Sexual Misconduct FAQ

Questions

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a law that forbids exclusion or discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. This includes conventional forms of discrimination, such as differential treatment in academic programs. It also includes discrimination in the form of sexual harassment or violence.

How does Mississippi State University ensure compliance with Title IX?

The university is committed to maintaining an educational environment free from sex discrimination, sexual violence, or sexual misconduct of any type. The Title IX Coordinator oversees MSU’s efforts to prevent discrimination and misconduct, and to respond effectively when they occur.

The university strongly encourages reporting all forms of sexual misconduct. MSU’s policy is to investigate reports promptly, thoroughly and fairly, in order to ensure the safety of students, employees, and others who participate in our programs. Retaliation against those who report misconduct is not tolerated.

All members of the university community should take time to familiarize themselves with the Sexual Misconduct Policy, which can be found here.

Does Title IX apply to employees as well as students? Men as well as women?

Yes and yes. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in “any education program or activity.” MSU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy therefore applies to all members of the university community, including students, faculty and staff. It also applies to independent contractors, visitors on campus, and those participating in university programs such as summer camps and conferences. It applies regardless of a person’s sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Who is the university’s Title IX Coordinator?

The university’s Title IX Coordinator is:

Lateshia Butler
231 Famous Maroon Band Street
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Office: 662-325-5839
Email: titleix@msstate.edu

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the university’s efforts to prevent sexual misconduct, and to respond effectively when it occurs. This includes overseeing training and awareness efforts, investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and other matters. If you have questions about university policy or other matters relating to Title IX, please feel free to contact the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.

What is sexual misconduct?

For purposes of university policy, the term “sexual misconduct” refers to unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature committed without effective consent. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that is severe, pervasive, or persistent enough to impair a person's ability to participate in university programs or activities. It can include verbal or non-verbal communication or physical conduct. Examples of prohibited sexual harassment include, but are not limited to (a) repeated sexual solicitations toward a person who has not indicated they are welcome; (b) conditioning favorable treatment in connection with any university program upon sexual favors; (c) threats of a sexual nature that do not rise to the level of sexual assault or domestic violence; and (d) severe, pervasive, or persistent insults or derisive comments related to sex, gender, or sexual orientation directed at a specific individual.
  • Sexual Assault refers to rape or other physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person without their consent. Sexual assault includes sexual penetration or intercourse or any other physical contact of a sexual nature that occurs without consent.
  • Sexual Exploitation is taking sexual advantage of another person in a way that deliberately infringes on their reasonable expectation of privacy and/or security, but does not involve actual or attempted physical contact. An example of sexual exploitation would be recording images, video or audio of another person engaged in sexual activity or in a state of undress without that person’s consent, even if the sexual activity itself is consensual.
  • Stalking means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or suffer substantial emotional distress. Examples of stalking include but are not limited to physically pursuing a person against their wishes, or sending repeated, unwanted messages by electronic or other means.
  • Domestic/Dating Violence refers to acts of physical violence, or threats of physical violence, committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The violent act itself may or may not be sexual in nature.

The university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy is interpreted in accordance with the rights to free expression held by members of the university community. Thus, the mere expression of opinions, ideas, words or symbols that another person finds objectionable will not, without more, constitute sexual misconduct.

What should I do if I have experienced sexual assault or other sexual misconduct?

First, you need to ensure your physical safety. Go to a safe place. If you are in danger or need emergency assistance, call 911. Once you are not in danger, you can either report the matter to MSU or contact a confidential advisor. Regardless of which option you choose—or if you choose neither—you are always free to report the matter to law enforcement.

Formal Reporting

To report the matter to MSU, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 662-325-5839 or at titleix@msstate.edu. The Coordinator or their designee will assist you in obtaining supportive measures and will provide you with information on how to proceed under university policies, including submitting a formal complaint.

Confidential Assistance

Alternatively, to seek confidential assistance, you have two options. First, you can contact the MSU Safeline at 662-325-3333. The Safeline is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. You will talk to a trained counselor, who will assist you in getting the help you need, including seeking advocacy, counseling, and/or medical care.

Second, you can contact MSU’s Office of Survivor Support Services at 662-325-3045. This office can provide direct, in-person support, including assistance in seeking counseling or medical care, navigating MSU’s investigation process, and/or filing a report with law enforcement.

Conversations with Safeline or the Office of Survivor Support Services are confidential and do not constitute a report to MSU. In either case, you are not required to submit a formal report to the university, although both can provide information on how to report if you choose to do so. Even after you have reported to MSU and/or to law enforcement, you are still free to make use of these confidential resources at any time.

Reporting to Law Enforcement

Sexual misconduct may involve violations of criminal laws. Members of the university community always retain the right to report sexual misconduct to the police, but are not required to do so. Reporting to law enforcement is separate and independent from reporting to the university. If requested, the university can assist you in contacting law enforcement to file a report.

In an emergency, the MSU and Starkville Police Departments can be reached by calling 911. Non-emergency contact information for these agencies is as follows:

MSU Police Department 662-325-2121
Starkville Police Department 662-323-4131
Oktibbeha County Sherriff’s Office 662-323-2421
U.S. Dep't of Education Office of Civil Rights 800-421-3481

Reporting to the MSU Police Department will constitute a report the university and will result in a response by the Title IX Coordinator. Reporting to other law enforcement agencies will not trigger these responses unless and until that agency or the complainant elects to share that information with the university.

Other Resources

There are other people at MSU who can provide confidential assistance that may be helpful to individuals who have experienced sexual assault or harassment. However, these are not considered primary responders. Reporting to them will not put the university on notice of sexual assault, and will not result in an investigation.

Consequently, the university strongly recommends that initial reports be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator or via the confidential resources listed above first. Once that has occurred, other resources include:

  • Student Counseling Services (662-325-2091) allows students to meet confidentially with mental health counselors. Additionally, Counseling Services can provide a Sexual Assault Advocate, who can offer confidential assistance, including (1) explaining reporting options; (2) providing accompaniment and assistance in seeking medical care or police protection; and (3) seeking other assistance without disclosing the victim’s identity.

  • The Longest Student Health Center (662-325-2431) provides medical care, including emergency care, to members of the university community. Health Center staff also are able to perform a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) in cases of rape or sexual assault. Information shared with Health Center staff, including information pertaining to sexual assault or other misconduct, is confidential.

  • The Employee Assistance Program (1-866-219-1232) provides confidential assistance to employees covering a wide range of family, marital, and other issues. The EAP offers telephone counseling and can refer employees for in-person counseling sessions.

Anonymous Reporting

Anonymous complaints of discrimination, sexual misconduct, or other unethical or unlawful behavior can be made through the MSU Ethics Line, a comprehensive and confidential online reporting tool. An online report can be completed via the Ethics Line web page. To submit a report by telephone, dial 877-310-0424.

The MSU Ethics Line is not a 911 or emergency service. If your situation involves any immediate threat, call the MSU Police Department, not the Ethics Line.

Also, please note that the Ethics Line is not equivalent to reporting sexual misconduct to the Title IX coordinator. While the university will take appropriate steps to address threats to safety or other ongoing problems identified by anonymous disclosures, its ability to respond, impose discipline, and/or assist the complainant normally will be significantly limited. Members of the community are therefore strongly encouraged to consider the other options for reporting.
 

Is there anything I can do to preserve evidence of a sexual assault?

In many cases, yes. The following steps will help to preserve evidence of a rape or other sexual assault:

  • Do not shower or douche.
  • Try not to urinate. Urinating may reduce the ability to detect “date rape” drugs.
  • If there was oral contact, do not smoke, eat, or brush your teeth.
  • Do not change clothes. If you have already changed your clothes, place them in a paper bag, as plastic may destroy evidence. If you haven’t changed, keep the original clothes on and bring an extra set to wear home.
  • If there is written or electronic evidence—such as text messages, social media, messages, or emails—in which the incident is discussed, do not delete them. Both the complainant and respondent should consider taking screenshots of any correspondence with the other party around the time of the incident. This may be important to questions concerning consent.

What will happen when I report sexual misconduct to the university?

The Title IX Coordinator or a designee will contact you to learn more about what you have reported. They will inform you of your options for seeking supportive measures, such as interim housing accommodations, or changes to class or work schedules. They will provide you with information on MSU’s policies and procedures, including how to submit a formal complaint.

The university may also take other interim steps, such as entering a no-contact order between the reporting person and the accused person. The person who contacts you also will explain the investigation and adjudication process.

Under normal circumstances, the university will strive to complete a full investigation within sixty days of a report of sexual misconduct. Depending on the results of the investigation, the university may hold a disciplinary hearing. If at the hearing the respondent is found to have committed an offense, disciplinary action will be taken. 

Will information I convey to the university remain confidential?

The university will strive to keep reported information about sexual misconduct private to the greatest extent possible, but cannot guarantee that all information will be kept confidential. Once a report is submitted to a Mandatory Reporter, the university has a duty to investigate the matter and ensure the safety of all members of the community. In some instances, this means that certain information must be provided to individuals involved in an investigation.

If complainant makes a report of sexual misconduct to MSU but then declines to submit a formal complaint, the university generally will not pursue further investigation. However, there may be instances in which the Title IX Coordinator determines that the factual circumstances require the university to investigate further and/or initiate disciplinary proceedings on its own initiative.

In cases where a complainant expressly asks that no information be shared with an accused person, disciplinary action is not possible. The university will consider whether that request can be granted while still maintaining the safety of the institution and in either case will provide supportive measures to the complainant as appropriate.

What if someone attempts to retaliate against me for reporting sexual misconduct?

Retaliation against those who report sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, or who cooperate with an investigation of alleged discrimination or misconduct, whether conducted by the university or any law enforcement agency, is strictly prohibited.

Retaliation is an independent basis for disciplinary action, regardless of the outcome of the underlying complaint. Retaliation includes any adverse action that would deter a reasonable person from reporting, testifying, or otherwise cooperating with an investigation or proceeding. Any such retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX Coordinator or the Dean of Students.

What types of assistance can the university provide if I report sexual misconduct?

The university will take steps to assist and protect individuals who report sexual misconduct or seek confidential assistance. The Title IX Coordinator or a designee will discuss potential assistance during an initial meeting with the complaining party. Persons who wish to remain confidential should contact Student Counseling Services, which can refer them to a Sexual Assault Advocate, who can help obtain assistance without triggering a formal investigation.

Assistance may include, but is not limited to:

  • Modifying class or work schedules as necessary;
  • Making alternate housing or workplace arrangements;
  • Addressing other academic or workplace concerns (e.g. assignments, leaves of absence, and withdrawal); and
  • Providing additional and/or targeted educational programming and training.

The university may also issue orders prohibiting contact between the complainant, the accused, and/or any other member of the university community. While these accommodations are most commonly provided to complainants, the university may also make accommodations for the accused or any other person, where it deems them necessary for a prompt, fair, and impartial resolution.

What will happen if the university goes forward with disciplinary proceedings?

All investigations and disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged sexual misconduct or sex discrimination will be conducted in a prompt, fair, and impartial manner by individuals who have received appropriate training on domestic violence, sexual assault and related issues. Procedures for investigation and adjudication are included in the Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Briefly, the Title IX Coordinator will select an appropriately trained person or persons to conduct an investigation. The parties will be advised of the nature of the charges, their rights, and the procedures to be followed at any hearing. The parties will have equal rights throughout the resolution process, and will have an equal opportunity to inspect evidence present relevant witnesses and other evidence if a hearing is necessary.

Parties may be assisted by an advisor of their choosing throughout the process, who may be but is not required to be an attorney. If a party does not have an advisor, the university will appoint one upon request at no charge.

Hearings will be conducted by appropriately-trained adjudicators. The standard of proof for adjudicating any sexual misconduct charge is a preponderance of the evidence standard. In other words, the evidence must show that it is more likely than not that the alleged sexual misconduct occurred. Unless and until that standard is met, respondents are presumed not responsible for alleged misconduct.

Both the complainant and the respondent will be informed simultaneously and in writing of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding and the procedures to appeal.

What sanctions may be imposed if a person is found responsible for sexual misconduct?

Sanctions for violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy must be determined based on the facts of each individual case. Sanctions are distinct from non-punitive interventions—such as no-contact orders or changes in housing assignments—which the university may impose to insure the safety of community members.

Sanctions may include, but are not limited to, expulsion, suspension, conduct probation, loss of campus housing, community service, restrictions on privileges, termination of employment, reassignment of employment, restitution, educational requirements, or a formal warning.

What happens if a deliberately false report of sexual misconduct is submitted?

Submitting a deliberately false report or providing false information in bad faith is prohibited and is grounds for disciplinary action. A report is made in bad faith when the person making it actually knew it was false or made it with reckless disregard for the truth. A report is not made in bad faith merely because the facts asserted later turn out not to be accurate.

Can a complaint of sexual misconduct be resolved by informal agreement?

It depends on the nature of the misconduct. Informal resolution is appropriate only where all parties to a sexual misconduct matter request it. Even when a request is made, the university may determine that other alleged violations are sufficiently serious that informal resolution would be inappropriate. In such cases, the matter will be resolved through formal adjudication.

If the complainant and respondent both request informal resolution under circumstances in which it would be appropriate, the university will make reasonable efforts to facilitate it.

Informal resolution is strictly voluntary. No one, whether complainant or accused, will be compelled to participate in any mediation or other informal resolution. Further, informal resolution efforts always will be supervised by a properly-trained person with no conflict of interest—that is, not by an investigator or potential formal adjudicator.

Who are MSU’s Mandatory Reporters?

Most MSU employees are considered Mandatory Reporters for all matters involving sexual assault, harassment, or other forms of sexual misconduct.

If you are employed by MSU in any capacity—full time or part time—you should assume that reporting is mandatory for you unless you fall into one of the exceptions listed in MSU’s Sexual Misconduct Policy (e.g., counselors and medical staff) or have been explicitly informed by your supervisor that you are not required to report.

If you are a student employee such as a Resident Assistant or Grad Assistant, your Mandatory Reporting duties apply to the extent you are performing your job duties. For example, a Resident Assistant would be required to report sexual harassment they learned about from a resident, but not necessarily from a non-resident personal friend during a private conversation. This limitation does not apply to full time faculty or staff.

What about employees with jobs involving confidentiality, like counselors?

Certain employees are specifically exempted from Responsible Employee status. These include (1) licensed counselors, such as those at Student Counseling Services, and their staff members; and (2) health care providers and staff, such as those at the Longest Student Health Center.

University policy does not require these employees to relay any information about sexual misconduct that is reported to them. Conferring with these employees is not considered a report to the university, and will not put the university on notice of alleged sexual misconduct or trigger any university investigation or disciplinary proceedings.

What are my reporting obligations as a Mandatory Reporter?

Mandatory Reporters are required to notify the university’s Title IX Coordinator when they learn of (1) sexual misconduct involving any member of the university community, or (2) any other sexual misconduct on campus or involving any MSU program or activity. To that end, Mandatory Reporters should keep the following in mind:

  • Reporting should be prompt. A Mandatory Reporter should report an incident of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator as soon as is practical under the circumstances.
  • Reporting is not discretionary. The obligation to report sexual misconduct is not discretionary. A Mandatory Reporter may not, for example, decide that a matter is not sufficiently serious to report. That is a decision for the Title IX Coordinator and appropriate university officials to make.
  • Mandatory reporting is not limited to matters involving students. Mandatory Reporters who learn of alleged sexual harassment or other sexual misconduct involving employees—regardless of where they occur—as well as incidents involving guests and other non-student/non-employees if they occur on campus or in connection with an MSU activity.
  • Independent responses are prohibited. Under no circumstances may any employee, department, organization, or division of the university attempt to resolve unilaterally a complaint of sexual misconduct that is required to be reported under university policy. The Mandatory Reporter must always notify the Title IX Coordinator, who will determine the correct response after consultation with appropriate officials.
  • Inform students of your obligations. Many Mandatory Reporters can reasonably anticipate students reporting sexual misconduct to them. The university encourages these employees to inform students of their reporting obligations in advance. When sexual misconduct is actually reported, the employee should tell the reporting person as early in the conversation as possible that any information provided will have to be relayed to the Title IX Coordinator, and that if the reporting person prefers to keep the information confidential, the university has resources such as the Student Counseling Center and Longest Health Center that can provide confidential assistance.
  • Tell the reporting person what will happen next. A Mandatory Reporter should tell the person reporting sexual misconduct (1) that they will be informing the Title IX Coordinator of the incident; (2) why they are sharing this information—that is, they have an obligation to inform those on campus in a position to respond; and (3) that the university will contact them to provide additional information and support.
  • Do not share the information with others. Once you have informed the Title IX Coordinator, your reporting duties are complete. You may not share the information with anyone else. If your supervisor expects to be notified of such reports, you may inform them that you have relayed a complaint to the Title IX Coordinator, and that they may contact the coordinator directly with questions or concerns.

What information about Title IX should course syllabi contain?

All course syllabi should contain the university’s standardized statement on Title IX and sexual misconduct. The statement is:

MSU is committed to complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination, including violence and harassment, based on sex. This means that MSU’s educational programs and activities must be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence and/or harassment by any member of the university community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to MSU’s Director of Civil Rights Compliance at 662-325-5839 or by e-mail to titleix@msstate.edu.

Additional resources are available at http://students.msstate.edu/sexualmisconduct/.