Title IX

Resources and Support for Students

Through our healthy relationships curriculum, The Change Project, we educate youth on Title IX. We know that at least 1 in 4 students we see in classrooms is not aware of all of the protections that Title IX offers students. We work directly with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) to make sure this information is readily available to students through school websites. We also work with our Youth Coordinated Community Response (YCCR) team to make sure this information is available to the students at all Indianapolis high schools. The YCCR team consists of students representing all Indianapolis high schools, community organizations, school administrators, and Title IX coordinators.

Are you interested in bringing our curriculum to your school or youth-centered program? Contact us for more information.

Understanding Title IX

Title IX, part of the Education Amendments of 1972, is a federal law stating that:

The Title IX amendment has far-reaching implications for students; however, we concentrate on the protection offered to victims of intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking. Due to mandatory reporting guidelines, a Title IX report and/or investigation occur over the objection of the victim. Regardless of the victim’s level of participation, all schools have a duty to stop, prevent and remedy the behavior reported in an equitable manner.

The Title IX actions exist separately from any civil or criminal court proceedings, they are actions taken and managed by the school. Law enforcement may investigate an incident independent of any Title IX action or finding and determine if any criminal legal action is appropriate. A civil action may be filed by parties involved as well but that is not related to a Title IX action.

TITLE IX APPLIES TO ALL SCHOOLS THAT RECEIVE FEDERAL FUNDING, INCLUDING K-12, COLLEGES, AND UNIVERSITIES.

The law requires institutions to respond to intimate partner violence, sexual violence or stalking that:

• takes place on campus;
• is connected to school programs; or
• is perpetuated by anyone affiliated with the school
• Off-campus misconduct matters as much as misconduct that occurs on campus, whether it takes place down the street, online, or overseas.

Title IX laws apply to students, faculty, staff, subcontractors, vendors, guests, and visitors.

PROTECTIONS AGAINST:

• All unwelcome sex-based and/or gender-based conduct
• All unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
• Sexual harassment resulting from a hostile environment
• Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment (“This for That”)
• Sexual Violence
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Stalking
• Harassment through severe, pervasive or persistent behavior

IF YOU HAVE BEEN THE VICTIM OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE, SEXUAL VIOLENCE OR STALKING ON CAMPUS YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO:

• Not participate in the Title IX investigation/proceedings
• Not be discriminated against because of the complaint or level of participation
• Have an attorney or support person present during any interviews or hearings by campus staff
• Resolution of complaint in a timely fashion
• Access to community referrals or campus resources to support you after the incident
• A prompt, thorough and impartial investigation and/or hearing

Indianapolis Public Schools Title IX Resources

IPS Title IX policy forbids sex discrimination, harassment, and teen dating abuse. You can find more information about IPS’s Title IX policies below.

Bylaws and Policies