for the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement
UT Title IX: Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sex/Gender
UT AUSTIN’S COMMITMENT
The University of Texas at Austin (“University”) is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from discrimination based on sex in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational programs or activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE Act). Sex discrimination (including discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), and stalking will not be tolerated and will be subject to disciplinary action.
The University encourages you to promptly report conduct you believe violates these laws or related university policies to the Title IX Coordinator, a Deputy Title IX Coordinator, or a Responsible Employee, as listed and defined below.
DEFINITIONS
Definitions for Title IX matters, including consent, incapacitation, interpersonal violence (domestic and dating violence), sex discrimination, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and stalking can be found in:
Under new state law, all employees of the University that witness or receive information concerning sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence or stalking committed by or against a student or employee must report the incident to the Title IX Office. The University also strongly urges students, faculty, staff and third-parties to promptly report any incidents of sexual misconduct and other inappropriate sexual conduct to the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators:
Adriana Alicea-Rodriguez, University Title IX Coordinator
Brelynn Thomas, Deputy Title IX Coordinator and Education Coordinator
Pursuant to Title IX, a Responsible Employee is a University employee who has the duty to promptly report an alleged violation of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence (including dating violence and domestic violence), and stalking to the University Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators. Texas Law also requires all employees, except those designated as confidential, to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking against students and employees. All University employees are Responsible Employees except those designated as Confidential Employees and Private Employees.
The Office of the Dean of Students investigates complaints of student-related sexual misconduct and other prohibited conduct under the following policies:
Appendix C: Chapter 11: Student Discipline and Conduct
Appendix D: Policy on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking
The Office for Inclusion and Equity (OIE) investigates complaints of employee-related sexual misconduct and other prohibited conduct under the following Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) policies, as outlined in the OIE Procedure and Practice Guide:
HOP 3-3031: Prohibition of Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Interpersonal Violence, and Stalking
You may also make a complaint with The University of Texas at Austin Police Department (UTPD) at 512-471-4441, dial “9” (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) or to the City of Austin Police Department (APD) at 311 (non-emergency) or 911 (emergency) or to other local law enforcement authorities. APD victim services are available at 512-974-5037. The Title IX Office can help individuals contact these law enforcement agencies. Employees and students with protective or restraining orders relevant to a complaint are encouraged to provide a copy to the UT Police Department.
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1301 Young Street, Suite 1169
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 1-800-537-7697
Fax: 214-767-0432 Website:https://www.hhs.gov/ocr/index.html
For Employees:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Dallas District Office
207 S. Houston Street, 3rd Floor
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: 214-253-2720 Website:https://www.eeoc.gov/
Texas Workforce Commission
Civil Rights Division
101 E. 15th Street, Room 144-T
Austin, TX 78778-0001
Phone: 512-463-2642 Website:https://twc.texas.gov/
USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Any student who files a complaint, or who acts as a third-party witness in an investigation under this policy, will not be subject to disciplinary action by the Office of the Dean of Students for using and/or consuming alcohol or drugs at or near the time of the alleged incident, provided that any such alcohol or drug use did not, and does not, place the health or safety of any other person at risk.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The confidentiality of a complaint of sexual misconduct and all documents, correspondence, and notes of interviews and discussions related to the investigation of a complaint will be maintained, on a need-to-know basis, to the extent permitted by law. Documentation related to the resolution of complaints or incidents of sexual misconduct will be maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students (student records), and the Office for Inclusion and Equity (employee records) as appropriate.
RETALIATION
Students, faculty and staff members are prohibited from retaliating in any way against an individual who has brought a complaint of sex discrimination, sexual harassment (including sexual violence), interpersonal violence, stalking, or sexual misconduct; or against any individual who has participated in an investigation of such complaints. Please note, a student, faculty or staff member who retaliates in any way against an individual who has brought a complaint pursuant to the University sexual misconduct policies (see Appendix D (for students), HOP 3-3031 (for employees)) or participates in an investigation or resolution of a complaint, is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or separation from the University.
FAILURE TO REPORT
If an employee required to make a report knowingly fails to report an incident when the employee reasonably believes the incident constitutes stalking, dating violence, sexual assault, or sexual harassment committed by or against a student or employee at the time of the incident, state law requires the University to terminate the employee’s employment. Failing to report all known information concerning such an incident may subject the employee to disciplinary action, including termination.
FALSE COMPLAINTS
Any person who knowingly and intentionally files a false complaint of sexual misconduct is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or separation from the University. A finding that a respondent is not responsible for the sexual misconduct alleged does not imply a report was false.
CAMPUS & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
University and community resources that provide confidential support services (confidential by federal and state law):
Counseling and Mental Health Center
Appointments: 512- 471-3515 http://cmhc.utexas.edu/
CMHC 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 512- 471-CALL (471-2255)
Provides counseling advocacy services and information about safety, legal, housing, academic, and medical options and manages the Voices Against Violence Survivor Emergency Fund
Offers individual and group counseling services
University Health Services
Appointments: 512- 471-4955 http://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/
Nurse Advice Line: 512-475-NURS (475-6877)
Longhorn Wellness Center: 512-475-8252
Provides general exams to treat injuries, both internal and external, performs testing for sexually transmitted infections, and offers emergency contraception
Provides a place to receive a forensic medical exam by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE): 512-267-SAFE (7233)
Employee Assistance Program
Appointments: 512-471-3366 https://hr.utexas.edu/current/eap
For emergency situations outside normal business hours: 512-471-3399
Confidential brief counseling sessions, crisis intervention, and assessment and referrals for employees.
Available following any trauma or crisis experienced by an employee
Provides crisis intervention, advocacy, legal services, and confidential support groups for Asian women who have experienced sexual assault or are in abusive relationships
Provides resources and materials to educate survivors on their legal rights and options
Additional University resources that are private, non-mandatory reporting options:
The services below do not have obligations to report sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator (or designee). There are limits to the privacy, and it is not protected under law.
A group of trained undergraduate and graduate students who offer private, peer-based support to students who have been impacted by interpersonal violence
Provides information about students’ rights and options regarding the Title IX reporting and investigation process
Explores academic, housing, medical, and or/ financial assistance and remedies
Trained professional staff who offer private support to students who have been impacted by interpersonal violence
Serves as an advocate and is available to answer questions, discuss reporting options, what to expect of an investigation, and assist with coordinating academic, financial and housing remedies
Provides referrals within the University and in the Austin area when necessary
University Ombuds
For students and staff: 512-471-3825
For faculty: 512-471-5866 https://ombuds.utexas.edu/
Provides a neutral, informal, and independent space for information about university resources and processes for student staff, and faculty
Provides a space to discuss interpersonal difficulties, university policies, university bureaucracy, and conflict resolution techniques
A group of trained UT volunteers who provide support to UT employees who have been impacted by a crime, suffered a personal injury or death as a result of the criminal conduct of another or have experienced other distressing events
Provides Mental Health First Aid on scene and provide referrals to resources on campus and off campus as appropriate
Operates as a partnership between the Employee Assistance Program, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD)
VAN volunteers are activated through UTPD when responding to a police call
Available to answer questions about what needs to be reported, resources and supportive measures available for students, faculty, and staff
Available to take reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence (including domestic violence and dating violence), stalking, and any other issues related to Title IX
Provides a 24-hour compliance hotline for anonymous reporting: 1-877-507-7321
Provides training and educational opportunities to the campus community about Title IX, mandatory reporting, prevention, and workplace culture. You can request a Title IX workshop or training for your department or group.
Allows members of the University community to discuss their concerns about an individual’s behavior
Offers a centralized resource that is available 24-hours a day for anyone who is not sure how to help a person they are concerned about
Operates as a partnership between the Office of the Dean of Students, the Counseling and Mental Health Center, the Employee Assistance Program, and the University of Texas Police Department.
Use Lyft line anywhere close to campus and if your ride is within the parameters, the ride will be free
Available daily: 11pm-4am
PREVENTION & EDUCATION
The University’s commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of sexual misconduct includes offering ongoing education through annual training and lectures by faculty, staff, mental health professionals, and/or trained University personnel. Preventive education and training programs will be provided to University administrators, faculty, staff, and students and will include information about preventative measures, risk reduction, and bystander intervention.
For more information about Title IX and sexual misconduct, please contact:
Adriana Alicea-Rodriguez University Title IX Coordinator
Title IX Office/University Compliance Services
1616 Guadalupe Street
2.507A University Administration Building (UTA)
512-232-3992 titleix@austin.utexas.edu (email) http://titleix.utexas.edu/
