Understanding Title IX It’s more than just “the law that made school sports more equitable for girls and women.” A major form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX is sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual violence such as rape, sexual battery and sexual coercion. These acts create a hostile environment on campus -- and it’s something that we take very seriously!

Our Title IX Coordinator Here on campus, our Title IX Coordinator is Troy Boquette, Executive Dean of Students I am available to you and oversees all Title IX complaints and investigations to provide prompt, fair and equitable resolutions. We’re all here to deter gender-based discrimination, and make our campus safer and more welcoming. So, talk with us if you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment/sexual violence. We’ll provide support and assistance right away!

Notice of Non-Discrimination We don’t discriminate on the basis of sex in our educational programs and activities. That has no place here. This prohibited sex discrimination covers sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence. We’ll tell you more about what constitutes these behaviors in the following slides.

Our Promise to You We’ll investigate Title IX complaints in a prompt, fair and impartial manner. We’ll take steps to prevent further harassment and to correct its discriminatory effects. Both parties can present witnesses and evidence, plus they’ll be notified of a complaint’s outcome. Mediation won’t be used to resolve sexual assault complaints. Investigations will typically take up to 60 days, unless a case is particularly complicated. A Title IX investigation is different from a law enforcement investigation. You can file complaints for both. We’ll describe grievance procedures so you can take the best course of action for YOU.

Sexual Harassment It’s a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. It is conduct that is sexual in nature (e.g. telling sexual jokes, making sexual propositions, spreading sexual rumors, unwelcome sexual advances, writing graffiti of a sexual nature, etc.), unwelcome and denies or limits a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school’s educational programs. For example, a staff member who continually and inappropriately touches a student in a sexual manner, causing that student to withdraw or resign, is sexually harassing him/her.

Sexual Harassment (cont.) Can be carried out by college/university employees, other students and non-employee third parties (like a visiting speaker). Can be verbal, nonverbal or physical. Both males & females can be victims, and the harasser and victim may be of the same sex. Can occur in any school program/activity, within institutional facilities or at off-campus locations. Two kinds: Quid pro quo and hostile environment.

Sexual Violence Is a form of sexual harassment and prohibited by Title IX. There are many types, from sexual assault to dating violence, domestic violence, sexually motivated stalking, sexual coercion, unwanted touching & more. Refers to sexual acts perpetrated against someone’s will where consent isn’t obtained, sometimes because person is incapable of doing so due to his/her use of alcohol or other drugs. Most victims are female -- an estimated 20-25% of college women and 6.1% of college men have experienced attempted or completed rape during college.

Sexual Violence (cont.) At least 50% of campus sexual assaults involve alcohol. The perpetrator is typically male and known to victim (e.g. friend, coworker, significant other). Includes sexual coercion, where someone uses pressure, force, alcohol or other drugs to have sexual contact with a person against his/her will. If you’re the victim of sexual violence, there’s help for you right here on campus. Please don’t be ashamed, embarrassed or think you won’t be believed! We’re here to help you every step of the way.

Complainant Rights You or a friend are called a “complainant” when you come forward to let us know of a personal instance of sexual harassment/sexual violence. You have many rights, including alternate academic arrangements, avoiding contact with the alleged perpetrator, counseling & medical support, filing a report, presenting your case and more. Protective interim steps may be taken to protect you before the investigation is completed. You don’t have to wait to feel safe! Let’s talk right away.

Confidentiality Concerns We’ll take reasonable steps to investigate and respond in a way that’s consistent with your confidentiality request. If we can’t, due to overall community concerns, we’ll let you know. Even if no charges are pressed, an anonymous report of the incident must still be made in order to comply with the Clery Act (campus crime reporting). On-campus counselors and advocates can talk with a survivor in confidence.

What to Expect from Student Advocates Student advocates are coaches, faculty, counselors, student life and other staff. They can help you get support, file reports, track details and more if you are the victim of sexual harassment/sexual violence. Plus, if you experience any retaliatory harassment, we’ll take strong, responsive action. You are NEVER alone.

How Bystanders Can Intervene NOT intervening sends the message that what perpetrators are doing is okay. Proactive bystanders help prevent cases of sexual harassment/sexual violence by treating others with respect, speaking up, being a knowledgeable resource, empowering victims and more. Reactive bystanders positively intervene when they get help, provide options and a listening ear, call the counseling/crisis center for support and more.

In a Community of Respect… People listen No means no We are inclusive Differences are embraced Discrimination has no place We all deserve to feel safe Support is a given Opinions are our own We can agree to disagree Everyone can participate We’re free to learn Safety is imperative No one should be harassed We act with integrity and honesty People speak up Contributions are welcomed We collaborate and compromise A positive environment is our goal We look out for one another All people matter