UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION ILLINOIS OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS INDIANA IOWA 500 WEST MADISON SUITE 1475 MIngso-l?A CHICAGO. II. 60661-4544 NORTH DAKOTA WISCONSIN June 24, 2014 Re: OCR Docket #05-14-2408 ear This letter is to notify you, the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR), has evaluated the complaint you ?led with OCR on May 16, mgainst Knox College (College) alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. We conducted the evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manual to determine whether to Open your complaint for investigation. We have determined that we have the authority to investigate your complaint. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 1681 and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. AS a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department and a public entity, the District is subject to these laws. Additional information about the laws OCR enforces is available on our website at OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that this allegation is timely. OCR is Opening this allegation for investigation. Please note that opening the allegation for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merit. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-tinder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally sufficient and is dispositive of the allegations. in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. OCR offers, when appropriate, an Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early Opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the allegation(s). Some information about the ECR process is in the enclosure to this letter entitled Complaint Processing Procedures.? 'Ihe Department of Education?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ed . gov Page 2 In addition, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after the recipient asks OCR to resolve the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. OCR is committed to a high-quality resolution of every case. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sandra L. Garcia, Senior, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730-1580 or by email at Sandra.L.Garcia@ecl.gov. . Tamburro Supervisory Attorney Enclosure UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION ILLINOIS OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 1ND. AN A IOWA 500 WEST MADISON SUITE 1475 MINNESOTA CHICAGO, 60661-4544 NORTH DAKOTA WISCONS i June 24, 2014 Re: OCR Docket #05-14-2408 Dear This letter is to notify you, the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR), has evaluated the complaint yOu ?led with OCR on May 14, against Knox College (College) alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. We conducted the evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manual to determine whether to open your complaint for investigation. We have determined that we have the authority to investigate your complaint. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 1681, and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department and a public entity, the District is subject to these laws. Additional information about the laws OCR enforces is available on our website at http://wwmvedgov/ocr. OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that this allegation is timely. OCR is Opening this allegation for investigation. Please note that opening the allegation for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merit. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-?nder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally suf?cient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. OCR offers, when appropriate, an Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early opportunity for the parties involved to The Department of Education?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational eXCellence and ensuring equal access. gov Page 2 resolve the allegation(s). Some information about the ECR process is in the enclosure to this letter entitled Complaint Processing Procedures.? In addition, when appr0priate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after the recipient asks OCR to resoIVe the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. OCR is committed to a high-quality resolution of every case. If you have any questions, please Contact Ms. Sandra L. Garcia, Senior, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730?1580 or by email at Sandra.L.Garcia@ed.gov. E. Tamburro Supervisory Attorney Enclosure UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ILLINOIS INDIANA 500 WEST MADISON sr., SUITE 1475 Ibomunmm CHICAGO, IL 60661-4544 nonrasgz?om WISCONSIN June 24, 2014 Dr. Teresa L. Amott, President Knox College Of?ce of the President 2 East South Street Galesburg, IL 61401-4999 Re: 05-14-2408 Dear Dr. Amott: This letter is to notify you that the US. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) has evaluated the above-referenced complaint, filed with OCR on May 14, and May 16, against Knox College (College), alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. conducted the evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manuai to determine whether to open the complaint fer investigation. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 U.S.C. 168], and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department, the College is subject to Title IX. Additional information about the laws OCR enforces is available on our website at OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that this allegation is timely, and is therefore opening the allegation for investigation. Please note that opening the allegation for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to its merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-?nder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its The Department ofEducation?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ed investigation is legally sufficient and is dispositive of the allegation, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. OCR offers, when an Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the allegation(s). Some information about the ECR process is in the enclosure to this letter entitled Complaint Processing Procedures.? In addition, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after the recipient asks OCR to resolve the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. Please read the enclosed document entitled Complaint Processing Procedures,? which includes information about: 0 complaint processing procedures, including the availability of 0 Regulatory prohibitions against retaliation and intimidation of persons who ?le complaints with OCR or participate in an OCR investigation; and 0 Application of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act to OCR investigations. OCR intends to conduct a prompt investigation of this complaint. The regulation implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) at 34 C.F.R. ?100.6(b) and requires that a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance make information that may be pertinent to reach a compliance determination available to OCR. This requirement is incorporated by reference by the regulation implementing Title IX at 34 C.F.R. 106.71. Pursuant to 34 CPR. 100.6(c) and 34 CPR. of the regulation implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 12321;, OCR may review personally identi?able records without regard to considerations of privacy or con?dentiality. Accordingly, OCR is requesting that you forward the following information to us within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of this letter. Wherever possible, please provide the requested information in electronic format. Page 180 of 379 Withheld pursuant to exemption 0f the Freedom Of Information and Privacy AC1 Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. In addition to the information requested above, OCR may need to request additional infomtation. We will contact you to identify Students D, and F, and to arrange an onsite visit as appropriate to interview College personnel subsequent to receipt and review of the above?stated data. OCR is committed to prompt and effective service. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sandra L. Garcia, Senior Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730?1580 or by email at Sandra L.Garcia@ed. gov. Karen E. Tamburro Supervisory Attorney CC: Scott Warner, Esq. Franczek Radelet UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION ILLINOIS OFFICE FOR cn 1L RIGHTS INDIANA IOWA 500 WEST MADISON ST.. SUITE 1475 MINNESOTA CHICAGO. n. 60661-4544 NORTH DAKOTA wrsconsm June 24, 2014 Re: OCR Docket #05-14-2408 ea This letter is to notify you, the US. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR), has evaiuated the complaint you ?led with OCR on May 14, against Knox College (College) alleging discrimination on the basis of sex. We conducted tie evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manual to determine whether to Open your complaint for investigation. We have determined that we have the authority to investigate your complaint. OCR is reSponsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), 20 USC. 1681, and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity Operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department and a public entity, the District is subject to these laws. Additional information about the laws OCR enforces is available on our website at OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that this allegation is timely. OCR is opening this allegation for investigation. Please note that opening the allegation for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merit. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-tinder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally suf?cient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisiOns of Article of the Case Processing Manual. OCR offers, when apprOpriate, an Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early opportunity for the parties involved to The Department ofEducation?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global campelitivcness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Page 2 resolve the Some information about the ECR process is in the enclosure to this letter entitled Complaint Processing Procedures.? In addition, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after the recipient asks OCR to resolve the complaint. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. OCR is committed to a high-quality resolution of every case. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Sandra L. Garcia, Senior, Equal Opportunity Specialist, at 312-730-1580 or by email at Sandra.L.Garcia@ed.gov. 7/5: Ka en E. Tamburro Supervisory Attorney EnclOSm?e