Introduction to Title IX and the Civil Rights Act
At Napa Valley College, our Title IX & Civil Rights Office is dedicated to creating and maintaining an environment where every individual—students, staff, and faculty alike—can thrive without fear of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Our mission is rooted in the principles of equality and fairness established by landmark federal laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. These laws not only guide our policies but also reflect our institution's deep commitment to justice and inclusion.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the most important pieces of legislation in American history, designed to eliminate systemic barriers and promote equality in workplaces, schools, and public spaces. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. For members of our campus community, this means equal access to employment opportunities, equitable treatment in academic programs, and freedom from discriminatory practices in any aspect of campus life. Whether addressing issues of racial inequity in academic spaces, ensuring religious accommodations, or fostering gender equity in leadership roles, the Civil Rights Act provides the foundation for our work.
Title IX, an integral part of the Education Amendments of 1972, extends these protections specifically to educational settings, prohibiting discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. Title IX goes beyond ensuring gender equity in athletics—it also protects students and staff from sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and unequal access to opportunities in academics and extracurricular activities. It requires educational institutions to address any form of sex-based discrimination promptly and effectively, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to learn and work in a safe and respectful environment.
Our Title IX & Civil Rights Office plays a vital role in ensuring compliance with these laws and fostering a culture of accountability and respect. We provide services and support to address complaints of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. If you have experienced or witnessed unfair treatment, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Our office ensures a thorough and impartial process to resolve complaints while offering supportive measures to help individuals navigate challenging situations. Additionally, we partner with campus departments to provide ongoing education and training on civil rights issues, equipping our community with the tools to build a more inclusive environment.
We also recognize that addressing discrimination and harassment requires more than compliance—it requires proactive engagement. Our office organizes trainings and awareness campaigns to educate the campus community about rights and responsibilities under the Civil Rights Act and Title IX. From understanding implicit bias to promoting bystander intervention, these initiatives are designed to empower every member of our institution to contribute to a culture of respect and equity.
As you explore our website, you’ll find resources tailored to students, staff, and faculty, including guidance on filing complaints, accessing supportive measures, and participating in investigations. You’ll also find educational materials and training opportunities to deepen your understanding of civil rights issues. Our goal is to provide the tools and support you need to succeed in a campus environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We invite you to join us in upholding the principles of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX, ensuring that our campus remains a place where everyone can reach their full potential. If you have questions, need support, or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Together, we can continue building a community rooted in fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all.
The Title IX & Civil Rights Office
Building 1500 Room 1546
(707)-256-7198
kelly.tomlinson@napavalley.edu
If you would like to make a report, please choose from the following:
Report a Sex (Orientation and Gender Included) Based Discrimination Incident