Equity and Title IX
Muhlenberg’s Office of Equity and Title IX fulfills the legal requirements of an institution that receives federal funding by ensuring compliance with both Title VI and Title IX.
Please review the quick links and don’t worry, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here, you can reach out to the Office of Equity and Title IX team at telephone 484-664-3562 or via email: jenniferstorm@muhlenberg.edu.
Please refer to the College’s Policies and Procedures page for information on Campus Wide Policies. If you’re unable to find what a specific policy, use the search bar located in the “Menu” option in the main navigation.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that protects persons from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal funding. Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions that receive federal funding. The term “equity” refers to fairness and justice. Whereas “equality” means providing the same to all, equity means recognizing that we do not all start from the same place and must acknowledge and make adjustments to imbalances. Muhlenberg College is committed to providing an inclusive educational environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The Office of Equity and Title IX supports this commitment.
Policies and Reporting
File an Online Report
Do not use these forms to report events presenting an emergency and/or immediate threat to life or property. Please contact Campus Safety at 484-664-3110 or dial 911.
If you are aware of any information that should be reported, please do so using the forms below. We encourage filling out the reporting forms with as much information as possible.
False reporting and retaliation are very serious violations of college policy. If an individual makes a false report or takes negative action towards a reporter, that individual may face consequences under the student code of conduct, staff handbook, or faculty handbook.
Student of Concern Referral Form
Use this form to report non-urgent and concerning observed student behavior. This information is used to help the college provide the necessary support and resources to students in distressing and difficult situations or displaying concerning behavior within the community.
- Aggression
- Depression
- Drugs/alcohol
- Self-injurious behavior
- Financial issues
- Unusual behavior
Student Academic Issue Reporting Form
Course instructors, use this form to report academic difficulty that might require additional attention from the assistant dean of academic life. The information provided will be used to determine best ways of supporting and intervening as necessary with students in distress.
- Poor or inconsistent attendance
- Late or missing assignments
- Low participation or engagement
- Quiz or exam grades of D or F
- Disruptive behavior in the classroom
Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, or Bias Incident Reporting Form About Students
Use this form to report a non-urgent incident involving bias. A bias incident is an act of hostility motivated by bias toward a protected class such as race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, national origin, or disability.
- Harassment
- Vandalism
- Graffiti
- Violence
- Verbal attack
Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation, or Bias Incident Reporting Form About Faculty/Staff
Use this form to report a non-urgent incident involving bias. A bias incident is an act of hostility motivated by bias toward a protected class such as race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, national origin, or disability.
- Harassment
- Vandalism
- Graffiti
- Violence
- Verbal attack
Sexual Harassment or Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking
Use this form to report incidents of sexual misconduct and behavior that violate Title IX.
- Dating and domestic violence
- Gender-based discrimination
- Retaliatory harassment
- Sexual harassment
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
General Incident Reporting Form
Use this form to report general incidents of misconduct. Incidents include, but are not limited to:
- Alcohol use
- Drug use
- Housing policy violations
- Physical assault
- Organizational violations
- Hazing incidents
- Disruptive behavior
- Vandalism
Resources and Training
Muhlenberg College is committed to ensuring every member of the campus community has equal educational and employment opportunities. Below are resources related to equity and Title IX.
Equity and Title IX Resources
Find key resources related to equity and Title IX at Muhlenberg, including our reporting process, ways to support impacted persons, mandatory reporting information, and more.
Training Materials for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Explore additional training content designed to support awareness, prevention, and response efforts across campus.
Schedule a Training
Schedule a training with our office around issues related to equity and Title IX.
Office of Prevention Education
The Office of Prevention Education promotes healthy relationships, sexual wellness, and a culture of consent through inclusive, trauma-informed education. We support all students — regardless of sexual activity, orientation, or identity — in making empowered choices and fostering mutual respect in their relationships. Through workshops, peer education, and campus-wide initiatives, the office equips students with the tools to recognize and intervene in situations involving sexual or relationship-based harm, while supporting survivors in healing and restoration.
Voices of Strength (VOS)
Our student peer educators lead outreach and education on consent, healthy relationships, and sexual misconduct prevention across campus.
Mandatory Reporting at Muhlenberg College
All Muhlenberg employees — faculty, staff, and student employees — are mandatory reporters. They must report identity-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, retaliatory harassment, and criminal behavior they learn about on campus, at college events, or involving any member of the college community. Here are some FAQs about mandatory reporting.
Why are all employees mandatory reporters?
The college is legally required to address incidents under federal civil rights laws, including Title IX, Title VI, Title VII, the Clery Act, the ADA, Section 504, and the Age Discrimination Act. Given Muhlenberg’s close-knit campus and strong relationships among students, faculty, and staff, the college designates all employees as mandatory reporters of these incidents.
Are any employees not mandatory reporters?
Yes. Confidential employees — such as licensed counselors, health care providers, and clergy — are not mandatory reporters when acting in that role.
Where do I report an incident?
- Report identity-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and retaliatory harassment to the Office of Equity and Title IX.
- Report criminal conduct, including sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and retaliatory harassment to Campus Safety.
- Filing an online incident report for non-emergencies (at muhlenberg.edu/report) will satisfy your mandatory reporting obligation to the Office of Equity and Title IX and Campus Safety.
What should I include in my report?
Share only the information you have. Do not investigate. If known, include:
- Names of all parties involved (complainant, accused, witnesses)
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Details shared by the complainant
- Whether confidentiality or no action was requested
- Any other relevant facts
Should I tell someone I’m a mandatory reporter?
You’re not required to, but doing so can build trust. You might say:
“I’m sorry this happened. As a mandatory reporter, I must share this with the Office of Equity and Title IX [and Campus Safety]. They’ll reach out to you first. You can also speak confidentially with our counselors, health care providers, or chaplains if you’d prefer.”
If the person is in immediate danger, contact Campus Safety.
When am I not required to report?
Your duty to report applies when acting — or are perceived to be acting — as a college employee. However, public events like vigils, protests, or survivor speak-outs do not trigger reporting obligations. Let the Office of Equity and Title IX and Campus Safety know about such events so they can provide resources.
What if someone asks me not to report?
You must still report what you learn. But you can support the student by:
- Referring them to confidential resources (counselors, health care providers, clergy)
- Explaining that only the Office of Equity and Title IX and Campus Safety will see the report and the information will be treated as privately as possible
- Letting them know they may choose what happens next, unless there’s a clear risk to self, others, or community
- Offering to accompany them as a support person during the reporting process
I became aware of an incident but I am not sure if it triggers my mandatory reporting obligation. Who should I talk to?
Please contact equityandtitleix@muhlenberg.edu or 484-664-3562.
Title IX Process at Muhlenberg
Muhlenberg College is committed to providing a prompt, equitable, and supportive response to all reports of identity-based discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, stalking, and retaliatory harassment.
How to File a Report
Reports may be submitted:
- Online at muhlenberg.edu/equityandtitleix
- In person at the Office of Equity and Title IX (3rd Floor, Haas)
- By phone: 484-664-3562
- By email: equityandtitleix@muhlenberg.edu
Anonymous reports are permitted but may limit the college’s ability to fully respond.
What Happens After a Report Is Filed
Step 1: Intake and Initial Assessment
- The Office of Equity and Title IX conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the alleged conduct may violate college policy.
- Supportive measures are offered to all parties, regardless of whether a formal report is filed. These may include:
- No-contact orders
- Housing, class, or work accommodations
- Support from the Division of College Life
If no policy violation is found or the individual chooses not to pursue a formal process, no further action is taken.
Step 2: Outreach to the Reporting Party
If a policy violation is possible and the reporting party wishes to proceed, they can choose between:
Option A: Informal Resolution
- May involve negotiation, restorative justice, or the respondent accepting responsibility
- If an agreement is reached: the case is resolved with no further action
- If no agreement is reached: the case may move to a formal resolution
Option B: Formal Resolution
- Electronic/written notification to involved parties
- Investigation by trained Title IX investigators
- Review of report produced by investigators
- Panel Review or Live Hearing
- Determination of responsibility:
- If responsible: sanctions may be issued
- If not responsible: no further action taken
Step 3: Sanctions and Appeals
If a finding of responsibility is made, sanctions are determined by the Panel hearing the case and then upheld or modified by:
- The Vice President of College Life
- The Provost’s Office
- Human Resources, depending on the individuals involved
Parties have the right to appeal the outcome.
Please note that the Office of Equity and Title IX is not a confidential office, though information that is reported to the Office of Equity and Title IX will be treated with careful discretion and consideration. Confidential resources on campus include health and counseling services, the college chaplain, and the director of the Leffell Center for Jewish Student Life.
Notice of Nondiscrimination
Muhlenberg College does not discriminate against any person based on age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination in violation of nondiscrimination policies including complaints made under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex) may be directed to Muhlenberg’s director of equity and Title IX by calling 484-664-3562.
Individuals with complaints of this nature also have the right to file a formal complaint with the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Employees who believe they have been discriminated against under this policy have the right to file a formal complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.