On August 1, 2024, the Department of Education’s revised Title IX regulations went into effect. On the same day, the University launched a revised policy: the Interim Sexual and Sex-Based Misconduct Policy and Procedures (SMPP). Importantly, the University’s long-standing, broad prohibitions against sexual and sex-based misconduct remain fully intact. The new regulations primarily led to the revision and consolidation of certain definitions and the modification of various procedures required to address allegations of sexual and sex-based misconduct. In addition, some types of sex-based discrimination that formerly were handled under the Interim Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures, now fall under the SMPP.
The new Title IX regulations also create mandatory obligations for all University employees. First, if a student informs any employee that they are pregnant or have a related condition, that employee must provide certain information to the student. Second, there are new obligations when employees become aware of potential sexual or sex-based misconduct, depending on the employee’s role:
- Responsible Employees continue to be required to report potential sexual and sex-based misconduct to OIE.
- Confidential Employees are newly required to provide specific information to individuals who disclose potential sexual or sex-based misconduct.
- All Other Employees are newly required to provide to individuals who disclose potential sexual or sex-based misconduct both the contact information for the Title IX coordinator and information on how to file a report.
While the revised SMPP is fully in effect, it has been given the designation of “Interim” due to the short turnaround time since the Title IX regulations were released, as well as the numerous legal challenges pending against the regulations. As the approaching fall brings an increase of students, employees, and campus activities, the University will continue to seek feedback and consider potential policy improvements to best serve our community. In addition, the University will monitor legal developments that may impact this policy. If you would like to share any insights or feedback on the SMPP with OIE, please e-mail [email protected].