Your Rights
What is Title IX?
Title IX and university policies protect all Texas State students, faculty, staff and visitors from discrimination on the basis of gender, sex, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation.
“Title IX” refers to part of the federal Education Amendments Act of 1972 that prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded educational programs or activities, which includes Texas State University. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sexual discrimination. Texas State is committed to providing an environment that is free from all forms of discrimination, including discrimination based on sex. The university’s Title IX Coordinator addresses concerns related to sexual discrimination on campus.
Who is the Title IX Coordinator?
Alexandria Hatcher is the Title IX Coordinator for Texas State University. Alexandria also serves as the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX. She is committed to providing a prompt and equitable response to all reports of sexual discrimination.
As Title IX Coordinator, Alexandria's job duties include:
- Overseeing Title IX compliance
- Ensuring prompt and equitable resolutions
- Establishing a centralized reporting process for all sexual misconduct allegations
- Conducting ongoing and annual climate checks, tracking and monitoring of sexual misconduct allegations on campus
- Coordinating all training, education and prevention efforts
Complaint Process Overview
1. Incident Report Received:
All reports to the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX are forwarded to the Title IX Coordinator.
4. Respondent Due Process
Staff will notify the subject of the report that there is an investigation and provide the university policy outlining their rights.
2. Initial Assessment
The Title IX Coordinator will evaluate the report and decide whether it warrants an investigation.
5. Investigation
Staff will collect evidence and interviews from the involved parties, including witnesses, and prepare a written report of all documented evidence.
3. Outreach to Complainant
Staff will contact the reporting person to offer resources, provide the university policy and gather information.
What Are My Rights in the Title IX Process?
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Complainant Bill of Rights
As a complainant in a Title IX investigation, you have the right to:
1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by Texas State University;
4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from Texas State University courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
7. Describe the incident to as few Texas State University representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
8. Be protected from retaliation by Texas State University, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of Texas State University;
9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
10. Be accompanied by an adviser of choice who may assist and advise throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of Texas State University.
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Respondent Bill of Rights
As a respondent in a Title IX investigation, you have the right to:
1. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by Texas State University;
2. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
3. Be treated with dignity and to receive from Texas State University courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
4. Describe the incident to as few Texas State University representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
5. Be protected from retaliation by Texas State University, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of Texas State University;
6. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
7. Be accompanied by an adviser of choice who may assist and advise throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
8. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of Texas State University.
Findings
No Violation of Policy
If the investigation finds that, based on the preponderance of evidence, no violation of policy occurred, both parties will be notified.
Violation of Policy
If the investigation finds that, based on the preponderance of evidence, there was a violation of policy, the Office of Equal Opportunity & Title IX will notify the appropriate administrator.
Right to Appeal
Discrimination Decisions: The person reported may appeal the severity of the sanction.
Sexual Misconduct Decisions: Either party may appeal the finding or the sanction.