Approved by:	President
History:	Issued             -- March 12, 2012
	Revised           -- July 21, 2022
	Last Reviewed -- July 21, 2022
Related Policies:	Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Title IX Compliance Policy; Sexual Offenses Policy (Employees and Third Parties); Sexual Offenses Policy (Student); Non-Retaliation Policy
Additional References:	Title IX Website
Policy Owner Contact Person:	Office of the President, tel. (202) 319-5100 Title IX Coordinator, tel. (202) 319-6104

 

I. Introduction

 

This policy relates to the equitable participation and treatment of female and male student-athletes, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy supplements the University’s policies prohibiting discrimination and harassment, which apply to all members of the athletics department, both staff and student-athletes.

Title IX provides 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.

The Catholic University of America is committed to providing equitable participation opportunities for its male and female student-athletes, and to affording equitable treatment to its men’s and women’s athletic programs. Title IX’s requirement regarding the distribution of scholarships does not apply at the University, which as an NCAA Division III school is prohibited from providing financial assistance to students on the basis of their athletic ability.

Nothing in this policy shall require The Catholic University of America to act in a manner contrary to the beliefs and teachings of the Catholic Church or the University's mission as the national university of the Catholic Church in the United States or to diminish its rights as a religious organization.

II. Participation

 

The University shall endeavor to satisfy one of the three tests by which a school may demonstrate participation equity by doing one of the following: (1) providing participation opportunities to male and female students at rates substantially proportionate to their respective full-time undergraduate enrollment rates; or (2) demonstrating historical and continuing expansion of programs for the underrepresented sex; or (3) offering teams for the underrepresented sex that fully accommodate its interests and abilities, and for which there is sufficient competition within the University’s normal competitive region.

III. Petition for New Varsity Sport

 

Those who wish to compete in a varsity sport that is not currently offered at the University may file a petition to request varsity status for that sport. Petitions will be reviewed annually by the individuals identified in Section V. Factors considered in determining whether to grant such petitions shall include equity, interest and ability, and intercollegiate competitive opportunities, among others.

IV. Equitable Treatment

 

At the University, the overall treatment of men and women on the intercollegiate level is expected to be equitable in the following areas:

• The provision of equipment and supplies
• Scheduling of games and practice times
• Travel and per diem allowance
• Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring
• Assignment and compensation of coaches and tutors
• Provision of locker rooms, practice and competitive facilities
• Provision of medical and training facilities and services
• Provision of housing and dining facilities and services
• Publicity
• Recruitment

The test for equity in treatment does not involve a sport-to-sport comparison but rather a comparison of treatment in the aggregate, i.e., whether the men's and women's programs overall are treated equitably in light of the unique nature of individual sports in each of these areas.

V.  Process for Complaints and Petitions

 

An individual or team who believes they are not being treated equitably under this Policy or who is interested in filing a request for varsity status for an athletic team not currently offered at the varsity level, may contact:

Lou Mejia, Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator, mejial@cua.edu (202) 319-6104

or

Sean Sullivan, Associate VP / Director of Athletics, sullivansm@cua.edu (202) 319-5286

Catholic University’s Commitment to No Retaliation - Employees and students who ask questions, seek advice, or report a suspected violation of this Policy are protected by Catholic University’s Non-Retaliation Policy. Retaliation will not be tolerated. Those who violate this no retaliation policy are subject to discipline. If you suspect that you or another employee or student may be the victim of retaliation, you should contact the Director of Compliance/Title IX Coordinator immediately. You may also report online, including anonymously, through the Compliance and Ethics Helpline or by calling (855) 350-9396.