Title IX
Title IX
The Chicago School is committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment for all Community Members. Title IX, a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972, helps to achieve this goal through prohibiting all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment.
The law reads, “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.” These impactful words help to guide The Chicago School’s Title IX program.
On January 9, 2025, Title IX regulations from the United States Department of Education that went into effect on August 1, 2024 were vacated by a federal district court decision. As a result, The Chicago School is making necessary adjustments to its policies and processes to comply with the most recent changes to the Title IX regulations.
Specifically, The Chicago School has reissued the below policies effective January 9, 2025. Legal developments and other factors will be considered as we make additional revisions to policy and processes to best support The Chicago School community.
Title IX Resources
| Complaint Type | Complainant | Respondent | Applicable Policy | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sexual Harassment | Student or Employee | Student or Employee | Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment under Title IX (Title IX Policy) | [email protected] |
| Protected Category other than sexual harassment | Student | Student or Employee | Student DHR Policy | [email protected] |
Protected Category other than sexual harassment | Employee | Employee | Equal Employment Opportunity, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment Policy(available from HR) | [email protected] |
Reporting Sexual Harassment
Title IX Incident Reporting form
Chicago School Community Members who have experienced, or who are aware of other Community Members who have experienced sexual harassment (i.e., sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking) should report the incident to the local police department immediately. Reporting sexual harassment to law enforcement does not commit a Complainant to further action or prevent them from receiving assistance from The Chicago School. However, the earlier an incident is reported, the easier it will be for law enforcement to investigate, if the Complainant decides to proceed with criminal charges.
Chicago School Community Members may make a report to the Title IX Coordinator, a Chicago School Responsible Employee, local law enforcement, or a medical professional. Chicago School Community Members may also contact a professional counselor, pastoral counselor, or confidential advisor. The Chicago School encourages those impacted by sexual harassment to talk to someone identified in one or more of these groups.
While Chicago School Community Members are encouraged to use their own judgment regarding whom they chose to discuss reports of sexual harassment with, it is important to understand that The Chicago School can only investigate and respond to incidents that are reported. A Complainant who at first requests confidentiality may later decide to file a complaint with The Chicago School or report the incident to local law enforcement for investigation.
The Title IX Coordinator will provide information about available support services and resources and will assist the Complainant in notifying law enforcement, including the local police, if needed.
Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment Under Title IX (Title IX Policy)
Who should use this form?
The Title IX Incident Reporting form should be used by any Chicago School Community Member to notify the Title IX Coordinator of a possible violation of The Chicago School’s Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment Under Title IX (Title IX Policy).
What happens next?
This report will result in the Title IX Coordinator initiating a preliminary investigation of the allegations and information contained in this report. If you would like to file a police report, please contact local law enforcement.
If you have questions, would like any additional information or would like assistance with completing this form, please contact:
Jennifer Stripe Portillo
Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 213.615.7264
Email: [email protected]
Student Training
The Chicago School is committed to creating and maintaining a safe learning and working environment for all Community Members. As required by federal law, Title IX training is provided to Chicago School students at least twice during their academic journeys:
- During New Student Orientation
- Within a student’s first year of their academic program
Mandatory, online training is provided within a student’s first year of their academic program. A student with training to complete will receive an email from Title IX @ The Chicago School with subject line: Mandatory Title IX Training from The Chicago School. To ensure proper security measures, the training link will require Two-Factor Authentication. A student is required to complete the training within 30 days of receipt of the first email.
- A student who completes the training within 30 days of launch will be entered in a drawing to win Chicago School Bookstore voucher. Gift card winners will be notified by email.
- The training should take less than one hour to complete.
For questions, contact [email protected].
Contact the Title IX Office
Jennifer Stripe Portillo
Title IX Coordinator
(213) 615-7264
Daniel Esquivel
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
(213) 283-4267
Lindy Velasco
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
(213) 615-7234