WPI has appointed Stanley “Stan” Horton, EdD, Director of Title IX in support of the university’s strategic work to foster an equitable and positive learning, teaching, and working environment free from sex- and gender-based discrimination in all forms. Title IX is a federal law that prohibits educational institutions from discriminating based on sex or gender; such discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse, gender-based stalking, and retaliation.
Horton oversees all activities of the university’s Title IX Office. He manages all reports and formal complaints of sex- and gender-based discrimination, including sexual misconduct, brought under WPI’s Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy, to promptly and equitably remedy the effects of such discrimination when it occurs, and to prevent its recurrence. He coordinates the university’s training and educational efforts related to sex and gender-based discrimination. He joined WPI in September from New England College in Henniker, NH, where he was Director of Student Conduct.
“Stan’s breadth of experience and his depth of dedication to Title IX issues position him well to serve the needs of students, faculty, and staff,” said Lauren Turner, Senior Vice President for Talent & Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer. “In addition, we are very pleased to have Stan guide our university in ensuring we are complying with the laws and upholding the principles of Title IX to support our community.”
“I believe we all must be dedicated to positively contributing to the vibrancy of the WPI community through service and attitude towards one another,” said Horton. “A key part of my job is to inspire a sense of trust in the Title IX office and help the WPI community see the office as a valuable and trusted resource. Our office supports individuals in challenging and emotional situations, and my goal is to ensure we always provide a welcoming environment where the community can find support, information, compassion, and an open, non-biased ear. I’m also dedicated to ensuring WPI is fully compliant with all Title IX laws and requirements.”
Horton is dedicated to community education and training regarding sexual harassment and consent and the options and resources available for resolution of any reported misconduct. He is well versed in regulations that apply to college campuses, including Title IX, the Clery Act, HIPAA, FERPA, and ADA, and has extensive experience in residential life and housing, student engagement, and diversity and inclusion on college campuses.
“We are thrilled that Stan had joined the WPI community,” said Philip Clay, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs. “Stan’s philosophical approach is grounded in the principles of connection, education, and community. In addition, Stan shows a deep commitment to access, as is evidenced in his doctoral dissertation which focused on the use of Universal Design within the Sexual Misconduct Process.”
“I am very excited to be a part of the diverse WPI community,” said Horton. “I look forward to working with students, faculty, and staff to foster respect and care for each other, and to reduce occurrences of misconduct and discrimination. I’d like the community to be aware that I am a resource they can trust and that I’m here to help.”
About Title IX
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits educational institutions from discriminating based on sex or gender; such discrimination includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, relationship abuse, gender-based stalking, and retaliation. It applies to all public schools and most private schools, and includes K-12, technical and vocational schools, colleges, and universities. It aims to stop discrimination and mitigate its effects at colleges and universities, which mold the leaders of tomorrow who, by way of their experiences and education, will influence their future organizations and industries to be inclusive and welcoming to all. To build greater awareness, everyone in the WPI community is encouraged to read the updated Title IX policy.
Title IX Resources:
For information on Title IX and the Title IX office, click here.
Click here for more information on how to report sexual misconduct, including:
- Reporting Sexual Misconduct in an Emergency
- Reporting Sexual Misconduct to the Title IX Office
- Reporting Sexual Misconduct Anonymously
- Reporting Sexual Misconduct to a WPI Employee
- Reporting Sexual Misconduct Confidentially
- Other Confidential Resources
