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Title IX and Identity-Based Resources

While HDS strives for and is committed to a campus community free of identity-based microaggressions, bias, harassment, and/or violence, we also know that issues may arise for students in and outside the classroom and on and office campus. Our use of identity-based issues is inclusive of, but not limited to racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, religious intolerance, misogyny and sexism; homophobia, transphobia, or queerphobia; ableism; and ageism.

Our identities are complex and intersect with one another; we cannot separate our experience of race from our experience with gender or sexuality or any of our other identities. Unfortunately, our experiences of identity-based microaggressions, bias, harassment, and/or violence also often cut across our identities manifesting in, for example, anti-blackness, racism, sexism, and transphobia operating simultaneously.

We recognize that choosing to talk with someone about identity-based issues is a personal one and that discussions around these experiences can be vulnerable and difficult. Your choice to seek support from a particular office or a particular person can be impacted by your specific experience and circumstance, the types of resources you need, your relationship to various support people, and/or your social identities or the social identities of the person to whom you reach out.

Important note on Title IX and Identity-Based reporting, policy, and procedures:

Issues related to sex, gender, and sexuality (including sexual and gender-based harassment and sexual assault) most often fall under Title IX, a federal civil rights law, that prohibits discrimination based on sex. Harvard University has a central office, the Office for Gender Equity (OGE), that oversees the University’s Title IX system. Each school has Title IX Resource Coordinators who receive ongoing training, receive complaints from members of the HDS community, and work directly with OGE on Title IX issues.

  • Because of this, there may be different avenues outlined in the following information for Title IX and Identity-Based reporting, policy, and procedures.
  • There are also places where links are provided to  the Office for Gender Equity (OGE) and relevant to Title IX issues that may also be relevant for all identity-based issues, such as with supportive measures.

Report an Issue

Unless there is an immediate concern of safety, talking to one of these resources will not automatically initiate a complaint or process. We want to be a support to students in seeking resources with the aim of keeping control of any process in your hands. There are many reasons someone might wish to report a Title IX and/or identity-based issue including:

  • seeking medical treatment and emotional care and support
  • exploring supportive measures (such course-related extensions or adjustments or a no contact order)
  • and, receiving information on University Policy and Procedures and on the wide range of resources available to the community.

The following are people and resources available to you to if you would like to speak with someone or report an issue. It is noted if someone is specific to Title IX or identity-based resources.

HDS Title IX and Identity-Based supports

Drema Bowers, Assistant Director for Student Support, provides wholistic student support to HDS students. This includes being a resource and support for academic concerns, accommodations, emotional support, medical and mental health concerns, and personal difficulties. Additionally, Drema serves as the Local Disability Coordinator. 617.496.3091, dbowers@hds.harvard.edu

Tim Whelsky, Associate Dean for Enrollment and Student Services/Title IX Resource Coordinator for Students and available to provide support to students on issues related to Title IX and other forms of identity-based issues, needs, harassment, and violence; available to help you understand HDS and University Policy and Procedures. 617.496.8641, twhelsky@hds.harvard.edu

Janet Gyatso, Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs (for issues within the classroom or with faculty other than Title IX.) jgyatso@hds.harvard.edu

Steph Gauchel, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB)/DIB Care Team Coordinator/Title IX Resource Coordinator for Students, is available to students, staff, and faculty for support related to DIB questions, concerns, and/or identity-based issues, needs, and harm; trained support able to receive and provide guidance, care, and resources for Title IX-related concerns involving students, including help navigating HDS and University Policy and Procedures. 617.496.3091, sgauchel@hds.harvard.edu

Kerry Maloney, HDS Chaplain and Director of Religious and Spiritual Life, is the confidential Title IX and identity-based resource for the HDS campus. 617.495.5778, kmaloney@hds.harvard.edu

Melissa Bartholomew, Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, is available to students, faculty, and staff to provide support and resources related to DIB. This includes questions and concerns pertaining to race, racism, identity, religion, and other dimensions of diversity and the work of strengthening a personal commitment to cultivating a restorative, anti-racist and anti-oppressive way of being at HDS and beyond. p: 617.998.2404, mbartholomew@hds.harvard.edu

Anna Anctil, Director of Human Resources, Title IX Resource Coordinator for Faculty and Staff, available to help you understand HDS and University Policy and Procedures. p: 617.495.5683, aanctil@hds.harvard.edu

HDS Denominational Counselors: The HDS Office of Ministry Studies employs part-time denominational counselors who serve the needs of several particular faith communities at the Divinity School.

Harvard University Title IX and Identity-Specific Resources

University Title IX staff in the Office for Gender Equity

Harvard University’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Resources& Education (SHARE) (confidential, formerly the Office of Sexual Assault Prevention and Response)

  • Call the office to make an appointment at 617.496.5636 or email osapr@harvard.edu.
  • 24/7 hotline (forwarded to the Boston Area Rape Crisis center during the summer)
  • If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress and/or is in need of immediate support, call our 24-hour hotline: 617.495.9100.

Harvard Immigration Rights Clinic

University Disability Services

Harvard Ombuds Office

Off-Campus Title IX and Identity-Specific Resources

Office for Civil Rights

If you would like to talk to someone outside of the University, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is also available to you as a resource on issues of discrimination on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age in programs or activities. The OCR is also able to receive complaints.

OCR.Boston@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education, 8th Floor
5 Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Phone: (617) 289-0111

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Online Resources

More Information on Title IX and Identity-Based policies and procedures