Title IX Vermont Law and Graduate School

Consistent with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Vermont Law and Graduate School does not discriminate against students, faculty or staff based on sex in any of its programs or activities, including but not limited to educational programs, employment, and admission. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a kind of sex discrimination and is prohibited by Title IX and by the University.

Vermont Law and Graduate School also complies with Vermont laws that protect individuals from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, as well as on the basis of gender identity. Questions or concerns about possible discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity under state law may also be directed to a VLGS Title IX Resource Coordinator, or to the VLGS’s Title IX Office.
Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to responding promptly and effectively when it learns of any form of possible discrimination based on sex. VLGS responds to reports of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, as part of its efforts to stop the harassment and prevent the recurrence of possible sex discrimination. An individual who has questions or concerns regarding possible discrimination based on sex should contact a Title IX Resource Coordinator at their respective School or unit (if applicable), or Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Title IX Resource Coordinators. An individual also may contact the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”).

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal civil rights law passed as part of the Education Amendments of 1972. This law protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX states that:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Title IX Office

The Title IX Office is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment that is free from sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. Our office supports the entire Vermont Law and Graduate School Community in a neutral role, meaning that all members of the VLGS community can access our resources.

Our office provides ongoing support and training to our Title IX Resource Coordinators. We work with VLGS and community resources to ensure that students, staff, and faculty receive accurate and consistent information regarding available resources and options. We also provide direct support to community members, including facilitation of informal resolutions.

In addition, we develop educational resources and initiatives, including comprehensive training for students, staff, and faculty. The Title IX staff regularly solicits feedback from VLGS students, staff, and faculty to tailor our materials and training to meet our community’s needs.

Regardless of your affiliation with Vermont Law and Graduate School, we can provide you with information and support specific to your concerns.

Title IX Resource Coordinators

Title IX Resource Coordinators serve in a neutral role and support all members of the VLGS community. Resource Coordinators have specialized experience in responding to disclosures of sexual and gender-based harassment in the VLGS community. They are also aware that your concerns may be of a sensitive nature and can offer supports to help you continue with your work or studies while maintaining appropriate discretion.

Contacting your Title IX Resource Coordinator is not the same as filing a formal complaint with Vermont Law and Graduate School’s Title IX Coordinator. When you reach out to a Title IX Resource Coordinator, you are free to share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable.

Title IX Coordinator

Professor Jessica Durkis-Stokes has been designated to serve as the VLGS Title IX Coordinator replacing Professor Jeannie Oliver in that role. Professor Durkis-Stokes will oversee compliance efforts and investigate any complaints of sex discrimination.

Reports can be made directly to Professor Durkis-Stokes at jdurkisstokes@vermontlaw.edu or phone directly to: 802-831-1274

Reports can also be made to Professor Jessica Brown, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, at jbrown@vermontlaw.edu or via phone to: 802-831-1101, or to Dean Lisa Ryan, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, at lryan@vermontlaw.edu or via phone to: 802-831-1079.

Title IX Training

VLGS Title IX Coordinators have completed the following training:
NACUA Title-IX Final Regulations Grid with Preamble (overview)
Title IX Course Module 1
Title IX Course Module 2
Title IX Course Module 3



Title IX Policies

Vermont Law and Graduate School is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the school community is, on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation or gender identity, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any VLGS program or activity. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination in that it denies an individual equal access to the school’s programs or activities.

Vermont Law and Graduate School’s policies prohibiting sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct are designed to ensure a safe and non-discriminatory educational and work environment and to meet legal requirements, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in VLS’s programs or activities; relevant sections of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in employment; and Vermont laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry or place of birth, mental or physical disability, age, marital status and credit history.

Reporting Sexual Assault

To send an anonymous, confidential report to Professor Durkis-Stokes, Title IX Coordinator, please use the link below: