Information About the New Title IX Regulations
Effective August 14, 2020, Buffalo State has a new policies and procedures for complying with the new Title IX regulations.
Title IX: What Has Changed?
The new Title IX regulations, which took effect on August 14, 2020, include several changes to the law's scope and the procedures colleges and universities must follow when notified of potential violations. Buffalo State College already incorporates due process requirements under New York State's Enough Is Enough legislation, including the opportunity to inspect and review evidence and to appeal a hearing determination to an appeals panel. Buffalo State’s Title IX Policy governs claims of sexual harassment and sexual violence that fall under Title IX. The most significant changes include the following:
Limiting the physical jurisdiction of Title IX.
Previously, Title IX applied broadly, requiring schools to act on harassing conduct even when that conduct occurred off-campus, or in Buffalo State programs abroad. The new Title IX regulations apply only in cases where the alleged misconduct took place within the United States, and the alleged misconduct took place within Buffalo State’s "educational program or activity." This means that conduct that occurs in locations outside of Buffalo State's ownership or control, including off-campus locations, would not fall under Title IX, nor would conduct that occurs outside of the United States, even if it is part of a Study Abroad experience. Similarly, online conduct that does not use Buffalo State's computers or networks would not fall under Title IX. It is important to note that individuals who experience sexual harassment or sexual violence in places or activities outside of the jurisdiction of Title IX may still report this under other Buffalo State College policies and procedures as listed within our Student Code of Conduct.
Limiting who may file a complaint under Title IX.
To file a formal complaint, the complainant must be participating, or attempting to participate, in a Buffalo State program or activity at the time the formal complaint is filed. This means that graduates, former students, or visitors to campus cannot file a formal Title IX complaint. It is important to note that these individuals may still report sexual misconduct under other Buffalo State College policies and procedures listed within our Student Code of Conduct.
Requiring actual knowledge of sexual harassment.
Previously, Title IX applied to sexual harassment that a school knew or should have known about. For schools to be responsible for sexual harassment under Title IX, the new regulations require that they be provided with "actual knowledge" of the harassment. This occurs when the College's Title IX Coordinator or other individuals who have authority to "institute corrective measures" receive notice of sexual harassment.
Requiring the filing of a formal complaint to initiate discipline.
To proceed with disciplinary action for conduct and allegations that fall under Title IX, the College must be in receipt of a formal complaint that a complainant signs and submits electronically or in writing. If the Title IX Coordinator believes that an investigation is necessary to protect the safety of the complainant or the Buffalo State community, the Title IX Coordinator may file a complaint on the complainant's behalf, even if the complainant does not wish to do so. In this case, the complainant will receive notice of any hearing dates, findings, or other relevant developments.
Providing notice to the respondent upon filing of the complaint.
The College must provide the respondent to a complaint with notice of the allegations and the opportunity to secure an advisor of choice prior to any meetings or interviews under the Title IX process. It is important to note that criminal investigations are conducted separately from Title IX investigations and are not subject to the Title IX notice requirement.
Allowing an advisor of choice the opportunity for cross-examination.
Complainants and respondents to a complaint may have an advisor of choice, who may ask questions of the other party after the hearing officers conduct their own questioning. Please note that the Title IX regulations do not allow parties to conduct cross-examination directly. The advisor of choice may be an attorney, but this is not required. The advisor may be anyone the party chooses, including the party's parent, sibling, or other relative, or a friend, another student, or a Buffalo State employee. The Buffalo State Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards will provide an advisor if the party does not have one.
Allegations of Misconduct that Fall Outside of Title IX's Jurisdiction.
Buffalo State's Student Code of Conduct prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence that falls outside of the Title IX's jurisdiction. Buffalo State is required to address this conduct under New York State's Enough is Enough legislation, and under the New York State Human Rights Law. Buffalo State will hear sexual harassment and sexual violence claims that fall outside of Title IX, including but not limited to the following circumstances:
The conduct occurred in a Buffalo State Study Abroad program outside of the United States;
The conduct occurred in an off-campus location where the College did not have substantial control or ownership;
The complainant is not currently pursuing or attempting to pursue a College education program or activity. This includes former students and visitors to campus;
The conduct occurred online, not using the College's networks or computer resources;
Any other circumstances where Title IX would not apply to the situation.
Supportive Measures
Individuals who have experienced sexual violence and individuals who have been accused of sexual violence have the right to receive supportive measures from the College. This is the case regardless of whether a person has decided to file a formal Title IX complaint or is eligible to do so. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and non-punitive. As appropriate, supportive measures may include, but are not limited to, the following:
The Buffalo State Counseling Center
Extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments
Modifications of work or class schedules
Restrictions on contact between the parties (no contact orders)
Changes in work or housing locations
Leaves of absence
Increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus
How to Report Sexual Violence
Buffalo State's Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence provides information about support and reporting. Buffalo State students and employees may consult confidentially at the Weigel Health Center and/or the Counseling Center. They may also connect with a Crisis Services Advocate for support, advocacy, and assistance by calling 716-834-3131.
Anyone who has experienced sexual violence at Buffalo State may report this to the University Police Department (available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week) at (716) 878-6333. More information is available at https://police.buffalostate.edu/, you may also report through University Police anonymously at https://police.buffalostate.edu/sexual-assault-prevention. Because acts of sexual violence may violate criminal law in additional to the Buffalo State Code of Conduct, UPD will conduct a criminal investigation of allegations within its jurisdiction. The criminal investigation is separate from a Title IX investigation.
A student or employee who would like more information about reporting a Title IX violation can report to Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak, Title IX Coordinator and Interim Chief Diversity Officer in the Equity and Diversity Office. The Equity and Diversity Office can discuss supportive measures as well as options for a criminal investigation and a Title IX investigation. If the student or employee wishes to pursue the Title IX process, the Campus’ Equity and Diversity office will provide the complaint form and can assist in the process. Please call (716) 878-6210 for assistance.
Mandatory Training for Title IX Personnel
The new Title IX regulations require that Title IX Coordinators, investigators, and decision-makers receive training on topics that include the following:
the definition of sexual harassment,
the scope of the university's education program or activity
how to conduct an investigation and grievance process including hearings, appeals, and informal resolution processes
how to serve impartially, including by avoiding prejudgment of the facts at issue, conflicts of interest, and bias
any technology to be used at a live hearing
issues of relevance of questions and evidence, including when questions and evidence about the complainant’s sexual predisposition or prior sexual behavior are not relevant
issues of relevance to create an investigative report that fairly summarizes relevant evidence.
Buffalo State College is a member of SUNY's Student Conduct Institute (SCI), and individuals who are required to receive training must complete SCI trainings prior to investigating and hearing cases. Information about these trainings is available at https://system.suny.edu/sci/training/.
*Language adapted from the University of Buffalo Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office.
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