Title
IX

Sexual Harassment, Sex Discrimination, and Other Sexual Misconduct

Title IX

Contact

Danita Mason – Title IX Coordinator | 316-295-5676 danita_mason@friends.edu

Ken Stoltzfus – Deputy Title IX Coordinator | 316-295-5098 ken_stoltzfus@friends.edu

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states that no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Friends University affirms its commitment to promote the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of the educational enterprise.

Friends University adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Friends University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, national origin, or disability in its programs and activities generally available to students.

Policies & Resources

Step 1: Report of harassment, misconduct, or sexual violence to Title IX Coordinator, faculty or staff. IF imminent threat and/or emergency medical services need, call 911 for all medical emergencies, local law enforcement, and notify campus security. Step 2: Title IX office takes initial intake from the Complainant and Respondent, if known. Offer Supportive Measures. Title IX Coordinator will assess if the Title IX policy applies. IF the policy does not apply, the complaint is dismissed; Complainant and Respondent is notified; another university policy may apply and report to appropriate department. IF the policy does apply, the complaint is moved forward to the Investigation phase. Step 3: Investigation. Investigators are assigned; they conduct interviews, and compile results in a report. The investigative report is shared with both the Complainant and Respondent to review and comment. Informal Resolution: Both parties must voluntarily consent, in writing, to administrative adjudication. The Administrative Officer is appointed, conducts interviews, reviews relevant documentation, and provides written determination. Formal Resolution: One or both parties may make a written request for a formal hearing. The default process for adjudication is the formal hearing. The Hearing Officer conducts hearing, provides written determination and disciplinary recommendation, as appropriate. Either party may appeal a determination or dismissal under, limited grounds, as noted in the Title IX policy.
Navigating the Friends Title IX Process

View Friends University’s full discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking and retaliation policy.

View Friends University’s accreditation and nondiscriminatory/equal opportunity policy.

View the Clery Act.

Title IX

Training & Development

Below is more information regarding the Title IX training that Friends University faculty and staff complete annually.

Module 1 – An Introduction to Managing Title IX Sexual Harassment on Campus

The Fundamentals of the Law module provides an overview of the new Title IX rule. Starting with a background and history of Title IX, the module details key definitions, elements of a sufficient response to “Title IX sexual harassment,” interim and supportive measures and record-keeping requirements.

Required For: Administrative Officer (Decision-Maker), Advisor, Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s), Hearing Officer, Investigator, Appeals Officer, Supervisors

Module 2 – Formal Complaints of Title IX

The Formal Complaints module discuss the new regulation’s framework for formal complaints of Title IX sexual harassment. The module details the ten core requirements for a formal complaint process and explains the requirements regarding dismissals and consolidation of complaints.

Required For: Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s)

Module 3 – Title IX Investigations & Informal Resolutions

The Investigations and Informal Resolutions module explain the new regulation’s requirements for investigations of formal complaints of Title IX sexual harassment. The module explores key concepts, notice requirements, confidentiality, evidence, serving impartially, issues of relevance, interviews, credibility determinations, collection and review of documentation and writing investigative reports. The module also explains the regulation’s requirements regarding informal resolutions.

Required For: Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s), Investigator

Module 4 – Title IX Hearings

The Hearings module discuss the new regulation’s hearing requirements for formal complaints of Title IX sexual harassment. The module delves into key concepts, the live hearing requirement, advisors, managing cross-examination, relevance, credibility, burden of proof, evidence and legal privileges

Required For: Administrative Officer (Decision-Maker), Advisor, Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s), Hearing Officer

Module 5 – Title IX Determinations

In the Determinations module explore the new regulation’s requirements for written determinations of responsibility following a hearing. The module covers key concepts, the format and content of determinations, organizing facts and thoughts, excluding facts in evidence, weighing facts under applicable evidentiary standards, types of evidence, effective deliberations and writing a defensible determination.

Required For: Administrative Officer (Decision-Maker), Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s), Hearing Officer, Appeals Officer

Module 6 – Title IX Appeals

The final module of the series, explains the new Title IX rule’s requirements for appeals. The module details key concepts, bases for appeal, drafting appeal decisions and requirements for appeal officers.

Required For: Advisor, Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title IX Coordinator(s), Appeals Officer