This year Title IX celebrated its 50th anniversary. We often hear about Title IX as it relates to sports, but with this being National Campus Safety Awareness Month, we are taking a closer look at Title IX in the context of protections offered to victims of intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking.
What is Title IX?
In simple terms, Title IX protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. In addition to admissions, financial assistance, and athletics among many others, recipients have Title IX obligations in the areas of sex-based harassment, sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence. Due to mandatory reporting guidelines, a Title IX report and/or investigation occur over the objection of the victim. Regardless of the victim’s level of participation, all schools have a duty to stop, prevent and remedy the behavior reported in an equitable manner.
Who does Title IX apply to?
Title IX applies to any educational institution receiving federal financial assistance, including K-12, colleges and universities. The law requires institutions to respond to intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking that:
- takes place on campus;
- is connected to school programs; or
- is perpetrated by anyone affiliated with the school
Off-campus misconduct matters as much as misconduct that occurs on campus, whether it takes place down the street, online, or overseas. It applies to students, faculty, staff, subcontractors, vendors, guests, and visitors.
What does Title IX protect against?
Title IX offers protection against all forms of sexual harassment, violence, and assault, including:
- All unwelcome sex-based and/or gender-based conduct
- All unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
- Sexual harassment resulting from a hostile environment
- Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment (“This for That”)
- Sexual Violence
- Intimate Partner Violence
- Stalking
- Harassment through severe, pervasive or persistent behavior
What are your rights through Title IX?
If you have been the victim of intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking on campus, you have the right to:
- Not participate in the Title IX investigation/proceedings
- Not be discriminated against because of the complaint or level of participation
- Have an attorney or support person present during any interviews or hearings by campus staff
- Resolution of complaint in a timely fashion
- Access to community referrals or campus resources to support you after the incident
- A prompt, thorough and impartial investigation and/or hearing
September is National Campus Safety Awareness Month. If you or someone you care about needs help, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 317.920.9320 to chat with an advocate about your situation and options.
