to online or homebound education;
  • changes in schedule or course sequence;
  • extensions of time for coursework and rescheduling of tests and examinations;
  • allowing a student  to sit or stand, or carry or keep water nearby;
  • counseling;
  • changes in physical space or supplies (for example, access to a larger desk or a footrest);
  • elevator access; or other changes to policies, practices, or procedures.
  • Be allowed to have discretion to accept or decline each reasonable modification offered

Title IX does not assist with childcare issues, bonding time or similar parenting situations and challenges. What is meant by the context of Title IX is the medical recovery from the above conditions listed.

Private Wellness Rooms for Personal Needs

Western has designated Wellness rooms for personal use, including lactation (breast pumping). Under Wisconsin law, women may breastfeed their child in any area where the general public is allowed to go.

The Wellness rooms are located in Coleman Room 252, Student Success Center Room 110, and the Administrative Building Room 219.

All the rooms have a small fridge, sitting chair, and lock from the inside. There should be a slider that indicates when a room is in use.

The Rights of Fathers

Some of the same protections and accommodations apply to fathers as well; however, in some situations, fathers will not receive the same modifications due to the nature of pregnancy and recovery.

Apply for Title IX Pregnancy Accommodations

Pregnancy and parenting accommodations are available for all Western students. For accommodations, contact Bryan Morris, Access Services Manager, at 608-785-9875 or morrisb@westerntc.edu.

Apply for Accommodations 

The Accommodations Process

• Pregnant students are encouraged, but not required, to contact the Title IX Coordinator and Access Services Manager early in their pregnancy. Accommodation rights are not made until you have contacted Access Services and completed the required paperwork.
• Western's Access Services will guide the student in obtaining appropriate medical documentation of their condition and the medical basis for accommodations. Accommodations are implemented based on what is determined by the medical provider.
• Access Services will work with the students and their instructors to implement the accommodations.
• The student is ultimately responsible for obtaining the appropriate medical documentation. Access Services will help guide you through the process and answer all of your questions.

Discrimination against a person on the basis of past or current parental status, pregnancy and related conditions, and marital status is a violation of Western policy and federal law. Those who believe they were subject to discrimination may file a complaint or contact the Title IX Coordinator, Ge Vang, at 608-785-9444 or vangg@westerntc.edu or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Margy Krogman, at 608-785-9880 or krogmanm@westerntc.edu.

Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Western Technical College (Western) is committed to building and preserving an educational and workplace environment where students and employees can learn and work together free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation in all benefits, programs, and activities. To ensure Western’s commitment to fostering an environment built on a foundation of integrity, teamwork, and respect, the college has developed internal policies and procedures that provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process for complaints of discrimination and harassment on the basis of Protected Characteristics, and for complaints regarding retaliation. Western is committed to ensuring compliance with federal and state civil rights and First Amendment laws and regulations. 

View Anti-Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy

Those involved in the Title IX and Sexual Harassment Grievance Process receive ongoing training in compliance with 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(1)(iii) and any other applicable federal or state law.

These training sessions are provided to Western Technical College officials with responsibilities under the Grievance Process, as described in the College’s Anti-harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy.

1. Wisconsin Technical College Title IX Regulations Refresher Training | July 16, 2025 | Provided by Erin Agidius, J.D. from ATIXA: The primary focus is to fortify participants’ understanding of compliance obligations under the 2020 Regulations through looking at examples, best practices, and in-depth discussion to navigate the evolving title IX regulatory environment. View Title IX Refresher Training Materials (PDF)
2. Clery Act Compliance | June 11, 2025 | Provided by Bill Laferty of D. Stafford & Associates, LLC: Covers top issues Campus Administrators need to be aware of regarding Clery Act compliance. Also looking at Clery’s intersection with Title IX in regard to Clery geography, timely warnings and emergency notifications. View Clery Act Compliance Training Materials (PDF)
3. Violence Against Women Act Policies and Educational Requirements Webinar | May 1, 2025 | Provided by Adrienne Murray via NACCOP: The training covered the Clery Act crime categories, specific Title IX prohibited conduct and the overlapping conduct violations between Title IX and Clery. Reviewing definitions and exploring jurisdiction along with VAWA procedural requirements.
   View VAWA Act training materials (PDF)
4. Title IX Training Series | April–May, 2025 | Provided by Thompson Coburn LLP: View the Title IX Training Series Videos by clicking on the links below:
   • An Introduction to Managing Title IX Sexual Harassment on Campus
   • Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment
   • Title IX Investigations & Informal Resolutions
   • Title IX Hearings
   • Title IX Determinations
   • Title IX Appeals
5. Appellate Officer Training | January 13, 2025 | Provided by NACCOP and D. Stafford & Associates: Covers statues (regulatory guidance, sub-regulatory guidance and looking at case laws), jurisdiction. And Title IX Grievance Procedures. View Appellate Officer Training materials (PDF)
6. Understanding Claims Pursuant to Title VI, VII, IX | December 4, 2024 | Provided by Adrieene Murray from D. Stafford & Associates: Training provides overview of Title VI, VII and IX, looking at legal framework, types of discrimination and how to file and receive complaints. The training also explores case studies and key findings from OCR audits. View Understanding Claims of Title VI, VII & IX training materials (PDF)

In accordance with the federal law Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (section 1601 of Public Law 106-386 and Western’s Student Code of Conduct, any student intending to enroll in courses at Western must self-report their status as a registrant on the sex offender registry to the Student Integrity Coordinator  and Integrity or their designee prior to registering for classes. A student is defined as any person who attends and/or is enrolled in any classes or academic program at the College.

Failure to notify the College is deemed to be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is subject to possible conduct sanctions.

To self-report, email berrym@westerntc.edu, call 608-785-9446 or stop by the Student Life Office, Kumm Center Room 100.

Procedures

1. Student notifies the Student Integrity Coordinator.
2. The Student Integrity Coordinator or designee will review the prospective student’s class schedule/academic program to determine what restrictions, if any, should be put in place.
3. The Student Integrity Coordinator will coordinate with the Western Care Team to review all relevant and necessary information provided by law enforcement personnel to assess any safety issues posed for the College community.
4. A determination will be made if there is a legitimate educational interest to contact the prospective student’s probation/parole officer and/or agency/person who is supervising the registered sex offender. This contact information will be provided by the prospective student upon request and Western Campus Community Safety will do the outreach.
5. The Western Care Team will determine the level of notification to be released to any members of the College community. The College may follow the same notification level utilized by local law enforcement based on level of concern for community safety.
6. After determining the appropriate restrictions, if any, the Student Integrity Coordinator or designee will meet with the prospective student to discuss the outcomes. A written letter will be given to the prospective student containing the information discussed in the meeting. The prospective student will be advised that their failure to comply with any of the imposed restrictions may result in a denial of enrollment, revocation of access to campus(es), and/or the decision of the College to contact local law enforcement authorities.
7. Campus Community Safety will coordinate with local law enforcement personnel to ensure that the College has relevant and current sex offender information. Sex offender information in the State of Wisconsin is compiled by the Department of Corrections (DOC). The College does not independently verify sex offender registration information, nor is it responsible for its accuracy. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidation or harassment is prohibited. 

To learn the identity of registered sex offenders on or near campus, or anywhere in Wisconsin, visit http://appsdoc.wi.gov/public.