Brescia University Title IX Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I believe I have been sexually assaulted?

What are considered Title IX concerns and how do I know when I should report them?

I heard there is a University Title IX Investigator. What does he/she do?

Can I have an advisor present when I meet with the Title IX Investigator?

If an incident of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, occurs off-campus, can the University investigate?

What if the incident occurred at a party and I was drinking (under the legal age of 21), will I get in trouble?

Where can I find Brescia University’s annual Campus Safety report?

How does Title IX apply to athletics at Brescia University?

What does it take for Brescia University’s athletic program to comply with Title IX?

Does Title IX benefit only girls and women?

Does Title IX require identical athletic programs for males and females?

 

What should I do if I believe I have been sexually assaulted?

  • Immediately go somewhere safe and contact one of the following to make a report:
    • Dr. Lori Etheridge, Title IX Coordinator
    • Melissa Scuderi, Director of Residence Life
    • Eva Atkinson, Director of Counseling
    • Campus Security
      • 270-686-4300
    • Your Resident Assistant
    • 911
  • Refrain from washing, bathing, showering, or douching
  • Refrain from washing clothes or other items worn/used during the sexual assault

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What are considered Title IX concerns and how do I know when I should report them?

The following are typically Title IX concerns:

  • Sexual harassment
  • Sex or gender-based harassment or discrimination
  • Sexual violence
  • Gender-based stalking
  • Relationship violence
  • Pregnancy discrimination
  • Sexual orientation harassment or discrimination
  • Gender identity harassment or discrimination

Sometimes students are reluctant to report a concern because they aren’t sure if what they experienced is “bad enough” or is really a violation of law or policy. Students are encouraged to report any concerns they have. If a student’s concern doesn’t warrant disciplinary action/investigation the University can still offer support, assistance, resources, and options. Reporting concerns assists the University’s ability to take appropriate action both for the well-being of individual students as well as the University community.

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I heard there is a University Title IX Investigator.  What does he/she do?

Brescia University has a Title IX Investigator to investigate allegations of sex discrimination, including all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence. The Title IX Investigator utilizes the Student Code of Conduct as he/she investigates allegations consistently with the requirements of Federal law.

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Can I have an advisor present when I meet with the Title IX Investigator?

Any complainant or respondent involved in a Title IX case may bring an advisor to any and all conduct meetings. 

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If an incident of sexual harassment, including sexual violence, occurs off-campus, can the University investigate?

Students are encouraged to report incidents that occur off-campus. The University can investigate if the incident has sufficient ties to the University (if it occurs at a University event if it involves a Brescia University student, faculty, or staff member, etc.).  If there are insufficient ties to the University to allow an investigation, students are still encouraged to report so they can be provided with assistance and support. Students are also encouraged to report any potential crime to law enforcement.

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What if the incident occurred at a party and I was drinking (under the legal age of 21), will I get in trouble?

Brescia University is concerned with the well-being of all students. The typical practice of the University is to not pursue Student Code of Conduct charges for alcohol violations that are self-disclosed during the course of reporting, or while serving as a witness in an investigation related to potential sexual misconduct.  In certain circumstances, the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students may recommend or require wellness approaches or other interventions related to alcohol use. Again, no student should be dissuaded from reporting, or providing information related to, sexual misconduct for fear of disciplinary action related to alcohol consumption.

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Where can I find Brescia University’s annual Campus Safety report?

https://www.brescia.edu/wp-content/uploads/Brescia-Campus-Crime-Report-2019.pdf

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How does Title IX apply to athletics at Brescia University?

Title IX prohibits all public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities that receive federal funding, from discriminating on the basis of sex in their intercollegiate athletics programs. Since Brescia University receives federal funds—most commonly through financial aid to students- Brescia all must comply with Title IX.

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What does it take for Brescia University’s athletic program to comply with Title IX?

The regulations, issued in 1975, require that if a recipient institution operates or sponsors an athletic program, it must provide equal athletic opportunities for members of both sexes. The regulations provide a non-exhaustive list of factors to measure equal athletic opportunity, including whether an institution’s selection of sports effectively accommodates the interests and abilities of students of both sexes to the extent necessary to provide equal athletic opportunity.

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Does Title IX benefit only girls and women?

Title IX protects everyone-girls and boys, women and men. The law requires educational institutions to maintain policies, practices and programs that do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex. Elimination of discrimination against women and girls has received more attention because females historically have faced greater gender restrictions and barriers in education. However, Title IX also protects men and boys. A continued effort to prevent or stop discrimination on the basis of sex has benefited all students by moving toward the creation of school environments where all students may learn and achieve the highest standards.

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Does Title IX require identical athletic programs for males and females?

Title IX does not require identical athletics programs for males and females. Under Title IX, one team is not compared to the same team in each sport. The Office of Civil Rights examines the total program afforded to male student-athletes and the total program afforded to female student-athletes and determines whether each program meets the standards of equal treatment. Title IX does not require that each team receive exactly the same services and supplies. Rather, Title IX requires that the men and women’s program receive the similar/comparable level of service, facilities, supplies and etc. Variations within the men and women’s program are allowed, as long as the variations are justified on a nondiscriminatory basis.

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