Retaliation against an individual who initiates a Title IX complaint, participates in an investigation, or pursues legal action, is prohibited.

The University defines retaliation as any adverse action (including intimidation) taken against an individual who has participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under these policies and procedures. Retaliation may occur in person or electronically.

The University nor any person may intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this Policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or participated or refused to participate in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this Policy. Intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for code of conduct violations that do not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal complaint of sexual harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX or this Policy, constitutes retaliation.

The exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment does not constitute retaliation prohibited under this provision. Charging an individual with a code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in the course of a grievance proceeding under this provision does not constitute retaliation, provided, however, that a determination regarding responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement
in bad faith.

Any person, whether a complainant, respondent, or witness, who is concerned they have experience retaliation may file a complaint under this Policy, which the Title IX Office will promptly investigate. The Title IX Coordinator may implement supportive measures or take other remedial action in response to allegations or threats of retaliation prohibited by this Policy. These measures may include, but are not limited to academic accommodations, No Contact directives, changes in course schedules, and modifications to housing assignments.

Disciplinary sanctions may be issued against anyone determined to have engaged in retaliation, including individuals who are acting on behalf of the respondent or complainant, with or without the knowledge of the complainant or respondent.

If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, please contact the Equal Opportunity & Regulatory Compliance Office.