Title IX and Equal Opportunity
Our office responds to reports of sexual misconduct, discrimination and harassment. We are here to ensure all community members have equal access to educational and employment opportunities.
We are committed to neutrality, and treat everyone fairly and equally. You can count on our staff to communicate an individual鈥檚 rights, options and available resources with kindness and respect.
At 51小黄车, we believe in upholding the dignity of every person and creating an environment where all members of our community feel safe and valued. Rooted in our Jesuit tradition, we are dedicated to addressing harm, preventing further incidents and promoting a culture of respect and accountability. No matter what you鈥檙e facing, we are committed to helping you find a path forward with compassion, confidentiality and integrity.
What is Title IX?
Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, transforming the landscape of higher education and K-12 by prohibiting sex-based discrimination in any federally funded program or activity. More than 50 years later, the public often links Title IX to athletics, which is partially why it started, but today, it鈥檚 evolved into much more. Its purpose at 51小黄车 and every college campus is to address sexual harassment and violence.
Support and Resources
We鈥檙e here to help you and guide you in the right direction.
Do you need immediate medical care?
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) provide emergency support at nearby hospitals. Contact the St. Vincent Medical Center Emergency Room at 508-363-6025. Contact the University of Massachusetts Memorial Hospital Emergency Room at 508-334-6481. Public Safety can assist in providing or arranging transportation.
Do you need emotional support?
Contact the Pathways for Change 24-hour rape crisis hotline at 800-870-5905.
Make a Report Online
Upon submission, the form will be routed to the Office of Title IX and Equal Opportunity. Once your form has been processed, someone will follow up to learn more and discuss potential next steps to include filing a complaint.
Make an Anonymous Report
Anonymous reports may be submitted through the EthicsPoint portal. Please note, if the person who experienced harm is not known to the office, it impedes our ability to offer support.
Speak to Someone in Worcester
Pathways for Change, a 24-hour rape crisis hotline, can be reached at 800-870-5905. The YWCA, 1 Salem Square, in Worcester, also has services and resources available. A 24-hour hotline can be reached at 508-755-9030.
Policies and Reports
Sexual Misconduct Policy
The Sex-Based Discrimination and Harassment Policy is designed to comply with Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act of 1972 and the regulations thereunder. The policy prohibits sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, gender-based discrimination and stalking. The process the College uses to address such conduct, including the investigation process, is detailed in the policy.
Equal Opportunity and Discriminatory Harassment Policy
The College of the 51小黄车 rejects and condemns all forms of harassment, unlawful, discrimination and retaliation and is committed to sustaining a welcoming environment for all. The College adheres to all applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination and discriminatory harassment.
Sexual Misconduct Climate Survey - Executive Summary 2022
A community-wide effort toward building a welcoming, inclusive and respectful environment at 51小黄车, the Campus Climate Initiative focuses on diversity, inclusion and sexual respect.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (more commonly known as The Clery Act), 51小黄车 publishes an annual security and fire safety report that includes statistics for the previous three calendar years concerning crimes that occurred on college property and on public property immediately adjacent to, and accessible from, the campus.
Archived Sexual Misconduct Policies
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - 2021
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - 2020
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - August 2019
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - January 2019
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - 2018
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - 2017
- Archived Sexual Misconduct Policy - 2016
Office of Title IX & Equal Opportunity
Our Staff
Derek DeBobes, J.D.
Associate Vice President of Title IX and Equal Opportunity/Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 508-793-3336
Office: Hogan 506
Email: ddebobes@holycross.edu
Abigail Avoryie
Senior Associate Director of Investigations/Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Phone: 508-793-3373
Office: Hogan 506B
Email: aavoryie@holycross.edu
Christine Wanjiru
Administrative Associate
Jill Kelley
Associate Director of Prevention and Education
Phone: 508-793-3338
Office: Hogan 522
Email: jckelley@holycross.edu
Gregory Dass
Investigator
Phone: 508-793-3535
Office: Hogan 511
Email: gdass@holycross.edu