Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that protects people from sex discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance.

The University is committed to providing an environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex. The University provides many resources to students, faculty and staff to address concerns relating to discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual misconduct.

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In accordance with the requirements of Title IX, the University has designated Precious Gunter, Director of Institutional Equity, Ethics and Compliance, as the University’s Title IX Coordinator. 

As the Title IX Coordinator, Mrs. Gunter’s responsibilities include:

1. Tracking and monitoring incidents, including sex discrimination and sexual misconduct and ensuring that the University responds promptly and effectively to each complaint;
   2. Resolving complaints and addressing issues of gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct;
   3. Where appropriate, conducting investigations of particular situations; and
   4. Compliance-related responsibilities and reporting.

Precious G. Gunter
Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance
Florida Gulf Coast University
Edwards Hall 114
10501 FGCU Boulevard, South
Fort Myers, Florida 33965-6565
Telephone: 239-745-4366 or TTY: 711
Fax: 239-590-7470
Email: pgunter@fgcu.edu

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Any student, faculty or staff member, or applicant for admission or employment who has concerns about sex discrimination or sexual misconduct is encouraged to seek the assistance of the Title IX Coordinator. Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you: 

1. Wish to understand your options if you think you may have encountered sex discrimination or sexual misconduct;
   2. Learn of a situation that you feel may warrant a University investigation;
   3. Need help on how to handle a situation by which you are indirectly affected;
   4. Seek guidance on possible informal remedies or administrative measures to de-escalate or alleviate a difficult situation;
   5. Have questions about University’s policies and procedures.

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The University must keep confidential the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination, including any individual who has made a report or filed a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment; any Reporting Party; any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination; any Responding Party; and any witness except as permitted by FERPA, as required by law, or to carry out the conduct of any investigation or hearing under these Procedures or any judicial proceedings or court order, as required by law.

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The penalty for an institution’s failure to comply with Title IX can include, in the most extreme circumstances, the termination of all or part of an institution’s federal funding. This includes grants, subsidies, and other program funds from the federal government. In addition to the loss of federal funds, universities may be sued by those seeking redress for violations of Title IX. It is essential that institutions receiving federal funding to operate in a nondiscriminatory manner. To ensure the University’s compliance with the law, adherence to Title IX regulations is everyone’s responsibility.

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