BY SAEE CHITALE ’22
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972 that states “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.”
Why is this relevant?
Given recent campus-wide conversations about sexual assault, it is important that students are fully aware of the resources available to them. Reporting a case under Title IX is the first step to holding the perpetrator of an assault legally responsible.
Who do I approach if I have to report inappropriate behavior?
Immediately after an incident, consider visiting Mount Holyoke’s Health Center for medical assistance or counseling. Keep in mind that many of the College’s employees are mandatory reporters, meaning that they are required to formally report assaults or other incidents if you confide in them. Shannon Da Silva, Mount Holyoke’s Title IX coordinator, is not a mandatory reporter and is a primary resource for sexual assault misconduct information and assistance. Kijua Sanders-McMurtry, the College’s chief diversity officer, Marcella Runell Hall, the dean of students, and your CAs and SCAs are also resources.
What other services are available if I just want to talk?
Not only has Mount Holyoke started its BeWell program (an integrated wellness program that encourages and empowers students to look after their physical and mental health), but the College also has organizations like MoHealth that cater to the well being of students in the community. These organizations are established to support students’ mental and physical health. The Health Center also offers mental health services and free counseling, and can also help students by recommending a more regular therapist outside the College.
Contact Information:
Shannon Da Silva: titleixofficer@mtholyoke.edu, 413-538-3642
BeWell: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/deanofstudents/be-well-at-mount-holyoke
MoHealth: https://www.mtholyoke.edu/health/ mohealth-peer-health-educators
Health center counseling services: https://www. mtholyoke.edu/counseling