Ohio University updates policy to align with federal Title IX regulations

Ohio University recently revised University Policy 03.004 to comply with new Title IX regulations that govern how federally funded schools address incidents of sexual harassment among students, faculty and staff. The new federal regulations took effect on August 14.

“As we continue our work on processes for intake and  investigation in compliance with the new Title IX regulations, it is important to note that our commitment to supporting our students, faculty and staff remains unwavering,” said Ohio University Director of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator Kerri Griffin. “As we continue to comply with the law, Ohio University’s commitment to due process will remain unchanged.”

University Policy 03.004 and the related processes for addressing sexual misconduct are currently being revised to update procedures for intake, investigation, adjudication, sanctioning and appeals. The policy name will change from Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence, and Stalking to Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct.

As a result of this revision process, the University has also amended the Student Code of Conduct. Those changes include:

• updated titles for sexual misconduct violations;
• an expanded scope to clarify the difference between the sexual misconduct process and the community standards process; and
• minor edits to reflect a name change to the sexual misconduct policy and process.

Ohio University is committed to providing a workplace, educational environment, and programs and activities that are free from sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct. To affirm its commitment to fairness and equity, and to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, Ohio University has developed this policy and related processes that inform members of the university community about prohibited behavior; provide supportive measures designed to remediate the effects of sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct; and provide a prompt, fair, and impartial process to address alleged violations of this policy.

A summary of the major provisions of Title IX is available on the U.S. Department of Education website.

Additional information about Ohio University Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, visit https://www.ohio.edu/equity-civil-rights .