Office of Civil Rights & Title IX
An Update on the Injunction on 2024 Title IX Regulations
On Thursday, Jan. 9, a federal district court in Kentucky issued a ruling in Tennessee vs. Cardona, a case filed by several states in the 6th Circuit (Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia). The court’s ruling vacated the 2024 Title IX Regulations.
According to the court’s opinion, vacatur renders the 2024 regulations invalid, effectively removing them from legal applicability across all states. Based on this language, it is our understanding, along with guidance from the Association of Title IX Administrators (ATIXA), that the 2024 Regulations are no longer in effect for any institution in the country, including Elizabethtown College.
Elizabethtown College will continue to operate under the 2020 Title IX Regulations. The College is consulting with legal counsel to ensure we proceed in full compliance with federal law. For now, we are maintaining our current policies and procedures based on the 2020 Title IX Regulations. If any adjustments to our policies become necessary, we will immediately inform the campus community and provide clear guidance on next steps.
Title IX Coordinator Responsibilities
The Elizabethtown College Title IX Coordinator coordinates the efforts of the College in all matters related to Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and compliance with Title IX law.
- Explains Elizabethtown College's sex discrimination policy and investigation procedures to internal and external constituencies.
- Collaborates across campus on the delivery of annual training for Title IX reporting officials and other members of the College community.
- Explores various means of resolving a complaint including referrals to the Office of Students Rights and Responsibilities or to the Office for Human Resources as appropriate.
- Prepares and oversees any reports, recommendations, or remedial action(s) that are needed or warranted to resolve any prohibited conduct.
Questions about the application of Title IX or inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies at Elizabethtown College should be directed to:
Gabrielle Reed | 210 Baugher Student Center, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 | Email: reedg@etown.edu | 717-361-3727
or
The Office for Civil Rights | Department of Education, Washington, DC | Email: OCR@ed.gov | Customer Service: 1-800-421-3481 / Fax: (202) 245-6840 (Visit The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area).
Contact Us:
Gabrielle Reed
Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator
Baugher Student Center, Room 210
717-361-3727
Jennifer Frey
Deputy Coordinator of Civil Rights and Title IX
Alpha Hall, Room 202
717-361-3159
Make A Report | Sexual Misconduct Policy |
Campus Sexual Assault Bill of Rights
If you believe you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or Campus Safety at 717-361-1111.
What is Sexual Misconduct?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and its implementing regulations prohibit sex discrimination in educational programs and activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. This prohibition encompasses discrimination based on a student’s gender identity, including discrimination based on a student’s transgender status.
Elizabethtown College is committed to providing a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Sex discrimination violates an individual's fundamental rights and personal dignity. Sex discrimination includes all forms of sexual and gender-based harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking by students, employees or third parties against employees, students, or third parties.
Elizabethtown College takes violations of Title IX policy seriously and will investigate allegations of Title IX violations to the fullest extent possible. Any person found in violation of the policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination if they are an employee, and/or expulsion if they are a student.
Prohibited Behaviors:
Elizabethtown College (henceforth “The College”) prohibits all Sexual Misconduct Violations as defined in the Policy. This prohibited conduct can affect all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations. Some of these prohibited forms of conduct may also be crimes under Pennsylvania or federal law. The College will promptly and equitably respond to all reports of sexual misconduct to eliminate the misconduct, prevent its recurrence, and redress its effects on any individual or the community.
Prohibited behaviors include the following:
- Dating Violence (Regulatory and Non-Regulatory)
- Domestic Violence (Regulatory and Non-Regulatory)
- Retaliation
- Sexual Assault (Regulatory and Non-Regulatory)
- Sexual Exploitation
- Sexual Harassment - Quid Pro Quo and Hostile Environment (Regulatory and Non-Regulatory)
- Stalking (Regulatory and Non-Regulatory)
Reporting an Incident or Concerns
Reporting to the College:
Elizabethtown College strongly encourages anyone who has information about a potential violation of the Title IX Policy to provide a Report to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator. A Report is defined as a disclosure and does not constitute a Formal Complaint. The procedure for filing a Formal Complaint is described in the Policy. Any person may provide a Report of a potential violation to the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail. Reports by mail, telephone or electronic mail may be made at any time, including outside of regular business hours.
A person may also file an anonymous report, which will be routed directly to the Title IX Coordinator. Anonymous reports may be submitted using the Public Incident Report form.
File a ReportBias Incident Reporting
Elizabethtown College is committed to maintaining a learning environment where every individual is treated with fairness and respect, and that all members of our campus community have clear and transparent access to reporting processes and institutional responses to bias-related incidents.
Report a Bias IncidentNavigating Change Form
The campus community can complete the Navigating Change Form to submit questions and concerns so that resources can be offered based on the nature of the concern. This form is not an incident reporting form.
Complete the Navigating Change FormReporting to Law Enforcement:
A victim of a crime is encouraged to, but not required to, report the incident to local law enforcement. The criminal process and the College's disciplinary process are mutually exclusive, and are not dependent upon one another. A person can pursue both, neither, or either. Victims have the option of notifying local law enforcement directly or receiving assistance from the College in doing so. If an individual requires assistance making contact with local law enforcement and scheduling a meeting time with a Police Officer or Detective, please contact Gerald Kelley, Director of Campus Safety, or ask for the supervisor on duty. Call 717-361-1264 or visit the Campus Safety Office at 605 S. Mt. Joy Street.
To make a direct report to local law enforcement without assistance from the College, individuals should contact 911 or Lancaster County Wide Communications at 717-367-1835. The dispatcher will ask for preliminary information, such as the name of the reporting person, phone number, address, and whether immediate assistance is needed.
Confidential Assistance
These resources are confidential services available to any Elizabethtown College community member who is a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking. They can be accessed without reporting an incident to anyone at Elizabethtown College.
Contact either of the following for immediate law enforcement assistance for any crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking. Campus Safety can arrange transportation to a local hospital or local police department if requested. You have the right to report, and the right to not report, to law enforcement a crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking that you have experienced. You also have the right to decline to notify law enforcement of a crime of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking if offered the option.
- Elizabethtown Police Department - Dial 911
- Campus Safety – 717-361-1111 (24-Hour Emergency Hotline)
In cases of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, complainants are encouraged to preserve physical evidence that may assist in proving the alleged criminal offense occurred or that may be helpful in obtaining a protection order. The decision to make a formal complaint or criminal report does not have to be made at this time. However, following these procedures will help preserve this option for the future.
To properly preserve evidence, ensure the incident area is not disturbed. The individual should not bathe, urinate, douche, brush teeth, or drink liquids. Clothes should not be changed. If clothes have been removed, place the original clothing in a paper bag. (Plastic bags may damage evidence.) For crimes of stalking, the individual should preserve all instances of unwanted communications (texts, emails, social media posts) and keep a log of unwanted phone calls. For crimes of dating violence or domestic violence, pictures of injuries should be taken.
If you have been assaulted, you are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention at an area hospital and take a full change of clothing, including shoes, for use after a medical examination. It is recommended that a physical exam be conducted within 72 hours of the assault. Participating in a sexual assault forensic exam does not require the individual to press charges. This action keeps the option open. (Individuals under the age of eighteen should be aware that, as a minor, their parent(s) or legal guardian may have the right to obtain information from their medical records.) Lancaster General Hospital and Penn State Hershey Medical Center provide a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE). The hospital staff can assist with treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and other health services.
Nearby Medical Centers:
Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster General Hospital has a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work with individuals who have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused, including nurses trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. These nurses have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. The team strives to ensure that the response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted is patient-centered and compassionate, and ultimately may provide potential evidence to be used in the investigation of sexual assault. Advocates from the Lancaster YWCA are available to accompany individuals to Lancaster General Hospital. Individuals receiving a sexual assault forensic exam can opt to pay with their health insurance or may be able to utilize the Victim Witness Compensation fund (kept confidential and not a part of the patient's health record).
Lancaster General Hospital Emergency Room
555 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 544-5511
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
Penn State Hershey Medical Center has a multidisciplinary team of professionals who work with individuals that have been sexually assaulted or sexually abused, including nurses trained as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. These nurses have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in medical forensic care for individuals who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. The team strives to ensure that the response to a patient who has been sexually assaulted is patient-centered and compassionate, and ultimately may provide potential evidence to be used in the investigation of sexual assault. The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg maintains an office at the Medical Center which includes a dedicated Domestic Violence Medical Advocate. Trained advocates are available to accompany individuals to Lancaster General Hospital. Individuals receiving a sexual assault forensic exam can opt to pay with their health insurance or to utilize the Victim Witness Compensation fund (kept confidential and not a part of the patient’s health record).
Penn State Hershey Medical Center Emergency Room
500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
(800) 243-1455 (Emergency Room Main Line)
(717) 531-5188 (Domestic Violence Medical Advocate)
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
LG Health Physicians Family Medicine Sycamore Square
99 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
(717) 689-4243 (main line)
(Etown students call (717) 588-1059 to be connected during business hours)
Counseling:
Elizabethtown College Counseling Services
The Counseling Services staff has extensive experience in college counseling and is committed to providing high-quality services in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental atmosphere. All services are free of charge for full-time, traditional program students.
If you wish to speak confidentially with the College counselor after business hours and prefer not to disclose any information about yourself or the incident to Campus Safety or other College personnel, please call 717-361-1111 and request to speak with a confidential counselor. The Counselor-on-Call will respond to you directly, and if requested, will meet with you in a confidential campus location or at a local hospital.
Staff Counselors are not required to disclose any information about a report of sexual misconduct or sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator or any other College official without your permission.
Elizabethtown College Counseling Services
Baugher Student Center (BSC 216)
717-361-1405 (During Business Hours)
717-361-1111 (Emergency After-Hours Counseling)
Elizabethtown College Chaplain
The College Chaplain is available during regular college business hours for confidential consultation and pastoral care. They respond to those from all religions and also those from non-religious backgrounds, providing support in times of difficulty, listening with an open heart, and seeking possible ways to think about the big questions of meaning and purpose that often arise in times of great joy or tragedy.
The College Chaplain is not required to disclose any information about a report of sexual misconduct or sexual violence to the Title IX Coordinator or any other College official without permission.
Office of the Chaplain
Baugher Student Center (BSC 253)
717-361-1260
Lancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
The YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) provides counseling and support to all individuals who have experienced sexual assault or sexual violence. All services are free and confidential. Staff or trained advocates are available 24 hours a day. SAPCC provides short-term counseling, information and referrals, legal and medical advocacy, accompaniment to hospitals, police departments, and court proceedings as requested, assistance in obtaining sexual assault forensic exam medical services, and support groups.
Lancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
110 N. Lime St.
Lancaster, PA 17602
717-393-1735
717-392-7273 (24-Hour Sexual Assault Hotline)
Ongoing Assistance
These resources are confidential services available to any Elizabethtown College community member who is a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence or stalking.
All Employees who have experienced Title IX Sexual Harassment, who have provided a Report alleging Title IX Sexual Harassment, or have been alleged to have engaged in Title IX Sexual Harassment can seek confidential assistance through the Employee Assistance Program.
Supportive Measures
Supportive Measures are available with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint. Promptly after receipt of a Report, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures. The Title IX Coordinator will also contact a Respondent to offer Supportive Measures promptly after a Formal Complaint is filed, whether or not a Formal Complaint Process actually proceeds. In determining the Supportive Measures to be provided, the Title IX Coordinator will make an individualized determination, considering the Complainant’s wishes and other relevant factors, of the non-disciplinary, non-punitive measures that will be provided to the Complainant and Respondent to restore or preserve equal access to the College’s Education programs or Activities, to protect the safety of the Parties, and/or to deter Title IX Sexual Harassment.
All Supportive Measures will be provided without fee or charge and without unreasonably burdening the other Party. Supportive Measures will be maintained as confidential by the College to the extent that confidentiality will not impair the ability to provide the Supportive Measures.
Examples of Supportive Measures that may be implemented by the College include:
- Academic extensions or adjustments
- Campus escort services
- Changes in housing
- Changes in on-campus work schedules or locations
- Counseling
- Increased security or monitoring of certain areas of the campus
- Modifications of class or activity schedules
- Mutual restrictions on contact between the Parties
- Provide information on how to access legal assistance, victim advocacy and immigration/visa assistance
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is operated through RAINN, Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network. At any given moment, more than 1,100 trained volunteers are on duty and available to help victims at RAINN-affiliated crisis centers across the country.
Phone: 1-800-656-4673
Chat: Chat Now
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)Love is Respect
Love is Respect is a project of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Break the Cycle. It is designed to provide resources for fostering healthy dating attitudes and relationships, providing a safe space for young people to access information and get help in an environment that is designed specifically for them.
Phone:1-866-331-9474
Text: Text "loveis" to 22522
Love is RespectLancaster Domestic Violence Services
Domestic Violence Services (DVS) provides empowerment, education, and advocacy to victims, survivors, families, and communities to end abusive relationships. DVS offers emergency shelter, individual & group counseling, a 24-hour hotline, transitional housing, and a legal clinic. The Domestic Violence Legal Clinic has a team of staff attorneys that provide representation in legal matters ranging from obtaining Protection from Abuse Orders to consultation on issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal and child support, and other civil legal matters. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In an emergency outside of regular clinic hours, please call the 24-hour hotline.
24-Hour Hotline: (717) 299-1249
Text: Text "SAFE" to 61222
Lancaster Domestic Violence Services webpageNational Domestic Violence Hotline
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to the Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 can expect highly trained experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, and referral services in over 170 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, safety planning, local resources, and ways to support the organization.
Phone: 1-800-799-7233
National Domestic Violence HotlineLancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center
The YWCA Lancaster Sexual Assault Prevention & Counseling Center provides support and advocacy for victim-survivors of sexual abuse, for significant others, and for other family members. The goal is to facilitate healing and empowerment to those who have experienced sexual trauma. SAPCC utilizes special programs designed for children, adolescents, and adults to meet their diverse needs.
All Counseling services are free and confidential. Staff members or trained volunteer advocates are available 24 hours a day. SAPCC is also deeply committed to heightening the community’s awareness of child sexual assault issues through primary prevention education programs.
Phone: 717-392-7273
Lancaster YWCA Sexual Assault Prevention & Counseling CenterConfidentiality, Retaliation and Non-Discrimination Policies
Privacy & Confidentiality
Elizabethtown College is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals involved in a report of sexual misconduct. Every effort will be made to protect the privacy interests of all individuals involved. Privacy, confidentiality and privilege have distinct meanings under this Policy.
Privacy generally means that information related to a report of sexual misconduct will only be shared with a limited circle of individuals, including individuals who “need to know” to assist in the review, investigation, or resolution of the report or to deliver resources or support services. While not bound by confidentiality or privilege, these individuals will be discreet and respect the privacy of all individuals involved in the process. All participants in an investigation of sexual misconduct under this Policy, including Advisors and Witnesses, will be informed that privacy helps enhance the integrity of the investigation and protect the privacy interests of the parties, however, nothing in this Policy is intended to impose restraints on a Party’s ability to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present evidence as part of the resolution process.
Certain individuals are designated as having confidentiality. For reports made to employees designated with confidentiality, the College will respect the reporting party's expectations of privacy to the extent permissible by law while still ensuring compliance with other reporting obligations. For example, reports involving minors are subject to mandatory reporting requirements. Individuals designated as having confidentiality are required to report the nature, date, time and general location of an incident to the Title IX coordinator. Individuals designated as having confidentiality will not share other information with the Title IX Coordinator or any other employee of the Institution without the permission of the disclosing party. Individuals designated as having confidentiality can provide information about the College and off-campus resources, support services and other options. As noted above, because of the confidential nature of these resources, disclosing information to or seeking advice from a confidential resource does not constitute a report or Formal Complaint to the College and will not result in a response or intervention by the College. A person consulting with a confidential resource may decide to make a report to the College and/or law enforcement. Confidential Resources are outlined in this Policy, and in the Written Notification of Resources provided to all Reporting Parties.
Communication with certain individuals may be privileged by operation of law and reports made to these individuals will not be shared with the Title IX Coordinator or law enforcement except in very limited situations, such as when failure to disclose the information would result in imminent danger to the individual or to others or as otherwise required by law. All College proceedings are conducted in compliance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Clery Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), state and local law, and College policy. No information will be released from such proceedings, except as required or permitted by law and College policy. The College may share non-identifying information about reports received in aggregate form, including data about outcomes and Disciplinary Sanctions.
Retaliation
Neither the College nor any other person may retaliate against an individual who has participated or refused to participate in any matter addressed under this Policy.
Retaliation includes any action to intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against an individual (a) for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or its implementing regulations; or (b) because the individual has made a Report or Formal Complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in any investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Policy. Retaliation is also prohibited against individuals involved in matters that do not arise under this policy but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a Report or Formal Complaint of sex discrimination or sexual harassment. Retaliation is a violation of College Policy. Any allegations of retaliation related to a Report or Formal Complaint Process will be referred to the appropriate process of resolution, even if such process runs concurrently with a Formal Complaint Process under Title IX. The outcome of any proceedings called to resolve retaliation in relationship to a Report or Formal Complaint Process must be reported back to the Title IX Coordinator.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Elizabethtown College does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, possession of a general education development certificate as compared to a high school diploma, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to:
- Ann Eckert, Director of Human Resources, Myer Administration, Room 2200, Elizabethtown College, Elizabethtown, PA 17022, eckertann@etown.edu, 717-361-1395
- Gabrielle Reed, Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator, 210 Baugher Student Center, reedg@etown.edu, 717-361-3727
- For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit The Office for Civil Rights for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 1-800-421-3481.
Meet The Team
Gabrielle Reed, M.S. (she/her)
Coordinator of Civil Rights and Title IX
Baugher Student Center Room 210
717-361-3727
Gabrielle earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Communications with a focus in Communication Studies from Millersville University, as well as completing her thesis at Millersville University. She received her Master of Science in Counseling with a focus on College Student Personnel from Shippensburg University. Gabrielle is the Title IX Coordinator, and her role is to coordinate the college's efforts to comply with obligations under Title IX and Title IX regulations.
Title IX Resources
Jennifer Frey M.S. '24 (she/her)
Deputy Coordinator of Civil Rights and Title IX
Thompson 100
717-361-3159
Jenn joined the Etown College community during the summer of 2021 and is the Deputy Coordinator of Civil Rights and Title IX. Jenn provides administrative support to the Office of Civil Rights, Opportunity, and Access. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Central Penn College in Business Administration and has recently completed her Master of Science in Strategic Leadership degree through Etown’s SGPS program. Jenn also serves on Staff Council.