Title IX Compliance and Introduction
Members of the University Community have the right to be free from all forms of Sexual Harassment which impede the realization of the University’s mission of providing learners a professional education; preparing them for active participation, career advancement, and leadership in the global 21st century society; and motivating them toward a life of significance and worth. All members of the University Community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains an environment free from Sexual Harassment. As such, Indiana Tech does not discriminate on the basis of gender and is committed to providing an educational environment free from gender discrimination.
As a recipient of federal funding, the University is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, 10 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq. (Title IX). Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex — including pregnancy discrimination and Sexual Harassment — in educational programs and activities. Title IX’s sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity. Our policies on non-discrimination and sexual misconduct prohibits sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, and intimate partner violence against others based on gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation
Sexual Harassment is defined broadly under this Sexual Harassment Policy (Policy). Sexual Harassment includes Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Non-Consensual Sexual Contact, Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse, Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Child Molesting, and sex discrimination, as defined below. Sexual Harassment is a violation of University policy, state and federal civil rights laws, and may violate state and federal criminal laws. When an allegation of Sexual Harassment is brought to an appropriate individual’s attention, and a Respondent is found to have violated this policy, the University will issue appropriate sanctions to prevent future misconduct. Title IX also prohibits retaliation for asserting claims of sexual discrimination.
The University reserves the right to take whatever measures it deems necessary in response to an allegation of Sexual Harassment in order to protect the rights and personal safety of Students, employees, and other members of the University Community. Such measures include, but are not limited to, modification of living arrangements, interim suspension from campus pending a hearing, and reporting the matter to local police. Not all forms of Sexual Harassment will be deemed to be equally serious offenses, and the University reserves the right to impose different sanctions, ranging from verbal warning to expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense. The University will consider the concerns and rights of both the Claimant and the Respondent.
Indiana Tech has designated Title IX coordinators listed on the website along with a complaint form to coordinate the university’s compliance with and response to inquiries concerning Title IX. Indiana Tech also provides educational programming designed to inform students about the policy, prevent occurrences, and inspire bystander intervention. These programs range from online resources, in person presentations, print materials, and general publications.
For the most updated information and the full policy on non-discrimination and sexual misconduct including how to file a report, visit the university website at https://safety.indianatech.edu/safety-measures/title-ix-reporting/.
A person may also file a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding an alleged violation of Title IX by filing a Discrimination Complaint Form or calling 800.421.3481.