Title IX Sexual Harassment policy & University Sexual Misconduct policy

The Title IX Sexual Harassment policy is based on definitions set forth in regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972; that policy limits the scope of Title IX Sexual Harassment to conduct that occurs within the United States and conduct that occurs within the University’s education program or activity. In order to address incidents of sexual misconduct that do not fall within the definition of Title IX Sexual Harassment, the University has two policies that address sexual misconduct:  (1) the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and (2) the University Sexual Misconduct policy. These policies are inter-related and must be read together.

The University Sexual Misconduct policy applies only to certain conduct, as defined under that policy. Specifically, the University Sexual Misconduct policy applies to forms of sexual misconduct that do not fall under the scope of the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, including Sexual Exploitation, Improper Conduct related to Sex, and University Sexual Harassment. The University Sexual Misconduct Policy also applies to complaints alleging certain conduct that would otherwise be prohibited under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy (e.g., Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy), but which must be dismissed under the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy because they do not meet the jurisdictional requirements.

Both policies can be accessed through section 1.3 of Rights, Rules, Responsibilities or directly at https://inclusive.princeton.edu/addressing-concerns/policies/title-ix-sexual-harassment-policy and https://inclusive.princeton.edu/addressing-concerns/policies/university-sexual-misconduct-policy.  Both policies provide information about types of prohibited conduct, how to access resources and/or make a complaint, and investigative and disciplinary procedures.

Update

On April 29, 2024, the United States Department of Education (DOE) published its final Title IX regulations (2024 Regulations) which, by its terms, take effect on August 1, 2024. Recently, a federal court in Kansas issued a preliminary injunction which prohibits the DOE from enforcing the 2024 Regulations with respect to more than 700 colleges and universities nationwide, including Princeton. In light of this injunction and the attendant legal uncertainty, Princeton will continue to apply its current policies: the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, the University Sexual Misconduct policy and the Policy on Discrimination and/or Harassment. Princeton will be prepared to modify its policies as required once the status of the 2024 Regulations issued in April is further clarified. 

Princeton’s current policies prohibit sexual misconduct and discrimination and harassment based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy or related conditions. Consistent with our values, Princeton will continue to provide a wide range of supportive measures to community members impacted by this conduct, implement robust prevention initiatives, and conduct fair, thorough and empathetic grievance processes when applicable.

Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy & Subsections

  1. The University Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Coordinator
  2. Terminology
  3. Prohibited Conduct
  4. Assessment and Dismissal of Formal Complaints
  5. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Related Responsibilities
  6. Options for Complainants, Respondents, and Other Reporting Individuals
  7. Supportive Measures for Complainants and Respondents
  8. Emergency Removal
  9. Alternate Resolution Process
  10. Grievance Procedures for Title IX Sexual Harassment Complaints, In General
  11. Investigation and Adjudication
  12. Appeal
  13. Training
  14. Record Retention
  15. Modification and Review of Policy

Appendix A: Law Enforcement and Confidential Resources

Appendix B: Alternate Resolution Process

Appendix C: Range of Sanctions under this Policy

 

University Sexual Misconduct Policy & Subsections

  1. The University Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Coordinator
  2. Terminology
  3. Prohibited Conduct
  4. Assessment and Dismissal of Formal Complaints
  5. Confidentiality, Privacy, and Related Responsibilities
  6. Options for Complaints, Respondents, and Other Reporting Individuals
  7. Supportive measures for Complaints and Respondents
  8. Alternate Resolution Process
  9. Grievance Procedures for University Sexual Misconduct Complaints, In General
  10. Investigation and Adjudication
  11. Appeal
  12. Training
  13. Record Retention
  14. Modification and Review of Policy

Appendix A: Law Enforcement and Confidential Resources

Appendix B: Alternate Resolution Process

Appendix C: Range of Sanctions under this Policy