What is Title IX?
Title IX is landmark federal civil rights legislation that prohibits sex discrimination in education. Title IX includes sexual harassment, gender-based discrimination, and sexual violence. It encompasses attempted or completed rape or sexual assault, as well as sexual harassment, stalking, voyeurism, exhibitionism, verbal or physical sexuality-based threats or abuse, and intimate partner violence. The Title IX Office at Pitt is here to answer questions and assist any member of the campus community.
Title IX protects all members of the University community: students, staff and faculty from sexual or gender-based misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, and assault.
How many reports are made to the Title IX Office each year?
In 2018-19, 247 reports were made to the Title IX Office. In 2017-18 that number was 212.
National data indicates that sexual misconduct and assault are some of the most least-reported crimes. While our goal is zero incidents on campus, we’re encouraged to see that more individuals are reporting these incidents, which allow us to investigate and provide a pathway for a resolution. Without individuals coming forward, the University is not able to intervene. More work remains and we’re committed to a campus where everyone is safe and respected.
How many investigations are conducted by the Title IX Office each year?
That number has been rising with the total reports, though not at the same rate as total reports. In 2018-19, 37 investigations occurred.
Why are so few cases investigated?
In a majority of cases, it is up to the individual making the report to determine whether a formal investigation occurs. In many cases, these individuals are seeking interim measures or support services and do not wish to proceed with a formal investigation. However, there are situations where the nature of the report compels the Title IX Office to proceed with a formal investigation.
What is the usual punishment for a student who is found to have committed an act of sexual misconduct?
Numerous forms of disciplinary actions are available and taken, up to and including Disciplinary Dismissal, depending on the unique factors present in each situation. The University does not have mandated discipline for any offense but instead considers all relevant factors before determining a course of action.
The Student Code prohibits “sexual misconduct,” which covers a broad range of conduct ranging from a first offense of verbal harassment up to and including sexual violence. For these reasons, as well as privacy concerns—including FERPA —the University does not share or publish data relating to those processes or outcomes.
What happens when a student reports?
When a student reports—or when a Responsible Employee contacts the office on their behalf—a member of the Title IX office will personally connect with them. This first contact comes via email, so that the individual has control over when and where they review the information. They are then are provided with information on all of their available resources, including counseling services, available interim measures, such as academic accommodations or no contact orders, and the range of reporting options, including filing a police report. The Title IX Office will talk with survivors about all of their options to help them make informed decisions that are right for them.
Learn more about the process in @Pitt.
How does the University respond when a student makes a report about a faculty or staff member?
These reports are managed by the same process any report that comes into the Title IX office and the same resources and services are applied.
What education and training are currently provided?
Educating faculty, staff and students on identifying, preventing, responding to, and reporting sexual misconduct is critical in order to prevent and to reduce the impact of sexual violence. To that end, the University provides many educational opportunities, including mandatory training for all faculty, staff and undergraduate students, customizable options for a variety of audiences and needs, and partner trainings by the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.
Additionally, the Title IX Office works with a variety of outreach partners, including Greek Life, Student Affairs, Residence Life, student leadership bodies and others to do educational outreach throughout the year.
Does the Title IX Office work to prevent intimate partner violence?
Absolutely—we work to prevent all forms of sexual and gender-based violence and misconduct. In addition to making available the same resource and reporting options all survivors have, we provide education through programs like our Healthy Relationships workshop, bystander intervention trainings, relationship violence and self-care fair, and SETpoint training.
What is Pitt’s response higher rates of victimization experienced by certain student groups?
We are committed to fostering an environment free of sexual violence and misconduct for every member of our community. We are deeply aware that there are groups of students disproportionately affected by sexual or gender-based misconduct, including discrimination, harassment, and assault. These results make it clear that there is much more work to be done.
How does Pitt compare with the national data? Other institutions?
Pitt’s results are similar to much of the national data. While we are not interested in making comparisons or benchmarking ourselves against others—as we’ve said, the only acceptable number is “zero”—we also recognize that we do not operate in a vacuum. Sexual misconduct and violence.
What is Pitt planning to do in response to the survey?
In Chancellor Patrick Gallagher’s Oct. 15 message, he outlines the key next steps Pitt is taking to support and give resources to a community-driven response.
How can I get more involved?
We’ve put together a listing of upcoming events, ways to share feedback and education and training opportunities to help you get—and stay—connected.