TITLE IX

Anyone can file a report of a potential violation of Title IX (sex or gender discrimination including sexual harassment and assault). To do so, please contact one of our Title IX Coordinators at anytime. You can call, stop by our offices, send normal mail, or send email to titleix@tusculum.edu.

If you have an emergency, please contact 9-1-1 and then Campus Safety at (423) 636-7318.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law intended to end sex discrimination in all areas of education. It applies to non-discrimination based on sex/gender to all recipients of federal funds, both public and private institutions. Additionally, it applies to issues of program equity, such as in athletics, and also to sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and gender discrimination. In addition to the implementing regulations, the guidelines for compliance with Title IX are provided by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR).

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Tusculum University adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Tusculum University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student or applicant for admission on the basis of race, sex, gender, religion, age, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, military or veteran’s status, genetic information, physical appearance, or any other protected discriminatory factor, in its employment practices or in the provision of, or access to educational programs and services.

Statement about Complainant and Respondent Rights

Any person can file a report of a violation of Title IX by emailing titleix@tusculum.edu. Even if you do not wish to file a formal complaint, the Title IX team can still provide supporting measures to you.

If you are accused of a violation of our Title IX Policy you are considered “not responsible” unless and until there is a finding rendered by a non-biased panel of trained decision makers. Facing an accusation of a violation of Title IX can be a stressful process. The university can assist you by providing supporting measures during our process.

To learn more about our process, please view Tusculum University Title IX Policy and Procedures.

Behavior that is prohibited by our Title IX Policy:

  • Sexual Harassment
    • Hostile Environment
    • Quid Pro Quo (This for That)
    • Retaliation
  • Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse (e.g., Forcible Rape, Forcible Sodomy)
  • Non-Consensual Sexual Contact (e.g., Forcible Fondling, Sexual Assault with an Object)
  • Dating or Intimate Partner Violence
  • Domestic Violence
  • Stalking
  • Sexual Exploitation
    • Sexual voyeurism (such as watching a person undressing, using the bathroom or engaged in sexual acts without the consent of the person observed).
    • Invasion of sexual privacy.
    • Taking pictures or video or audio recording another in a sexual act, or in any other private activity without the consent of all involved in the activity.
    • Administering alcohol or drugs (such as “date rape” drugs) to another person without his or her knowledge or consent (assuming the act is not completed).
    • Exposing one’s genitals in non-consensual circumstances.
    • Sexually-based stalking and/or bullying may also be forms of sexual exploitation.
  • Retaliation – the university strictly forbids retaliation against anyone for making a complaint, providing information, or otherwise participation in the Title IX program or process.

In addition to the forms of sexual misconduct described above, the following behaviors are also prohibited as forms of discrimination when the act is based upon the reporting party’s actual or perceived membership in a protected class.

  • Threatening or causing physical harm, extreme verbal abuse, or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person;
  • Discrimination, defined as actions that deprive, limit or deny other members of the community of educational or employment access, benefits or opportunities;
  • Intimidation, defined as implied threats or acts that cause an unreasonable fear of harm in another;
  • Hazing, defined as acts likely to cause physical or psychological harm or social ostracism to any person within the university community, when related to the admission, initiation, pledging, joining, or any other group-affiliation activity (as defined further in the Hazing Policy);
  • Bullying, defined as
    • Repeated and/or severe
    • Aggressive behavior
    • Likely to intimidate or intentionally hurt, control or diminish another person, physically or mentally
    • That is not speech or conduct otherwise protected by the 1st Amendment.
  • Intimate Partner Violence, defined as violence or abuse between those in an intimate relationship to each other;
  • Stalking
    • A course of conduct
    • Directed at a specific person
    • On the basis of actual or perceived membership in a protected class
    • That is unwelcome, AND
    • Would cause a reasonable person to feel fear
  • Retaliation

Retaliation is defined as any adverse action taken against a person participating in a protected activity because of their participation in that protected activity. Retaliation against an individual for alleging harassment, supporting a party bringing an allegation or for assisting in providing information relevant to a claim of harassment is a serious violation of University policy and will be treated as another possible instance of harassment or discrimination. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX Co-Coordinators and will be promptly investigated. Tusculum University is prepared to take appropriate steps to protect individuals who fear that they may be subjected to retaliation.