Under the Office of the Kentucky State University President, the Interim Coordinator of Title IX is responsible for assuring campus compliance in matters related to Title IX and for coordinating the University's efforts to fulfill its responsibilities which prohibits sex discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. The Interim Title IX Coordinator at Kentucky State University is Michael DeCourcy and he reports to the President. The Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) is the liaison from the athletics program to Kentucky State's Title IX Office.
Policies and procedures are essential for the efficient operation of any athletics program. Clearly articulating and communicating policies and procedures for athletics staff and student-athletes is especially important to creating a positive working environment and helping ensure fair and equitable treatment. Kentucky State University has extensive policies which appear on the University's website specific to Title IX Sexual Harassment and Sexual Misconduct. However, there does not appear to be any reference or policies specific to Title IX as it relates to equity in athletics.
Having gender neutral policies will help ensure decisions impacting the quality of the student-athlete experience for both genders will be equitable. Currently there is no consolidated manual to address standard operating procedures and policies. There are some protocols and operational procedures which athletics administrators and head coaches use to manage, direct and supervise sports programs and manage programmatic elements of the athletics program. A Policies and Procedures Manual can serve as a source of information that provides an overview of the athletics program that includes its vision, mission, goals, policies and procedures, including policies specific to gender equity.
For example, there is not an Athletics Gender Equity Plan or a Gender Equity Committee who reviews, monitors and makes recommendations to the Director of Athletics on gender equity matters in the athletics program. There is not a written policy on how the athletics program determines participation opportunities, including adding new sports, elevating a club sport or eliminating sports programs.
Based on the comprehensive review of the athletics program it appears there has been little attention paid to, and progress made on addressing gender equity in recent years at Kentucky State University. It is unclear when the last review of gender equity took place.
Most of the university's emphasis on equity, diversity and inclusion is centered on Title IX regulations related to sexual assault and sexual harassment. There also appears to be no formal training or professional development for the athletics staff or student-athletes related to gender equity in athletics on a consistent basis.
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