Frequently Asked Questions for Title IX
Title IX’s purpose is to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities within k-12 school districts and all higher education (including graduate school) that receive any amount of federal financial assistance.
Educational institutions are responsible for preventing and addressing all forms of sexual harassment, assault, and other forms of gender-based discrimination. This includes dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, athletic inequities, and inequities due to pregnancy or parenting status.
Examples of behaviors or actions that may constitute Title IX violations, include sexual harassment, assault, gender-based discrimination in academics or athletics, and retaliation against individuals that report a Title IX violation.
Contact the Title IX Coordinator, submit a complaint (we recommend through email to ensure there is a papertrail) and include who experienced the Title IX violation, who is the individual accused of violating Title IX, and briefly describe what happened (include dates if known). After you report this to the Title IX Coordinator, the Title IX Coordinator will contact you (and your parents if you are underage) and a meeting will be scheduled to further discuss the allegations. The Title IX Coordinator will determine if your case meets the Title IX threshold. If your case meets the Title IX threshold, you will have the option to pursue a formal or informal process.
Regardless of what happens after your complaint is raised, support services should be offered to ensure academic success continues. Support service options include counseling, academic accommodations, medical assistance, legal resources, and information on advocacy organizations (such as your local rape crisis center).
The institutional investigation process includes an investigation where all parties are interviewed, witnesses are interviewed, and an investigation report is finalized and reviewed by all parties to ensure nothing is missing. This is then followed by a hearing where all parties participate (either in-person or virtual accommodations can be made) to determine if the accused is responsible for the Title IX violation. If the individual is found responsible, consequences will be determined; during the resolution process an opportunity to appeal the hearing finding and consequences should be made available for all parties.
You have the right to a supportive and equitable resolution process, protection from retaliation, and access to academic accommodations and supportive measures.
You have the right to a supportive and equitable resolution process, protection from retaliation, and access to academic accommodations and supportive measures.
We advise documenting incidents that reflect retaliation, notify the Title IX Coordinator in writing, seek legal advice, and access support resources.
Potential disciplinary actions or sanctions for individuals found responsible for Title IX violations, include counseling, education workshops, suspension, expulsion, termination (if employed), no-contact orders to remain in place, continued academic accommodations, etc.
Consequences may include an investigation under the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights that can lead to a loss of federal funding and/or mandatory policy changes, civil lawsuits against the institution, and reputational damage.