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Title IX (Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment) Policy

Report an Incident:

Incident reports (using the form below) are received by the Title IX Coordinator.

Report an Incident

Title IX (Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment) Policy

What happens when an online incident report is submitted?

The incident report is received by the Title IX Coordinator. They will determine the next steps.

If a name is shared on the form (optional), the Title IX Coordinator will contact that individual directly
and promptly. They will talk with the individual about the incident and discuss options. In addition,
they will provide information regarding resources and support.

If a name is not shared on the form, the Title IX Coordinator will determine next steps based upon
the information provided. (Please note that anonymous information provides perspective regarding a
situation and allows the seminary to record statistics regarding incidents; however, depending on the
details provided, anonymous information may not enable any direct action.)

A complete description of policies and procedures can be found in Luther Seminary’s Title IX (Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment) Policy, available in the link above.

What other reporting options do I have?

This online form is one of several ways you may report. Other ways to report include:

  • Individuals may go directly to the Title IX Coordinator or any member of the Title IX Team to meet in person.
  • Individuals may call or email the Title IX Coordinator or any member of the Title IX Team.
  • Individuals may meet/call/email a trusted staff or faculty member.  All Luther employees are mandated to report any sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.

Who should file an incident report?

  • Individuals may use any of the reporting options above to report incidents that are witnessed (even if that individual was not directly involved in said incident) and/or on behalf of another person.
  • Individuals are encouraged to refer colleagues or classmates to report incidents of discrimination and/or bias using any of the reporting options outlined above.
  • In order to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and Title IX, Seminary personnel (including faculty, administrators and staff) who are not themselves the victim of the act are obligated to report immediately all suspected or alleged incidents of sexual assault, sex discrimination, non-harassment sex discrimination, or sex-based harassment to the Title IX Coordinator.

Title IX Coordinator

Title IX refers to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender by institutions receiving federal money. Generally, the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX law. This includes overseeing the Title IX complaint process as well as identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise.

Luther Seminary’s Title IX Coordinator is:
Kenneth A. Reynhout
Title IX Coordinator
Gullixson Hall 106
651-641-3247
titleix@luthersem.edu

Luther Seminary’s Title IX’s Team includes, but is not limited to:

Luther Seminary’s Title IX training materials can be viewed at the following links:

The Title IX Coordinator will identify any patterns or systemic problems that arise; Title IX Investigators will be engaged to follow up on specific complaints.

Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator or to:

Office for Civil Rights
Chicago Office
U.S. Department of Education
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (312) 730-1560
Facsimile: (312) 730-1576
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov

Title IX Protection

Luther Seminary believes that all members of the campus community are entitled to an environment that enables them to develop and contribute in their full capacity. When sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment occurs, the standards of the institution are violated, and the environment is disrupted. Sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment is prohibited by law, as well as by institutional policy at Luther Seminary.

Sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment committed on property owned or controlled by Luther Seminary, by a student, faculty member, staff member, or visitor against any minors, student, faculty member, staff member or visitor is prohibited and shall be considered a violation of this policy, whether or not prohibited by law. In addition, sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment committed by a student, faculty member or staff member against a member of these groups anywhere other than property owned or controlled by the Seminary in the United States will also violate this policy.  Any person violating this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge of an employee or expulsion of a student.

Romantic relationships between faculty members and students or staff members and students create issues of actual or perceived exploitation and favoritism. Holding to the highest standards of professionalism, faculty and staff members are prohibited from seeking out, encouraging, or entering into a sexual or romantic relationship with any student during the time in which the student is enrolled at Luther Seminary.

Matters of sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment within the Seminary will be addressed with seriousness and regard for the persons involved. Under no circumstances will Luther Seminary tolerate reprisals against an individual who in good faith reports harassment.

Resources for Victims

Any victim of sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment should consider seeking immediate medical and emotional assistance. Assistance is available by utilizing the following services:

EMERGENCY 911

(dial 9-911 from an on-campus telephone)

  • St. Paul Police (Non-emergency) – 651-291-1111
  • Minneapolis Police (Non-emergency) – 311

Confidential Resources

  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988
  • SOS Sexual Violence Services (Ramsey County) – 651-266-1000
  • Minneapolis Sexual Violence Center – 612-871-5111
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – 800-656-4673
  • Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (Non-Emergency) – 651-209-9993
  • Day One Crisis Line (24/7) – 866-223-1111
  • Day One TEXT Line – 612-399-9995

Victims Rights: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/help-for-crime-victims/Pages/crime-victims-rights.aspx

  • Speak to someone. A brief list of Confidential Resources is above.
    • You have no affirmative duty to complain to the respondent about their conduct.
    • If you wish to gain a broader perspective, you may speak to any of the Confidential Resources above.  You may consult a counselor from the Luther Seminary Well-Being Guide.
    • You may consider talking to any member of the Spiritual First Responders or Title IX team (above), but be aware they are mandated reporters and must give this information to the Title IX Coordinator. You may engage in this initial conversation without revealing the name of the person or persons involved.
  • Seek information and support. Seek information and support.  The Title IX Coordinator can provide more background on the nature of sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment, the avenues for maintaining confidentiality, and formal and informal steps a student can take to resolve an offensive situation.
  • Do not blame yourself. Do not blame yourself. Your inquiry or complaint will be taken seriously. Your confidentiality will be respected to the degree possible, and your complaint will not be revealed to others without your consent whenever possible. If Luther Seminary becomes aware of sexual misconduct, however, it will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation.

Luther Seminary personnel responding to an incident of sex discrimination and/or sex-based harassment will inform the victim of the options of criminal prosecution, medical assistance, and the Seminary’s complaint process. Campus personnel will assist the victim with these contacts if requested. In addition, confidential counseling, support resources, academic assistance, and alternative housing assignments will be discussed as appropriate. Seminary personnel will also inform victims of their rights under the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, including assistance from the Minnesota State Crime Victims Reparations Board and the Minnesota State Office of the Crime Victim Ombudsman.

For a complete description of current policies, processes, and support resources, see Luther Seminary’s Title IX (Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment) Policy.