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FAQs: Title IX

The following are frequently asked questions in regard to Title IX and related policies:

What conduct is prohibited by Title IX?

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (sex). Title IX prohibited conduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship (dating or domestic) violence and stalking.

What are a University’s obligations when it has notice of a Title IX related incident?

If the University knows or in the exercise of reasonable care should know about student-on-student sexual harassment including sexual violence that creates a hostile environment, Title IX requires the University to take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred (subject to confidentiality considerations). If an investigation reveals that sexual harassment including sexual violence created a hostile environment, the University must then take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy its effects on the victim and University community.

Who is Stanford University's Title IX Coordinator?

Cathy Glaze - Acting Title IX Coordinator
(650) 497-4955
titleix@stanford.edu

What are the reporting obligations of residential staff (e.g., RA, PHE, RCC, RF, CM) when they have notice and/or receive a report of a Title IX related incident?

All Stanford University employees, including student staff, must report all Title IX related concerns to their Residence Dean. The Residence Dean will then promptly notify the Title IX Coordinator of the incident and meet with the Impacted Party to assist with immediate safety measures and other necessary and appropriate interim measures (e.g., housing, academic) in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator.

What if the Impacted Party requests confidentiality?

If an Impacted Party requests to remain confidential, the University will give serious consideration to that request. Only in rare circumstances will the University proceed to a Title IX investigation against the wishes of the Impacted Party. Generally, the University will seek to honor the request of the Impacted Party not to proceed to a Title IX investigation and to remain confidential and will not proceed to a formal Title IX investigation without the consent of the Impacted Party.  The Title IX Coordinator will consider a number of factors in deciding whether the request can be honored, including the age of the Impacted Party, whether there is evidence of a pattern of misconduct, the severity of the misconduct, and whether there is a safety risk to the Impacted Party or the Stanford community.  Should the University, in weighing such factors, determine it must proceed, the University will explain its rationale to the Impacted Party and make sure that the Impacted Party is offered a support person throughout the process. The Impacted Party will not be required to participate in the process as a prerequisite to the University proceeding.

Who can a student contact if he or she wants to discuss a Title IX related concern in a confidential manner?

Confidential consultations about sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, relationship (dating and domestic) violence and stalking are available from persons who, by law, have special professional status (University mental health professionals and University clergy) . A Stanford student may contact the following offices for confidential advice and help:

Stanford University Confidential Support Team (24/7) 
(650) 725-9955
https://vaden.stanford.edu/sexual-assault

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
(650) 723-3785
vaden.stanford.edu/caps

Office for Religious Life
(650) 723-1762
religious-life@stanford.edu

YWCA Rape Crisis Hotline (off campus)
(650) 493-7273 or (408) 287-3000

What safety measures and accommodations are available to a student when he or she reports a Title IX related incident?

Upon a report of a Title IX concern, the University will work with the Impacted Party to put interim measures in place to ensure a safe, hostile free environment for the student. Following an investigation and a determination that conduct prohibited by Title IX occurred, more permanent accommodations and safety measures may be implemented.  Accommodations and safety measures (including interim measures) could include:

  • Housing accommodations
  • Counseling services
  • Academic accommodations 
  • Escort services
  • No contact or stayaway letters
  • Limitation on extracurricular or athletic activities
  • Removal from University community
  • Other appropriate actions as necessary

Who can a student contact to ask that one or more of these safety measures and/or accommodations are put in place?

A Stanford student may contact a Residence Dean, a Graduate Life Dean, the Office of Sexual Assault and Relationship Abuse Education and Response (SARA Office),  and/or the Title IX office.

What is the purpose of the Title IX Administrative Policy and Procedures?

The purpose of a Title IX Investigation pursuant to the University's Title IX Administrative Policy and Procedures is to determine:

  • Whether or not Prohibited Conduct has occurred;
  • Whether there is an ongoing risk of harm from further Prohibited Conduct and, if so, what steps are necessary to prevent its recurrence;
  • Whether accommodations for the Impacted Party need to be put in place to redress the effects of Prohibited Conduct;
  • Whether accommodations or safety measures should be put in place to ensure the safety of the Stanford community;
  • Whether the conduct warrants review by the Office of Community Standards for discipline if such review has not been initiated; and
  • Whether any changes to policies, practices or training should be considered and implemented.

How does the Title IX Administrative Process differ from the Office of Community Standards' Alternate Review Process (ARP)?

A Title IX investigation is an administrative (non-disciplinary) process. The purpose is to determine whether the Title IX prohibited conduct has occurred and, if so, to take appropriate administrative steps to stop the harassment (including sexual violence), prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects. While disciplinary sanctions cannot be imposed through the Title IX Administrative Process, administrative remedies to protect the safety of the Impacted Party or the Stanford community can be imposed. Disciplinary sanctions (e.g., suspension or expulsion) may only be imposed through the ARP.

Where can I learn more about the Title IX Administrative Policy and Procedures (non-disciplinary)?

You can learn more by clicking the following link:  Title IX Administrative Policy and Procedures (non-disciplinary) or by contacting the Title IX Office at (650) 497-4955 or titleix@stanford.edu.

Who can a student contact if he or she has been accused of Title IX prohibited conduct?

A student who has been accused of Title IX prohibited conduct can contact a Residence Dean, a Graduate Life Dean, and/or the Title IX office. Confidential support also is available from CAPS and the Office for Religious Life.