Office of Title IX Compliance

Who We Are

Title IX and other federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ+ identity. These laws impose legal requirements and protections that serve as a foundation from which Bradley University has created policies, practices, services, and programs that work in concert to advance equity for students, staff, and faculty of all identities.

The Office of Title IX Compliance serves as the University’s central resource for addressing and preventing gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, and violence issues experienced by all members of the Bradley community. We are committed to creating educational programming for a variety of audiences, providing a range of supportive measures, conducting impartial and trauma-informed investigations of complaints, facilitating informal resolutions, and ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates. We encourage all campus community members to increase their awareness, prevent violence where they can, and foster a culture of safety and respect.

There are several ways to report an issue to the Office of Title IX Compliance, including using the link below. Submitting a report via the link below will allow the Office of Title IX Compliance to reach out with resources and support. Reports can also be made by contacting the Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Deputy Coordinators directly.

Submit A Report

Latest Title IX News

Due to the recent State of Tennessee v. Cardona decision on Jan. 9, 2025, Bradley University is in the process of reviewing and updating its Title IX policy to comply with the Title IX regulations that are currently in effect. While this review is ongoing, procedural adjustments may be made as necessary to ensure compliance with federal requirements. If you have questions about how this may impact your case, please contact the Title IX Office at [email protected] or (309) 677-2081.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, we reserve the right to update this website and our policies as needed. We encourage you to check back regularly for the latest information and resources.

For Reference

Bradley University reaffirms its Core Values through a commitment to maintaining a community in which students, faculty, and staff are free from discrimination of any kind. This includes, but is not limited to, any unfair or inappropriate treatment based on age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Bradley University does not tolerate such discrimination and is dedicated to educating its community about these critical issues. This commitment aligns with the Bradley Core Curriculum’s goal to provide students with diverse knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and success in a complex world. By promoting understanding and sensitivity, Bradley University lays the groundwork for continuous intellectual growth.

Bradley University complies with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination, harassment, and equal opportunity. Any member of the University community who believes they have been subjected to discrimination is encouraged to seek redress through established University procedures and resources. The University is committed to addressing such concerns promptly and effectively.

Further, Bradley University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. To report concerns that may constitute sex discrimination or to make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please contact Bradley University’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. Bradley University’s Title IX Coordinator is Jocelyn Watkins, [email protected], (309) 677-2081, or Bradley Hall 246.

Bradley University is a community of trust whose existence depends on strict adherence to the Standards of Conduct as found in the Bradley University Student Handbook. Sexual assault is a violation of these standards, specifically #5. If a person engages in sexual penetration without consent, by use of physical force, coercion or threat (actual or implied), the act is considered sexual assault. A person who is asleep, unconscious, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless due to drug or alcohol consumption is considered unable to consent.

Sexual misconduct means any intentional or knowing touching or fondling by the victim or the accused, either directly or through clothing, of the sex organs, mouth, anus, or breast of the victim or the accused. Sexual misconduct includes any sex crime including, but not limited to, sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sexual coercion, and sexual exposure.

The University encourages all members of the University community to be aware of both the consequences of sexual assault and misconduct and the options available to survivors. If your or a friend has been subjected to any form of sexual misconduct please use the following procedures:

Get the person to a safe and secure environment.
Preserve all physical evidence. (This means refraining from washing, using the toilet, or changing clothing.) A person may or may not choose to press charges, but preserving physical evidence will give them the option to do so later on.
Seek medical treatment.
Report the incident.

Contacts for Reporting

Title IX Coordinator
Jocelyn Watkins
(309) 677-2081
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Jessica Spelman

(309) 677-4170
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Crystal Elliott
(309) 677-3223
Executive Director of Student Support Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Anne Hollis
309) 677-3658
Executive Director of Residential Living and Judicial
Ryan Bair
(309) 677-2697

Additional Contacts:

Bradley University Police
(309) 677-2000
Bradley Counseling Center (confidential reporting)
(309) 677-2700
Peoria Center for Prevention of Abuse (confidential reporting)
(800) 559-7233
EthicsPoint Reporting (anonymous reporting)
(877) 226-2407

When reporting the incident to Jocelyn Watkins, Crystal Elliot, Anne Hollis or Ryan Bair a student will be made aware of options for pursuing charges against the offender(s) through the criminal courts and the university disciplinary system. Filing a report does not obligate a person to continue with University disciplinary actions or legal proceedings. At the reporting party’s request, special provisions such as temporary alternate campus housing or no contact orders may be arranged during the period of investigation and adjudication.

Additional resources may be found by downloading Reach Out – College edition. It is a free app that is customized to Bradley specific policies, resources and contact information.

Reference the Student Guide on Sexual Misconduct

A student charged with sexual assault or misconduct may face disciplinary actions under the University Standards of Conduct and may be prosecuted under Illinois criminal statutes. Even if the criminal justice authorities choose not to prosecute, the University can pursue disciplinary action. Both the accuser and the accused will be informed of the outcome of any University disciplinary proceeding brought alleging a sex offense.

Bradley University reaffirms the principle that its students, faculty, and staff have a right to be free from sexual harassment by any member of the University community. Bradley University does not tolerate harassment in the enlightened society in which it operates, and will commit its efforts to educate its students and staff that the understanding of and sensitivity to these issues are paramount in the world both inside and outside the University.

Sexual harassment in any situation is inexcusable, but even more reprehensible when it influences decisions impacting the student’s academic status or career goals, or when they exploit the educational dependence and trust between student and faculty.

Bradley University is in compliance with the US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, requirements in Title IX. Jocelyn Watkins serves as the University’s Title IX Coordinator.

Contacts for Reporting

Title IX Coordinator

Jocelyn Watkins

(309) 677-2081
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Jessica Spelman

(309) 677-4170
Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Crystal Elliott

(309) 677-3223
Executive Director of Student Support Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Anne Hollis

(309) 677-3658
Executive Director of Residential Living and Judicial

Ryan Bair

(309) 677-2697

What is Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is defined as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into a sexual relationship, to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, to punish a refusal to comply, or to create a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. Sexual harassment is understood to include a wide range of behaviors from the actual coercing of sexual relations to the unwelcomed emphasizing of sexual identity.

It’s Never Okay

If sexual conduct is criminal in nature, contact Bradley University Police, (309) 677-2000 or 911 immediately. Any student who believes they are being subjected to sexual harassment or retaliated against should report it immediately to Bradley University, Jocelyn Watkins (Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-2081, Crystal Elliott (Director of Human Resources/Deputy Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-3223, Anne Hollis (Director, Center or Student Support Services/Deputy Title IX Coordinator) at (309) 677-3658 or to the Department of Human Rights at (217) 785-5100.

Sexual Harassment in Higher Education is Illegal

The Illinois Human Rights Act (“Act”) prohibits sexual harassment in institutions of higher education. The Act specifically prohibits unwelcome advances or conduct of a sexual nature, and requests for sexual favors of students by an executive, faculty or staff member.

Examples of Sexual Harassment in Higher Education

A professor who continually makes jokes of a sexual nature in the classroom.
An advisor who tells a student he or she might be able to get into a class if the student dates the advisor.
An admissions representative who tells a prospective student they will put in a “good word” for the prospective student if he or she dates the representative.
A financial aid advisor who tells a student that “if you have sex with me, I can look out for scholarships for you.

Protection Against Retaliation:

Opposing sexual harassment
For participating in an investigation (internal or external) of sexual harassment; or
For filing a charge

Any charge alleging sexual harassment in higher education must be filed within 180 days of alleged incident(s). Complaint forms are available on the Department of Human Rights website.

Bradley University does not discriminate in its education programs, activities, or employment on the basis of current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions as mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).

Any student or employee may reach out directly to Jessica Spelman, Title IX Deputy Coordinator at 309-677-4170 or email [email protected]. The Coordinator &/or Deputy Coordinator will assist in reviewing available resources & accessing individualized reasonable modifications.

The university maintains 3 lactation spaces that are functional, private & safe on campus that are available for use by students and employees. To access these lactation spaces, please contact Jessica Spelman, Title IX Deputy Coordinator at 309-677-4170 or [email protected].

We recognize that there can be unique challenges for individuals navigating pregnancy & postpartum. We want you to know that we are here for you and want to ensure you are empowered to make choices that are best for your needs and those of your family, without pressure and with respect for your autonomy and privacy. Any individual’s information, including their pregnancy or related condition status, any medical information or other disclosed information will be handled as private education records under FERPA for students or as personnel records for employees.

Any university employee who becomes aware of a student’s pregnancy or related condition is required to provide the student with the Title IX Coordinator’s contact information and communicate that the Coordinator can help take specific actions to prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to the university’s education program and activity.

The full Bradley University Pregnancy & Related Condition Policy can be found here.

Education and Outreach

The Title IX team at Bradley University is committed to educating our community about sex- and gender-based discrimination and its impact on all of us. Our goal is to create a safer, more inclusive environment by raising awareness and providing the tools needed to prevent and address these issues.

We offer a variety of educational programs to help you understand these topics and know what to do if you or someone you know is affected. If you’d like to schedule a training or presentation for your group, you can easily do so using the link below. We can come to your dorm, class, or meeting space, or even connect virtually. Our sessions are designed to encourage open conversation and critical thinking, empowering everyone to contribute to a safer, more respectful campus.

You can easily request a training or presentation using the link below to discuss your needs and schedule a program for your campus group.

Presentation Request

Reporting and Complaint Resolution

Reporting a concern about a possible incident of sex- or gender-based discrimination, sex-based or sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, or stalking is the first step in getting the Office of Title IX Compliance involved. We encourage anyone who has experienced or witnessed a possible incident to report it to our office. You can file a report through our website by filling out our reporting form.

When our office receives a report, our priority is to contact the impacted individual(s) to ensure their safety, explore supportive measures, and discuss potential next steps. These may include options for resolving the situation through grievance procedures outlined in the Interim Title IX Policy.

For all types of sex discrimination complaints, including those involving sex- or gender-based harassment (including sexual harassment), sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking, the Interim Title IX Policy provides detailed information on the processes and options available.

In most cases, the decision to proceed with a formal resolution process is up to the impacted individual. However, in certain circumstances – such as concerns about personal or community safety – the University may need to initiate an investigation regardless of the individual’s wishes. If this occurs, we will communicate with the impacted individual and ensure they receive the necessary support throughout the process.

Impacted individual(s) may also choose to file a complaint with external agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and/or the Illinois Department of Human Rights, if they believe their rights under Title IX have been violated.

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Support and Resources

Support and resources are available to every member of the Bradley University community, regardless of whether an investigation is pursued. If you submit a report via the online Title IX reporting form, our Title IX staff will reach out to discuss supportive measures, explain formal and informal resolution options, and provide referrals to additional resources tailored to your needs.

The Bradley University Resource Guide on Sexual Misconduct is designed for University community members who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. This guide provides essential information on available resources and reporting options, empowering individuals to choose the path that feels right for their situation.

Sexual Misconduct Resource Guide

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Additional Links

Policies and Compliance

Title IX, Title VII, VAWA, Illinois state law, and Bradley University policies collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) identity. Bradley University policy also explicitly prohibits sex-based harassment, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and retaliation against individuals who raise concerns about any of these behaviors.

Title IX and Bradley University policies apply to and protect all students, staff, faculty, and other academic personnel across all locations, programs, and activities affiliated with the University. Visitors are also expected to adhere to the conduct expectations of the Bradley University community and may report any violations of these policies by University community members.

Interim Title IX Policy

Good Samaritan Policy

Bradley Pregnancy and Related Conditions

Campus Sexual Misconduct Climate Summary

Illinois Human Rights Act

Title IX Federal Law & Regulation

Title VII Federal Law & Regulation

Violence Against Women Act

2020 Regulations and Resources

The 2020 Title IX regulations are currently in effect due to recent federal legal decisions, including the State of Tennessee v. Cardona ruling on Jan. 9, 2025. While these regulations were originally in place from Aug. 14, 2020 to July 31, 2024, they have now been reinstated.

At Bradley University, we are not simply reverting to our previous Title IX policy but are actively updating our Interim Title IX Policy, which was written to comply with the now-vacated 2024 regulations, to ensure alignment with the reinstated 2020 regulations. This process includes reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and guidance materials.

As these updates continue, this webpage serves as a historical reference for the 2020 regulations and related materials prior to Aug. 1, 2024. Please check back regularly for the latest information. If you have questions about how these changes may impact your case, contact the Office of Title IX Compliance at [email protected] or (309) 677-2081.

When our office receives a report of a potential Title IX violation, our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the impacted individual(s). We will reach out to discuss supportive measures that can be implemented immediately, as well as next steps. These discussions are voluntary & may include options regarding the grievance procedures and the filing of a formal complaint.

Grievance Procedures

The formal complaint grievance process generally followed a specific flowchart, outlining how allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, and stalking were addressed under the 2020 regulations.

Grievance Process Flow Chart

Complaint Resolution

For allegations of sex- or gender-based discrimination, the university’s Complaint Resolution grievance processes were used to resolve Title IX formal complaints. In most cases, the decision to proceed with a formal complaint was up to the impacted individual. However, in rare circumstances, such as when personal or community safety was at risk, the University may have been obligated to investigate even if the impacted individual was not ready. In such cases, the University would ensure that the individual received appropriate support throughout the process.

More to come!