Suffolk Law Student Handbook

retained from an outside organization by the University. All Investigators will be trained in the investigation of Sexual Misconduct pursuant to Title IX requirements.

Investigation (Title IX): A prompt and effective inquiry to determine whether or not a violation of the Policy On Sexual Misconduct has occurred. An Investigation includes but is not limited to interview(s) with the Complainant, Respondent and relevant witnesses. The Investigation will include the gathering of physical, documentary, or other relevant and available evidence, including law enforcement reports.

Respondent: A student against whom a Title IX Report or Complaint of Sexual Misconduct has been made.

Responsible Employee: All employees of the University, including faculty, staff, resident assistants and teaching assistants have been identified as Responsible Employees and are required to report all information regarding possible or alleged Sexual Misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or designated officials. All employees in Counseling, Health and Wellness and the Interfaith Center are not Responsible Employees. Standard of Proof: In resolving complaints pursuant to the Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy, the University will use a “preponderance of the evidence,” standard, which is whether the evidence gathered and information provided during the investigation supports a finding that it is more likely than not that the respondent violated the Policy On Sexual Misconduct. Title IX: Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. On June 23, 1972, the President signed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. §1681 et seq., into law. The principal objective of Title IX is to avoid the use of federal money to support sex discrimination in education programs and to provide individual citizens effective protection against those practices. Title IX Coordinator: The administrator identified by the University to monitor compliance; ensure and coordinate education and training; coordinate the investigation, response, and resolution of all reports under the Policy On Sexual Misconduct; and ensure appropriate actions to eliminate Sexual Misconduct, prevent its recurrence, address its effect on persons and the Community as a whole. The University has identified the Director of Title IX Compliance in this role:

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