SHARE Title IX Announcements

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Participate in SAAM events on campus all month long and learn more by visiting our dedicated SAAM website: https://saamatstanford.com

Stanford
SHARE Title IX

FAQ: Title IX

The following are frequently asked questions in regard to Title IX and related policies. The material in these FAQs may be difficult to read and triggering; please take care of yourself and reach out to the Confidential Support Team if you need assistance. If your question was not answered or if you would like to see additional questions added please contact the SHARE Title IX Office at titleix@stanford.edu or (650) 497-4955. 

 

 

What conduct is prohibited by Title IX?

Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (sex), including sexual harassment. More information about this can be found here.

What are a University’s obligations when it has notice of a Title IX related incident?

If the University knows or in the exercise of reasonable care should know about student-on-student sexual harassment, including sexual violence, that creates a hostile environment, Title IX law requires the University to take immediate and appropriate steps to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred (subject to confidentiality considerations). If an investigation reveals that sexual harassment, including sexual violence, created a hostile environment, the University must then take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy its effects on the victim and University community.

Who is Stanford University's Title IX Coordinator?

Stephen Chen - Title IX Coordinator and Director of SHARE Title IX Office
(650) 497-4955
titleix@stanford.edu

What are the reporting obligations of residential staff (e.g., RA, CA, PHE, RCC, RF, CM) when they have notice and/or receive a report of a Title IX related incident?

All student staff working in the residences (whether working for ResEd, GLO, Vaden, or VPTL) must report any Title IX related concerns to the Title IX Coordinator. Outreach will then be sent to the Complainant along with an offer to meet with the Complainant to assist with immediate safety measures and other necessary and appropriate supportive measures in consultation with the Title IX Coordinator.

What are the reporting obligations for non-residential staff (e.g., faculty, instructors, coaches, VPSA staff) who work regularly with students?

Notify the Title IX Office promptly. If the student needs emergency assistance call: 911 or 9-911 from a campus phone.

Send an email to titleix@stanford.edu with as much as the following information as was reported to you (noting you should not investigate):

  • Name of the person who may have experienced Title IX Prohibited Conduct (Complainant)
  • Name of the Responding Party (accused party) (if known)
  • Date of the incident
  • Date the infromation was shared with you
  • Name of the person to whom the report was made
  • Location of the incident (be as specific as possible: not "Responding Party’s room" but “RP’s room in Stern Hall" or "off-campus in downtown Palo Alto")
  • Time of the incident
  • Nature of the conduct (be as specific as possible regarding the allegations: e.g., "Complainant awoke to Responding Party touching her breasts without permission.")

Following a report, the Title IX Office will send outreach and offer to meet with the Complainant to assist with immediate safety measures and other necessary and appropriate supportive measures.

What if the Complainant requests confidentiality?

If a Complainant requests to remain confidential, the University will give serious consideration to that request. Only in rare circumstances will the University proceed to a Title IX investigation against the wishes of the Complainant. Generally, the University will seek to honor the request of the Complainant not to proceed to a Title IX investigation and to remain confidential and will not proceed to a formal Title IX investigation without the consent of the Complainant. The Title IX Coordinator will consider a number of factors in deciding whether the request can be honored, including the age of the Complainant, whether there is evidence of a pattern of misconduct, the severity of the misconduct, and whether there is a safety risk to the Complainant or the Stanford community. Should the University, in weighing such factors, determine it must proceed, the University will explain its rationale to the Complainant and make sure that the Complainant is offered a support person throughout the process. The Complainant will not be required to participate in the process as a prerequisite to the University proceeding.

Who can a student contact if they want to discuss a Title IX related concern in a confidential manner?

Confidential consultations about Title IX Prohibited Conduct are available from persons who, by law, have special professional status (University mental health professionals and University clergy). A Stanford student may contact the following offices for confidential advice and help:

Confidential Support Team (CST)
Business Hours Line: (650) 736-6933
24 Hour Urgent Hotline: (650) 725-9955
https://vaden.stanford.edu/get-help-now/sexual-assault

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)
24 Hour Hotline: (650) 723-3785
vaden.stanford.edu/caps

Office for Religious and Spiritual Life
(650) 723-1762
religious-life@stanford.edu

YWCA Silicon Valley 
24 Hour Hotline: (800) 572-2782

What supportive measures are available to a student when they report a Title IX related incident?

The SHARE Title IX Office has a staff member specifically dedicated to meeting with students seeking information about their options. Upon a report of a Title IX concern, the University will work with the Complainant to put supportive measures in place to ensure a safe, hostile free environment for the student. Following an investigation and a determination that conduct prohibited by Title IX occurred, more permanent supportive measures and remedies may be implemented. Supportive measures could include:

  • Housing supportive measures
  • Counseling services
  • Academic supportive measures 
  • Escort services
  • No contact or stayaway letters
  • Limitation on extracurricular or athletic activities
  • Removal from University community
  • Other appropriate actions as necessary

Who can a student contact to ask that one or more of these supportive measures are put in place?

A Stanford student may contact the Confidential Support Team and/or the SHARE Title IX Office.

What is the purpose of the Title IX Procedure?

The purpose of a Title IX investigation pursuant to the University's Title IX Procedure is to determine:

  • Whether or not Prohibited Title IX Conduct has occurred;
  • Whether there is an ongoing risk of harm from further Prohibited Title IX Conduct and, if so, what steps are necessary to prevent its recurrence;
  • Whether supportive measures for the Complainant need to be put in place to redress the effects of Prohibited Title IX Conduct;
  • Whether supportive measures or safety measures should be put in place to ensure the safety of the Stanford community;
  • Whether the conduct warrants a Hearing for discipline; and
  • Whether any changes to policies, practices or training should be considered and implemented.

Where can I learn more about the Title IX Procedure?

You can learn more by clicking the following link: Title IX Procedure or by contacting the SHARE Title IX Office at (650) 497-4955 or titleix@stanford.edu. 

Student leaders developed an infographic explaining the student-related procedures. (2.79 MB)

Who can a student contact if they have been accused of Title IX Prohibited Conduct?

A student who has been accused of Title IX prohibited conduct can contact a Resident Director, a Graduate Life Office Dean, and/or the Title IX Office. The Title IX Office has staff members specifically dedicated to meeting with students seeking information about their options. Confidential support also is available from CAPS, CST, and the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life.