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LIFE AT WSU

  • Title IX and the LGBTQ+ Community

    LGBTQ+ individuals are at greater risk for being victimized by acts of sexual violence and experience higher rates of gender based and sexual discrimination.

    Title IX, Title VII, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and the Worcester State University Title IX policy collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression and sexual identity. Worcester State is committed to protecting people of all gender and sexual identities from harassment and discrimination as expressed in our Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Affirmative Action Plan.

    Note: The Trump Administration’s rescission of the 2016 Office of Civil Rights Guidance on Transgender Students under Title IX has no legal effect on Massachusetts public colleges and universities. The Commonwealth itself provides protections to transgender individuals through state legislation and executive orders, and our Equal Opportunity Plan has protected transgender individuals since before the Commonwealth enacted its legislation.

    Update: January 20, 2021 - We are happy to update the rescinded guidance from the Trump Administration. See the Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.

  • Reporting Options

    If you have experienced any form of sexual violence or discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Quinn (jquinn@worcester.edu, 508-929-8243) to report the incident and receive any support and guidance that may be needed.

    Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

    Worcester State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action, and dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. Worcester State University does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status.

    For more information or to report discrimination please contact the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity at diversity@worcester.edu or 508-929-8053.

    Your Rights
    • You have the right to present your gender however you choose.
    • You have the right to have your correct name and pronoun respected.
    • You have the right to engage in romantic and intimate relationships with people of any gender.
    • You have the right to safety in an environment free from harassment, intimidation, or threats of harassment or intimidation.
    • You have the right to knowledgeable and respectful healthcare providers.
    Barriers to Services and Reporting
    • Abusers might attempt to wield control by threatening to "out" the survivor to friends, family or employers.
    • Fear they will not be believed if they report an incident.
    • Fear they will lose the support of their community.
    • Fear that reporting the crime to the police or local agencies will expose them to discrimination, homophobia, or gender policing.
    Resources

  • CONTACT US

    Jennifer Quinn M.Ed., CHES, CTTS
    Director of Title IX
    Drug and Alcohol Education Prevention
    Student Center
    Office SC338
    508-929-8243
    jquinn@worcester.edu
    wsu_titleix@worcester.edu  

    On-Campus Emergencies
    508-929-8911

    Off-Campus Emergencies
    Worcester Police Department
    911