Title IX

• Affirmative consent is a clear, unambiguous, knowing, informed, and voluntary agreement between all participants to engage in sexual activity.
• Consent is active, not passive.
• Silence or lack of resistance cannot be interpreted as consent.
• Seeking and having consent accepted is the responsibility of the person(s) initiating each specific sexual act.
• Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual activity between or with any party does not constitute consent to any other sexual act.
• The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
• Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
• When consent is withdrawn or cannot be given, sexual activity must stop.
• Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated.
• Incapacitation includes impairment due to drugs or alcohol (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary), the lack of consciousness or being asleep, being involuntarily restrained, if any of the parties are under the age of 17, or if an individual otherwise cannot consent.
• Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.

Sexual harassment consists of non-consensual sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct on or off campus, when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of an individual's employment or academic standing; or
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions or for academic evaluation, grades, or advancement; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work or academic performance or creating an intimidating or hostile academic or work environment.
• Sexual harassment may be found in a single episode, as well as in persistent behavior.
• Nonverbal - May include staring at someone (e.g., "undressing someone with one's eyes"); blowing kisses; winking; or licking of one's lips in a suggestive manner; displaying sexually-oriented pictures or cartoons; using sexually-oriented screen savers; viewing pornographic websites.
• Verbal - May include telling jokes; using sexually explicit profanity or threats; describing sexual encounters with others; suggesting sexual activity; whistling in a sexually suggestive manner; using terms such as "honey", "babe", "sweetheart", "dear"; repeated requests for dates, etc.
• Physical Contact - May include touching, patting, pinching, bumping, grabbing, cornering or blocking a passageway, kissing, providing unsolicited back or neck rubs.

• Ongoing, purposeful behavior that is aimed at dominating one's partner, and often one's children as well
• Domestic/dating abuse involves repeated, ongoing, intentional control tactics used by one partner against the other.
• Those tactics may be physical, sexual, economic, psychological, or all of the above.
• An abuser is someone who engages in a pattern of coercive control, not simply someone who physically assaults a partner.
• Victims need domestic violence services, safety planning, orders of protection, and support.
• Victims should not have to deal with domestic abuse all by themselves.

• A violent act committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and
• The existence of the relationship shall be determined based on the victim's statement with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of the relationship, and the frequency of the relationship.

• A violent crime committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner OR a person sharing a child with the victim; AND
• Has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner

Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to:

• fear for his or her safety or the safety of others; or
• suffer substantial emotional distress.

Nondiscrimination Policy 

U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX Regulations

 SUNY Delhi does not discriminate on the basis of sex, and prohibits sex discrimination in any Education Program or Activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.

Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to SUNY Delhi’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, or both. SUNY Delhi’s Title IX Coordinator is Nicole Craft, Human Resources Associate, 103 Bush Hall, craftna@delhi.edu , 607-746-4499.

SUNY Delhi’s nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at https://www.delhi.edu/mydelhi/hr/non-discrimination/index.php

To report information about conduct that may constitute sex discrimination, or make a complaint of sex discrimination under Title IX, please refer https://www.delhi.edu/mydelhi/hr/non-discrimination/index.php

Grievance Procedure for Complaints of Sex Discrimination 

Addendum: Grievance Policy for Addressing Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment Under the Title IX Regulations, which includes working closely with leadership in determining next steps in employee relations matters.  

Effective August 14, 2020. Last updated January 13, 2025.

1. Introduction

 What is the purpose of the Title IX Grievance Policy?

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 prohibits any person in the United States from being discriminated against on the basis of sex in seeking access to any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The U.S. Department of Education, which enforces Title IX, has long defined the meaning of Title IX’s prohibition on sex discrimination broadly to include various forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence that interfere with a student’s ability to equally access our educational programs and opportunities.

On May 19, 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued a Final Rule under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 that:

• Defines the meaning of “sexual harassment” (including forms of sex-based violence)
• Addresses how this institution must respond to reports of misconduct falling within that definition of sexual harassment, and
• Mandates a grievance process that this institution must follow to comply with the law in these specific covered cases before issuing a disciplinary sanction against a person accused of sexual harassment.

See, 85 Fed. Reg. 30026 (May 19, 2020). The full text of the Final Rule and its extensive Preamble are available here: Final Rule

Based on the Final Rule, SUNY Delhi will implement the following Title IX Grievance Policy, effective August 14, 2020.

How does the Title IX Grievance Policy impact other campus disciplinary policies?

In recent years, “Title IX” cases have become a short-hand for any campus disciplinary process involving sex discrimination, including those arising from sexual harassment and sexual assault. But under the Final Rule, SUNY Delhi must narrow both the geographic scope of its authority to act under Title IX and the types of “sexual harassment” that it must subject to its Title IX investigation and adjudication process. Only incidents falling within the Final Rule’s definition of sexual harassment will be investigated and, if appropriate, brought to a live hearing through the Title IX Grievance Policy defined below.

SUNY Delhi remains committed to addressing any violations of its policies, even those not meeting the narrow standards defined under the Title IX Final Rule.

Specifically, our campus has:

• A Code of Conduct that defines certain behavior as a violation of campus policy, and a separate Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy that addresses the types of sex-based offenses constituting a violation of campus policy, and the procedures for investigating and adjudicating those sex-based offenses.

To the extent that alleged misconduct falls outside the Title IX Grievance Policy, or misconduct falling outside the Title IX Grievance Policy is discovered in the course of investigating covered Title IX misconduct, the institution retains authority to investigate and adjudicate the allegations under the policies and procedures defined within the Non-Title IX Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy through a separate grievance proceeding. Student Handbook, Code of Conduct, Article 2

The procedures for faculty and staff includes working closely with leadership in determining next steps in employee relations matters.  

The elements established in the Title IX Grievance Policy under the Final Rule have no effect and are not transferable to any other policy of the College for any violation of the Code of Conduct, employment policies, or any civil rights violation except as narrowly defined in this Policy. This Policy does not set a precedent for other policies or processes of the College and may not be cited for or against any right or aspect of any other policy or process.

How does the Title IX Grievance Policy impact the handling of complaints?

Our existing Title IX office and reporting structure remains in place. What has changed is the way our Title IX office will handle different types of reports arising from sexual misconduct, as detailed in full throughout Section 2.

2. The Title IX Grievance Policy

General Rules of Application

Effective Date

This Title IX Grievance Policy will become effective on August 14, 2020, and will only apply to formal complaints of sexual harassment brought on or after August 14, 2020. Complaints brought prior to August 14, 2020 will be investigated and adjudicated according to the Title IX Grievance Policy if a case is not complete by that date.

Revocation by Operation of Law

Should any portion of the Title IX Final Rule, 85 Fed. Reg. 30026 (May 19, 2020), be stayed or held invalid by a court of law, or should the Title IX Final Rule be withdrawn or modified to not require the elements of this policy, this policy, or the invalidated elements of this policy, will be deemed revoked as of the publication date of the opinion or order and for all reports after that date, as well as any elements of the process that occur after that date if a case is not complete by that date of opinion or order publication. Should the Title IX Grievance Policy be revoked in this manner, any conduct covered under the Title IX Grievance Policy shall be investigated and adjudicated under the existing Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy.

Non-Discrimination in Application

The requirements and protections of this policy apply equally regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or other protected classes covered by federal or state law. All requirements and protections are equitably provided to individuals regardless of such status or status as a Complainant, Respondent, or Witness. Individuals who wish to file a complaint about the institution’s policy or process may contact the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights using contact information available at Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights.

Definitions

Covered Sexual Harassment

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, “covered sexual harassment” includes any conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:

1. An employee conditioning educational benefits on participation in unwelcome sexual conduct (i.e., quid pro quo);
2. Unwelcome conduct that a reasonable person would determine is so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the educational institution’s education program or activity;
3. Sexual assault (as defined in the Clery Act), which includes any sexual act directed against another person, without the consent of the victim including instances where the victim is incapable of giving consent;
4. Dating violence (as defined in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) amendments to the Clery Act), which includes any violence committed by a person: (A) who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim; and (B) where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: (i) The length of the relationship; (ii) The type of relationship; (iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.
5. Domestic violence (as defined in the VAWA amendments to the Clery Act), which includes any felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under New York’s domestic or family violence laws or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person's acts under the domestic or family violence laws of New York.
6. Stalking (as defined in the VAWA amendments to the Clery Act), meaning engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to-- (A) fear for their safety or the safety of others; or (B) suffer substantial emotional distress.

Note that conduct that does not meet one or more of these criteria may still be prohibited under the CODE OF CONDUCT.

Consent

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, “consent” means “Affirmative consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity.  Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

1. a) Consent to any sexual act or prior consensual sexual activity between or with any party does not necessarily constitute consent to any other sexual act.
2. b) Consent is required regardless of whether the person initiating the act is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
3. c) Consent may be initially given but withdrawn at any time.
4. d) Consent cannot be given when a person is incapacitated, which occurs when an individual lacks the ability to knowingly choose to participate in sexual activity. Incapacitation may be caused by the lack of consciousness or being asleep, being involuntarily restrained, or if an individual otherwise cannot consent. Depending on the degree of intoxication, someone who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other intoxicants may be incapacitated and therefore unable to consent.
5. e) Consent cannot be given when it is the result of any coercion, intimidation, force, or threat of harm.
6. f) When consent is withdrawn or can no longer be given, sexual activity must stop.”

This definition can be found in Code 24 of the Code of Conduct as well.

Education Program or Activity

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, SUNY Delhi’s “education program or activity” includes:

• Any on-campus premises
• Any off-campus premises that SUNY Delhi has substantial control over. This includes buildings or property owned or controlled by a recognized student organization.
• Activity occurring within computer and internet networks, digital platforms, and computer hardware or software owned or operated by, or used in the operations of SUNY Delhi’s programs and activities over which SUNY Delhi has substantial control.

Formal Complaint

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, “formal complaint” means a document – including an electronic submission - filed by a complainant with a signature or other indication that the complainant is the person filing the formal complaint, or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging sexual harassment against a respondent about conduct within SUNY Delhi’s education program or activity and requesting initiation of the procedures consistent with the Title IX Grievance Policy to investigate the allegation of sexual harassment.

Complainant 

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance Policy, Complainant means any individual who has reported being or is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute covered sexual harassment as defined under this policy.

Relevant evidence and questions

“Relevant” evidence and questions refer to any questions and evidence that tends to make an allegation of sexual harassment more or less likely to be true.

“Relevant” evidence and questions do not include the following types of evidence and questions, which are deemed “irrelevant” at all stages of the Title IX Grievance Process:

• Evidence and questions about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior unless:
• They are offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the conduct alleged by the complainant, or
• They concern specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the respondent and are offered to prove consent. 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(6)(i).
• Evidence and questions that constitute, or seek disclosure of, information protected under a legally-recognized privilege.
• Any party’s medical, psychological, and similar records unless the party has given voluntary, written consent. 85 Fed. Reg. 30026, 30294 (May 19, 2020).

 Respondent

For the purposes of this Title IX Grievance policy, Respondent means any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute covered sexual harassment as defined under this policy.

Privacy vs. Confidentiality

Consistent with the Code of Conduct, references made to confidentiality refer to the ability of identified confidential resources to not report crimes and violations to law enforcement or college officials without permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency or child abuse. References made to privacy mean SUNY Delhi offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality but will maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible, and information disclosed will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and to notify the Title IX Coordinator or designee, who is responsible for tracking patterns and spotting systemic issues. SUNY Delhi will limit the disclosure as much as practicable, even if the Title IX Coordinator determines that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored.

Disability Accommodations

This Policy does not alter any institutional obligations under federal disability laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Parties may request reasonable accommodations for disclosed disabilities to the Title IX Coordinator at any point before or during the Title IX Grievance Process that do not fundamentally alter the Process. The Title IX Coordinator will not affirmatively provide disability accommodations that have not been specifically requested by the Parties, even where the Parties may be receiving accommodations in other institutional programs and activities.

Making a Report Regarding Covered Sexual Harassment to the Institution

Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report.

Contact Information for the Title IX Coordinators:

Nicole Craft                       or             Rebecca Harrington
for faculty/staff concerns               for student concerns

Title IX Coordinator                          Deputy Title IX Coordinator                  

105 Bush Hall                                     Russell Hall F209
454 Delhi Drive, Delhi, NY 13753    454 Delhi Drive, Delhi, NY 13753
craftna@delhi.edu                           harrinrl@delhi.edu
 607-746-4499                                    607-746-4865

Such a report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address listed for the Title IX Coordinator.

Confidential Reporting

The following Officials will provide privacy, but not confidentiality, upon receiving a report of conduct prohibited under this policy:

• Title IX Coordinator or designee
• Officials with Authority: Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities & University Police Officers
• Other Required Reporters: Residence Hall Directors, Coaches and Advisors

The following Officials may provide confidentiality:

• Confidential Resources (as referred to earlier in this document): Counselors (private or in Foreman Hall), & campus chaplain (Farrell Hall).

Non-Investigatory Measures Available Under the Title IX Grievance Policy

Supportive Measures

Complainants (as defined above), who report allegations that could constitute covered sexual harassment under this policy, have the right to receive supportive measures from SUNY Delhi regardless of whether they desire to file a complaint, which may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, restrictions on contact between parties (no contact orders), changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, and increased security and monitoring of certain areas of campus, as appropriate. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and non-punitive.

Emergency Removal

SUNY Delhi retains the authority to remove a respondent from SUNY Delhi’s program or activity on an emergency basis, where SUNY Delhi (1) undertakes an individualized safety and risk analysis and (2) determines that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of covered sexual harassment justifies a removal.

If SUNY Delhi determines such removal is necessary, the respondent will be provided notice and an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal. The respondent may appeal an interim removal measure to the Vice President for Student Life in writing. The VP may be contacted at: John Padovani, padovajj@delhi.edu.

Administrative Leave

SUNY Delhi retains the authority to place a non-student employee respondent on administrative leave during the Title IX Grievance Process, consistent with Employee handbook.

The Title IX Grievance Process

Filing a Formal Complaint

The timeframe for the Title IX Grievance Process begins with the filing of a Formal Complaint. The Grievance Process will be concluded within a reasonably prompt manner, and no longer than ninety (90) business days after the filing of the Formal Complaint, provided that the Process may be extended for a good reason, including but not limited to the absence of a party, a party’s advisor, or a witness; concurrent law enforcement activity; or the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities. The procedure for applying for extensions is described below.

To file a Formal Complaint, a complainant must provide the Title IX Coordinator a written, signed complaint describing the facts alleged. Complainants are only able to file a Formal Complaint under this Policy if they are currently participating in, or attempting to participate in, the education programs or activities of SUNY Delhi, including as an employee. For complainants who do not meet this criteria, the College will utilize existing policy in the Code of Conduct and/or Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy Student Handbook, Code of Conduct, Article 2

If a complainant does not wish to make a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator may determine a Formal Complaint is necessary. SUNY Delhi will inform the complainant of this decision in writing, and the complainant need not participate in the process further but will receive all notices issued under this Policy and Process.

Nothing in the Title IX Grievance Policy or Code of Conduct prevents a complainant from seeking the assistance of state or local law enforcement alongside the appropriate on-campus process.

Informal Resolution

A complainant who files a Formal Complaint may elect, at any time, to address the matter through the Institution’s Informal Resolution Process. All Parties to a Formal Complaint must agree to enter the Informal Resolution Process through an informed written consent.

Procedures for Entering and Exiting Informal Resolution Process

Parties who do not wish to proceed with an investigation and live hearing, and instead seek SUNY Delhi’s assistance to resolve allegations of Title IX-covered misconduct, may elect to enter the informal resolution process. This is only applicable for Sexual Harassment allegations between students. Generally speaking, these resolution options are less time intensive than an investigation and live hearing, while still affording students an opportunity to actively participate in a process led by SUNY Delhi for resolution of their complaints.

The Parties may elect to enter SUNY Delhi’s informal resolution process at any time after the filing of the Formal Complaint through an informed written consent. This informed written consent will include all terms of the elected informal process, including a statement that any agreement reached through the process is binding on the Parties.

No Party may be required to participate in informal resolution, and SUNY Delhi may never condition enrollment, employment, or enjoyment of any other right or privilege upon agreeing to informal resolution.

The Parties may elect to leave the informal resolution process at any point until the informal resolution process is concluded. If a Party elects to leave the informal resolution process, the formal resolution process recommences. In participating in the informal resolution process, the Parties understand that the timeframes governing the formal process temporarily cease, and only recommence upon reentry into the formal process.

Determination to Approve Entry into Informal Resolution Process

Even where the Parties agree to submit a matter to informal resolution, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator must approve the decision to move the matter to the informal resolution process and may determine that informal resolution is not appropriate under the circumstances.

Factors that the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator may weigh in considering the appropriateness of the informal resolution process include, but are not limited to, the gravity of the allegations, whether there is an ongoing threat of harm or safety to the campus, whether the respondent is a repeat offender, and whether the Parties are participating in good faith. This determination is not subject to appeal.

Informal resolution is only permitted to address allegations of student-on-student sexual harassment, and is never allowed as an option to resolve allegations that an employee sexually harassed a student.

At any time after the commencement of the informal resolution process, the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator may determine that the informal resolution process is not an appropriate method for resolving the matter, and may require that the matter be resolved through the formal process. This determination is not subject to appeal.

Role of the Facilitator

Informal resolution processes are managed by facilitators, who may not have a conflict of interest or bias in favor of or against complainants or respondents generally or regarding the specific Parties in the matter. The Title IX Coordinator may serve as the facilitator, subject to these restrictions.

All facilitators must have training in the definition of sexual harassment under 34 C.F.R. § 106.30(a), the scope of the institution’s education program or activity, how to conduct informal resolution processes, and how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, or bias.

Confidentiality

In entering the informal resolution process, the Parties agree that any testimony and evidence (including admissions of responsibility) they share or receive during the informal resolution process concerning the allegations of the Formal Complaint is confidential while the parties are participating in the informal resolution process. No evidence concerning the allegations obtained within the informal resolution process may be disseminated to any person, provided that any Party to the informal resolution process may generally discuss the allegations under investigation with a parent, friend, advisor, or other source of emotional support, or with an advocacy organization. Should the Parties withdraw from the informal resolution process, information disclosed or obtained for purposes of the informal resolution process may be incorporated into the formal investigation and live hearing, provided that this information is disclosed and reviewed by the Parties under the investigatory and hearing procedures described in the Title IX Grievance Process.

Informal Resolution Options

SUNY Delhi offers the following informal resolution procedures for addressing Formal Complaints of sexual harassment covered under this Policy:

Administrative Resolution

Should the Parties mutually determine to enter the informal resolution process, and the respondent elects to accept responsibility for the allegations of the Formal Complaint at any point during the informal resolution process, the institution may administratively resolve the Formal Complaint.

Where the respondent admits responsibility, the Parties will receive simultaneous written notification of the acceptance of responsibility, and a hearing administrator will convene to determine the respondent’s sanction and other remedies, as appropriate and consistent with institutional policy. The Parties will be given an opportunity to be heard at the sanctions hearing, including but not limited to the submission of impact statements, and the Parties may be accompanied by their Advisor, but questioning of Parties or witnesses will not be permitted. The Parties will receive simultaneous written notification of the decision regarding sanctions and remedies, which may be appealed according to the process described below.

Restorative Justice

A restorative justice (“RJ”) Conference is a dialogue, facilitated by the director of student rights & responsibilities, or another office staff member with appropriate training, intended to restore relationships and repair harm after a conflict has occurred. Both the responsible party and the individuals affected by the conflict come together to identify what harm was caused and, collaboratively, determine how conflict and trust might be, respectively, resolved and repaired.

A Party may request to engage in RJ at any stage of the disciplinary process, however, restorative justice may not be an appropriate mechanism for all conflicts.  To qualify for RJ, the student accused of wrongdoing must accept responsibility and express remorse for the harm that was caused. The harmed party must also be willing to accept an apology offered by the student accused of wrongdoing. Additionally, all involved parties must agree to and abide by measurable and timely actions within the scope of this Policy and directives. The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities will review any request for RJ, and may decline to initiate RJ based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case.

The RJ Conference proceeds only if all parties agree to participate willingly. Upon doing so, the RJ process typically commences within ten (10) days after the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities receives written agreements from all involved parties. The conference will continue until the conference is successfully concluded or until the office determines that the conference will not be successful. If successful, an agreeable resolution is reached by all involved parties, at which time the process is concluded, and the matter is resolved. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to the Deputy Title IX coordinator to re-evaluate other options for resolution.

The Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities will monitor the parties’ adherence to their proposed solution and reserves the right to close the matter when compliance is satisfactory.

Mediation

The purpose of mediation is for the parties who are in conflict to identify the implications of a student’s actions and, with the assistance of a trained facilitator, identify points of agreement and appropriate remedies to address them. Either party can request mediation to seek resolution; mediation will be used only with the consent of both parties, who will be asked not to contact one another during the process. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will also review any request for mediation, and may decline to mediate based on the facts and circumstances of the particular case. Either party has the right to terminate the mediation process and choose or resume another option for resolution at any time.

The mediation process will typically commence within 10 business days after the Deputy Title IX Coordinator receives consent to mediate from both parties, and will continue until concluded or terminated either party or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator. During mediation, any potential investigation will halt, and calculations for time frames will be stayed. If the mediation results in a resolution, the disciplinary process will be concluded and the matter will be closed. If a resolution cannot be reached, the matter will be referred to the Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities to re-evaluate other options for resolution, including investigation.

During mediation, a facilitator will guide a discussion between the parties.  In circumstances where the parties do not wish to meet face to face, either party can request “caucus” mediation, and the facilitator will conduct separate meetings. Whether or not the parties agree to meet face to face, each party will be permitted to bring an advisor of their choice to any meetings who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney.

At the conclusion of the mediation, the facilitator will memorialize the agreement that was reached between the parties. The Deputy Title IX Coordinator will monitor adherence to the proposed solution and close the matter when compliance is satisfactory.

 Multi-Party Situations

The institution may consolidate Formal Complaints alleging covered sexual harassment against more than one respondent, or by more than one complainant against one or more respondents, or by one party against the other party, where the allegations of covered sexual harassment arise out of the same facts or circumstances.

Determining Jurisdiction

The Title IX Coordinator or Designee will determine if the instant Title IX Grievance Process should apply to a Formal Complaint. The Process will apply when all of the following elements are met, in the reasonable determination of the Title IX Coordinator:

1. The conduct is alleged to have occurred on or after August 14, 2020;
2. The conduct is alleged to have occurred in the United States;
3. The conduct is alleged to have occurred in SUNY Delhi education program or activity; and
4. The alleged conduct, if true, would constitute covered sexual harassment as defined in this policy.

If all of the elements are met, SUNY Delhi will investigate the allegations according to the Grievance Process.

Allegations Potentially Falling Under Two Policies:

If the alleged conduct, if true, includes conduct that would constitute covered sexual harassment and conduct that would not constitute covered sexual harassment, the Title IX Grievance Process will be applied in the investigation and adjudication of all of the allegations.

Mandatory Dismissal

If any one of these elements are not met, the Title IX Coordinator or Designee will notify the parties that the Formal Complaint is being dismissed for the purposes of the Title IX Grievance Policy. Each party may appeal this dismissal using the procedure outlined in “Appeals,” below. 

Discretionary Dismissal

The Title IX Coordinator or Designee may dismiss a Formal Complaint brought under the Title IX Grievance Policy, or any specific allegations raised within that Formal Complaint, at any time during the investigation or hearing, if:

• A complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that they would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any allegations raised in the Formal Complaint;
• The respondent is no longer enrolled or employed by SUNY Delhi; or,
• If specific circumstances prevent SUNY Delhi from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination regarding the Formal Complaint or allegations within the Formal Complaint.

Any party may appeal a dismissal determination using the process set forth in “Appeals,” below.

Notice of Dismissal

Upon reaching a decision that the Formal Complaint will be dismissed, the institution will promptly send written notice of the dismissal of the Formal Complaint or any specific allegation within the Formal Complaint, and the reason for the dismissal, simultaneously to the parties through their institutional email accounts. It is the responsibility of parties to maintain and regularly check their email accounts.

Notice of Removal

Upon dismissal for the purposes of Title IX, SUNY Delhi retains discretion to utilize the Code of Conduct and/or Non-Title IX Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy to determine if a violation of the Code of Conduct and/or Non-Title IX Allegations of Sexual Violence Policy has occurred. If so, SUNY Delhi will promptly send written notice of the dismissal of the Formal Complaint under the Title IX Grievance Process and removal of the allegations to the conduct process.

Notice of Allegations

The Title IX Coordinator or Designee will draft and provide the Notice of Allegations to any party to the allegations of sexual harassment. Such notice will occur as soon as practicable, after the institution receives a Formal Complaint of the allegations, if there are no extenuating circumstances.

 The parties will be notified by their institutional email accounts if they are a student or employee, and by other reasonable means if they are neither.

The institution will provide sufficient time for the parties to review the Notice of Allegations and prepare a response before any initial interview.

The Title IX Coordinator or Designee may determine that the Formal Complaint must be dismissed on the mandatory grounds identified above, and will issue a Notice of Dismissal. If such a determination is made, any party to the allegations of sexual harassment identified in the Formal Complaint will receive the Notice of Dismissal in conjunction with, or in separate correspondence after, the Notice of Allegations.

Contents of Notice

The Notice of Allegations will include the following:

• Notice of the institution’s Title IX Grievance Process and a hyperlink to a copy of the process.
• Notice of the allegations potentially constituting covered sexual harassment, and sufficient details known at the time the Notice is issued, such as the identities of the parties involved in the incident, if known, including the complainant; the conduct allegedly constituting covered sexual harassment; and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known.
• A statement that the respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and that a determination regarding responsibility is made at the conclusion of the grievance process.
• A statement that the parties may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, as required under 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(5)(iv);
• A statement that before the conclusion of the investigation, the parties may inspect and review evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint, including the evidence upon which the institution does not intend to rely in reaching a determination regarding responsibility, and evidence that both tends to prove or disprove the allegations, whether obtained from a party or other source, as required under 34 C.F.R. § 106.45(b)(5)(vi);
• A statement that Code 10: Dishonesty prohibits knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the grievance process.

 Ongoing Notice

If, in the course of an investigation, the institution decides to investigate allegations about the complainant or respondent that are not included in the Notice of Allegations and are otherwise covered "sexual harassment” falling within the Title IX Grievance Policy, the institution will notify the parties whose identities are known of the additional allegations by their institutional email accounts or other reasonable means.

The parties will be provided sufficient time to review the additional allegations to prepare a response before any initial interview regarding those additional charges.

Advisor of Choice and Participation of Advisor of Choice

SUNY Delhi will provide the parties equal access to advisors and support persons; any restrictions on advisor participation will be applied equally.

SUNY Delhi has a long-standing practice of requiring students to participate in the process directly and not through an advocate or representative. Students participating as Complainant or Respondent in this process may be accompanied by an Advisor of Choice to any meeting or hearing to which they are required or are eligible to attend. The Advisor of Choice is not an advocate. Except where explicitly stated by this Policy, as consistent with the Final Rule, Advisors of Choice shall not participate directly in the process as per standard policy and practice of SUNY Delhi.

SUNY Delhi will not intentionally schedule meetings or hearings on dates where the Advisors of Choice for all parties are not available, provided that the Advisors act reasonably in providing available dates and work collegially to find dates and times that meet all schedules.

SUNY Delhi’s obligations to investigate and adjudicate in a prompt timeframe under Title IX and other college policies apply to matters governed under this Policy, and SUNY Delhi cannot agree to extensive delays solely to accommodate the schedule of an Advisor of Choice. The determination of what is reasonable shall be made by the Title IX Coordinator or designee. SUNY Delhi will not be obligated to delay a meeting or hearing under this process more than five (5) days due to the unavailability of an Advisor of Choice, and may offer the party the opportunity to obtain a different Advisor of Choice or utilize one provided by SUNY Delhi.

Notice of Meetings and Interviews

SUNY Delhi will provide, to a party whose participation is invited or expected, written notice of the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all hearings, investigative interviews, or other meetings with a party, with sufficient time for the party to prepare to participate.

Delays

Each party may request a one-time delay in the Grievance Process of up to five (5) days for good cause (granted or denied in the sole judgment of the Title IX Coordinator, Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities, or designee) provided that the requestor provides reasonable notice and the delay does not overly inconvenience other parties.

For example, a request to take a five day pause made an hour before a hearing for which multiple parties and their advisors have traveled to and prepared for shall generally not be granted, while a request for a five day pause in the middle of investigation interviews to allow a party to obtain certain documentary evidence shall generally be granted.

The Title IX Coordinator, Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities, or designee shall have sole judgment to grant further pauses in the Process.

Investigation

General Rules of Investigations

The Title IX Coordinator and/or an investigator designated by the Title IX Coordinator will perform an investigation under a reasonably prompt timeframe of the conduct alleged to constitute covered sexual harassment after issuing the Notice of Allegations.

SUNY Delhi, and not the parties, has the burden of proof and the burden of gathering evidence, i.e. the responsibility of showing a violation of this Policy has occurred. This burden does not rest with either party, and either party may decide not to share their account of what occurred or may decide not to participate in an investigation or hearing. This does not shift the burden of proof away from SUNY Delhi and does not indicate responsibility.

SUNY Delhi cannot access, consider, or disclose medical records without a waiver from the party (or parent, if applicable) to whom the records belong or of whom the records include information. SUNY Delhi will provide an equal opportunity for the parties to present witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence, (i.e. evidence that tends to prove and disprove the allegations) as described below.

 Inspection and Review of Evidence

Prior to the completion of the investigation, the parties will have an equal opportunity to inspect and review the evidence obtained through the investigation. The purpose of the inspection and review process is to allow each party the equal opportunity to meaningfully respond to the evidence prior to conclusion of the investigation.

Evidence that will be available for inspection and review by the parties will be any evidence that is directly related to the allegations raised in the Formal Complaint. It will include any:

1. Evidence that is relevant, even if that evidence does not end up being relied upon by the institution in making a determination regarding responsibility;
2. Inculpatory or exculpatory evidence (i.e. evidence that tends to prove or disprove the allegations) that is directly related to the allegations, whether obtained from a party or other source.

All parties must submit any evidence they would like the investigator to consider prior to when the parties’ time to inspect and review evidence begins.

The institution will send the evidence made available for each party and each party’s advisor, if any, to inspect and review through an electronic format. The Institution is not under an obligation to use any specific process or technology to provide the evidence and shall have the sole discretion in terms of determining format and any restrictions or limitations on access.

The parties will have ten (10) business days to inspect and review the evidence and submit a written response by email to the investigator. The investigator will consider the parties’ written responses before completing the Investigative Report. Parties may request a reasonable extension as their designated extension request.

The institution will provide copies of the parties’ written responses to the investigator to all parties and their advisors, if any.

The institution may provide the parties five (5) business days after the initial inspection and review of evidence, and before the investigator completes their Investigative Report, to provide additional evidence in response to their inspection and review of the evidence, and then provide the parties five (5) business days to inspect, review, and respond to the party’s additional evidence through a written response to the investigator. Those written responses may be disclosed to the parties.

Any evidence subject to inspection and review will be available at any hearing, including for purposes of cross-examination.

The parties and their advisors must agree not to disseminate any of the evidence subject to inspection and review or use such evidence for any purpose unrelated to the Title IX grievance process.

The parties and their advisors agree not to photograph or otherwise copy the evidence.

 Inclusion of Evidence Not Directly Related to the Allegations:

Evidence obtained in the investigation that is determined in the reasoned judgment of the investigator not to be directly related to the allegations in the Formal Complaint will not be disclosed, or may be appropriately redacted before the parties’ inspection to avoid disclosure of personally identifiable information of a student. Any evidence obtained in the investigation that is kept from disclosure or appropriately redacted will be documented in a “privilege log” that may be reviewed by the parties and their advisors, if any.

Investigative Report

The Title IX Coordinator and/or an investigator designated by the Title IX Coordinator will create an Investigative Report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence, and will provide that Report to the parties at least ten (10) business days prior the hearing in an electronic format for each party’s review and written response.

The Investigative Report is not intended to catalog all evidence obtained by the investigator, but only to provide a fair summary of that evidence.

Only relevant evidence (including both inculpatory and exculpatory – i.e. tending to prove and disprove the allegations - relevant evidence) will be referenced in the Investigative Report.

The investigator may redact irrelevant information from the Investigative Report when that information is contained in documents or evidence that is/are otherwise relevant.

Hearing

General Rules of Hearings

SUNY Delhi will not issue a disciplinary sanction arising from an allegation of covered sexual harassment without holding a live hearing unless otherwise resolved through an informal resolution process.

The live hearing may be conducted with all parties physically present in the same geographic location, or, at SUNY Delhi’s discretion, any or all parties, witnesses, and other participants may appear at the live hearing virtually through Zoom video conferencing. This technology will enable participants simultaneously to see and hear each other. At its discretion, SUNY Delhi may delay or adjourn a hearing based on technological errors not within a party’s control.

All proceedings will be recorded through audio recording and/or audiovisual recording. That recording or transcript will be made available to the parties for inspection and review.

Continuances or Granting Extensions

SUNY Delhi may determine that multiple sessions or a continuance (i.e. a pause on the continuation of the hearing until a later date or time) is needed to complete a hearing. If so, SUNY Delhi will notify all participants and endeavor to accommodate all participants’ schedules and complete the hearing as promptly as practicable.

Newly-discovered Evidence                                                 

As a general rule, no new evidence or witnesses may be submitted during the live hearing.

If a party identifies new evidence or witnesses that were not reasonably available prior to the live hearing and could affect the outcome of the matter, the party may request that such evidence or witnesses be considered at the live hearing.

The decision-maker will consider this request and make a determination regarding (1) whether such evidence or witness testimony was actually unavailable by reasonable effort prior to the hearing, and (2) whether such evidence or witness testimony could affect the outcome of the matter. The party offering the newly-discovered evidence or witness has the burden of establishing these questions by the preponderance of the evidence.

 If the decision-maker answers in the affirmative to both questions, then the parties will be granted a reasonable pause in the hearing to review the evidence or prepare for questioning of the witness.

 Participants in the live hearing

Live hearings are not public, and the only individuals permitted to participate in the hearing are as follows:

 Complainant and Respondent (The Parties)

• The parties cannot waive the right to a live hearing.
• The institution may still proceed with the live hearing in the absence of a party, and may reach a determination of responsibility in their absence, including through any evidence gathered.
• SUNY Delhi will not threaten, coerce, intimidate or discriminate against the party in an attempt to secure the party’s participation.
• The decision-maker cannot draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a party’s absence from the live hearing or refusal to answer cross examination or other questions.

The Decision-maker

• The hearing body will consist of panel of five (5) decision makers.
• No member of the hearing body will also have served as the Title IX Coordinator, Title IX investigator, or advisor to any party in the case, nor may any member of the hearing body serve on the appeals body in the case.
• No member of the hearing body will have a conflict of interest or bias in favor of or against complainants or respondents generally, or in favor or against the parties to the particular case.
• The hearing body will be trained on topics including how to serve impartially, issues of relevance, including how to apply the rape shield protections provided for complainants, and any technology to be used at the hearing.
• The parties will have an opportunity to raise any objections regarding a decision-maker’s actual or perceived conflicts of interest or bias at the commencement of the live hearing.

Advisor of choice

• The parties have the right to select an advisor of their choice, who may be, but does not have to be, an attorney.
• The advisor of choice may accompany the parties to any meeting or hearing they are permitted to attend, but may not speak for the party, except for the purpose of cross-examination.
• The parties are not permitted to conduct cross-examination; it must be conducted by the advisor. As a result, if a party does not select an advisor, the institution will select an advisor to serve in this role for the limited purpose of conducting the cross-examination at no fee or charge to the party.
• The advisor is not prohibited from having a conflict of interest or bias in favor of or against complainants or respondents generally, or in favor or against the parties to the particular case.
• The advisor is not prohibited from being a witness in the matter.
• If a party does not attend the live hearing, the party’s advisor may appear and conduct cross-examination on their behalf.
• If neither a party nor their advisor appear at the hearing, SUNY Delhi will provide an advisor to appear on behalf of the non-appearing party.

 Witnesses

• Witnesses cannot be compelled to participate in the live hearing, and have the right not to participate in the hearing free from retaliation.

Hearing Procedures

For all live hearings conducted under this Title IX Grievance Process, the procedure will be as follows:

• The hearing presider will open and establish rules and expectations for the hearing;
• The Parties will each be given the opportunity to provide opening statements;
• The hearing panel (decision-maker) will ask questions of the Parties and Witnesses;
• Parties will be given the opportunity for live cross-examination after the hearing panel conducts its initial round of questioning; During the Parties’ cross-examination, the hearing panel will have the authority to pause cross-examination at any time for the purposes of asking the hearing panel’s own follow up questions; and any time necessary in order to enforce the established rules of decorum.
• Should a Party or the Party’s Advisor choose not to cross-examine a Party or Witness, the Party shall affirmatively waive cross-examination through a written or oral statement to the hearing panel. A Party’s waiver of cross-examination does not eliminate the ability of the hearing panel to use statements made by the Party.

 Live Cross-Examination Procedure

Each party’s advisor will conduct live cross-examination of the other party or parties and witnesses. During this live-cross examination the advisor will ask the other party or parties and witnesses relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility directly, orally, and in real time.

Before any cross-examination question is answered, the hearing panel will determine if the question is relevant. Cross-examination questions that are duplicative of those already asked, including by the hearing panel may be deemed irrelevant if they have been asked and answered.

Review of Recording

The recording of the hearing will be available for review by the parties within Three (3) business days, unless there are any extenuating circumstances. The recording of the hearing will not be provided to parties or advisors of choice.

Determination Regarding Responsibility

Standard of Proof

SUNY Delhi uses the preponderance of the evidence standard for investigations and determinations regarding responsibility of formal complaints covered under this Policy. This means that the investigation and hearing determines whether it is more likely than not that a violation of the Policy occurred.

General Considerations for Evaluating Testimony and Evidence

While the opportunity for cross-examination is required in all Title IX hearings, determinations regarding responsibility may be based in part, or entirely, on documentary, audiovisual, and digital evidence, as warranted in the reasoned judgment of the Decision-maker.

Decision-makers shall not draw inferences regarding a party or witness’ credibility based on the party or witness’ status as a complainant, respondent, or witness, nor shall it base its judgments in stereotypes about how a party or witness would or should act under the circumstances.

Generally, credibility judgments should rest on the demeanor of the party or witness, the plausibility of their testimony, the consistency of their testimony, and its reliability in light of corroborating or conflicting testimony or evidence.

Still, credibility judgments should not rest on whether a party or witness’ testimony is non-linear or incomplete, or if the party or witness is displaying stress or anxiety.

Decision makers will afford the highest weight relative to other testimony to first-hand testimony by parties and witnesses regarding their own memory of specific facts that occurred. Both inculpatory and exculpatory (i.e. tending to prove and disprove the allegations) evidence will be weighed in equal fashion.

Except where specifically barred by the Title IX Final Rule, a witness’ testimony regarding third-party knowledge of the facts at issue will be allowed, but will generally be accorded lower weight than testimony regarding direct knowledge of specific facts that occurred.

The Final Rule requires that SUNY Delhi allow parties to call “expert witnesses” for direct and cross examination. While the expert witness will be allowed to testify and be crossed as required by the Final Rule, the decision-maker will be instructed to afford lower weight to non-factual testimony of the expert relative to fact witnesses, and any expert testimony that is not directed to the specific facts that occurred in the case will be afforded lower weight relative to fact witnesses, regardless of whether the expert witness testimony is the subject of cross examination and regardless of whether all parties present experts as witnesses.

The Final Rule requires that SUNY Delhi allow parties to call character witnesses to testify. SUNY Delhi does not provide for character witnesses in other proceedings. While the character witnesses will be allowed to testify and be crossed as required by the Final Rule, the decision-maker will be instructed to afford very low weight to any non-factual character testimony of any witness.

The Final Rule requires that SUNY Delhi admit and allow testimony regarding polygraph tests (“lie detector tests”) and other procedures that are outside of standard use in academic and non-academic conduct processes. While the processes and testimony about them will be allowed to testify and be crossed as required by the Final Rule, the decision-maker will be instructed to afford lower weight to such processes relative to the testimony of fact witnesses.

Where a party or witness’ conduct or statements demonstrate that the party or witness is engaging in retaliatory conduct, including but not limited to witness tampering and intimidation, the decision-maker may draw an adverse inference as to that party or witness’ credibility.

 Components of the Determination Regarding Responsibility

The written Determination Regarding Responsibility will be issued simultaneously to all parties through their institution email account, or other reasonable means as necessary. The Determination will include:

1. Identification of the allegations potentially constituting covered sexual harassment;
2. A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the formal complaint through the determination, including any notifications to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearings held;
3. Findings of fact supporting the determination;
4. Conclusions regarding which section of the Code of Conduct, if any, the respondent has or has not violated.
5. For each allegation:
1. A statement of, and rationale for, a determination regarding responsibility;
2. A statement of, and rationale for, any disciplinary sanctions the recipient imposes on the respondent; and
3. A statement of, and rationale for, whether remedies designed to restore or preserve equal access to the recipient’s education program or activity will be provided by the recipient to the complainant; and
6. The recipient’s procedures and the permitted reasons for the complainant and respondent to appeal (described below in “Appeal”).

 Timeline of Determination Regarding Responsibility

If there are no extenuating circumstances, the determination regarding responsibility will be issued by SUNY Delhi within ten (10) business days of the completion of the hearing.

 Finality

The determination regarding responsibility becomes final either on the date that the institution provides the parties with the written determination of the result of the appeal, if an appeal is filed consistent with the procedures and timeline outlined in “Appeals” below, or if an appeal is not filed, the date on which the opportunity to appeal expires. 

Appeals

Each party may appeal (1) the dismissal of a formal complaint or any included allegations and/or (2) a determination regarding responsibility. To appeal, a party must submit their written appeal within five (5) business days of being notified of the decision, indicating the grounds for the appeal.

The limited grounds for appeal available are as follows:

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter (i.e. a failure to follow the institution’s own procedures);
• New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility or dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter;
• The Title IX Coordinator, investigator(s), or decision-maker(s) had a conflict of interest or bias for or against an individual party, or for or against complainants or respondents in general, that affected the outcome of the matter.

The submission of appeal stays any sanctions for the pendency of an appeal. Supportive measures and remote learning opportunities remain available during the pendency of the appeal.

If a party appeals, the institution will as soon as practicable notify the other party in writing of the appeal, however the time for appeal shall be offered equitably to all parties and shall not be extended for any party solely because the other party filed an appeal.

Appeals may be no longer than 2,000 words (including attachments). Appeals should be submitted in electronic form using ARIAL or TIMES NEW ROMAN, 12 point font, and single-spaced. Appeals should use footnotes, not endnotes. Appeals that do not meet these standards may be returned to the party for correction, but the time for appeal will not be extended unless there is evidence that technical malfunction caused the appeal document not to meet these standards.

Appeals will be decided by an appeal panel of three (3) decision makers, who will be free of conflict of interest and bias, and will not serve as investigator, Title IX Coordinator, or hearing decision maker in the same matter.

Outcome of appeal will be provided in writing simultaneously to both parties, and include rationale for the decision.

Retaliation

SUNY Delhi will keep the identity of any individual who has made a report or complaint of sex discrimination confidential, including the identity of any individual who has made a report or filed a Formal Complaint of sexual harassment under this Title IX Grievance Policy, any Complainant, any individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of sex discrimination, any Respondent, and any witness, except as permitted by the FERPA statute, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, or FERPA regulations, 34 CFR part 99, or as required by law, or to carry out the purposes of 34 CFR part 106, including the conduct of any investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding under this Title IX Grievance Policy.

No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 or its implementing regulations.

No person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under this Title IX Grievance Policy.

Any intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or its implementing regulations constitutes retaliation. This includes any charges filed against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but that arise from the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination or a report or Formal Complaint of sexual harassment. Please review our amnesty policy which can be found in the Code of Conduct Article 2, section 2a: Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty in Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Cases.

Complaints alleging retaliation may be filed according to Code 23-Retaliation in the Code of Conduct and the applicable procedure.