Retaliation – Title IX

Retaliatory acts, or attempts to retaliate, against anyone who has reported in good faith sexual misconduct or discrimination, who has assisted, testified, is expected to participate, refuses to participate, or has participated in any manner, in an investigation or grievance process pursuant to the Sexual Misconduct Policy, or who otherwise supports the report, are prohibited. 

Retaliation includes intimidation, verbal or physical threats, coercion, or discrimination. When evidence of retaliatory behavior exists, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.  Evidence of retaliation may exist even when there is a finding of “not responsible” on the underlying formal complaint.  Retaliation does not include good-faith actions lawfully pursued in response to a report of a Sexual Misconduct Policy violation. 

During a formal complaint process under the Title IX Regulations, no party or witness can be compelled to testify, or to appear at a meeting or hearing; therefore, the College cannot interfere with this right, or any privilege secured by Title IX, by compelling testimony or appearance, or by charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for refusing to testify or appear in a Title IX matter as referenced in the Sexual Misconduct Policy and its grievance resolution procedures.