Frequently Asked Questions

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 requires all federally funded Universities to prohibit sex/gender-based discrimination on campuses. Title IX states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” (TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENTS OF 1972, 20 U.S.C. A§ 1681 ET. SEQ.)

Title IX protects everyone, regardless of, race/ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, class, religion, citizenship, marriage status, pregnant or parenting status, or age as define by law, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Title IX applies to all students, staff and faculty, this includes female, male, transgender, and gender non-conforming Clark University community members.

After receiving a report of conduct that could fall under the Sexual Offense Policy, the Title IX Coordinator or their designee will take a number of initial steps. These initial steps are not an investigation. Rather, these initial steps will enable the University to assess the need to take any immediate action, to address the safety and health needs of the Complainant and the University community, and to determine the next steps for investigating the reported conduct and the need for any interim measures. The Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant and encourage them to meet to discuss the nature and circumstances of the reported conduct, review relevant documentation that is available, and address their immediate physical safety and emotional needs, including the need for any interim measures. Examples of interim measures may include:

• no-contact orders
• requests for academic adjustments
• changes to living, transportation and working situations,
• other actions to address the situations and concerns raised on an interim basis.

In a Title IX context the “Complainant” is the person reporting a potential violation of the Sexual Offense Policy and the “Respondent” is the person accused of violating the Sexual Offense Policy.

If you or someone you know has been accused of committing a Sexual Offense there are a few different resources. The student can speak to:

Brittany Rende
Title IX Coordinator
titleix@clarku.edu
she/her/hers
1-508-793-7194

If a student is reporting a Title IX case where the Respondent is a faculty or staff member, the Title IX Procedure follows the guidelines set forth in the Faculty or Staff Sexual Offense Policy respectively. To learn more about that process follow this link https://www.clarku.edu/offices/title-ix/policy-and-process/. To see the staff and faculty policies follow this link https://www.clarku.edu/offices/title-ix/policy-and-process/.

Yes. You may receive assistance and resources from the Title IX office even if you are not reporting an incident. These may include: housing changes, schedule changes, medical assistance or counseling services.

Yes. Both Complainants and Respondents are allowed to bring a support person, or advisor to the Title IX office with them. Complainants and Respondents are allowed an advisor for all parts of the Title IX process.

Clark can provide students resources such as, academic assistance, work assistance, housing changes, no contact orders, financial assistance, counseling services, and medical care. Clark University can also provide individual assistance depending on the circumstances.

No. Clark University has a Medical Amnesty Policy. Under this policy, Clark will not write you up for a drinking or drug conduct violation if you are experiencing a medical emergency, are reporting a possible sexual offense violation, or calling for someone else experiencing such action.

A no-contact order is an order issued by the University to protect a person’s safety and preserve a peaceful environment for all students to work, study and live on campus. If you have been issued a no-contact order it may limit communication in person, electronic, through social media or a third party. Violations of a university no-contact order may result in separation from the University.

A Responsible Employee are employees of the University who are mandated by law to promptly report any information they encounter regarding a possible sexual offense to the Title IX Coordinator or their supervisor. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 defines “responsible employees” as those employees who:

• have the authority to take action to redress harassment
• have the duty to report to appropriate school officials’ sexual harassment or any other misconduct by students or employees
• or who a student could reasonably believe has this authority or responsibility

At Clark University, all employees, including Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Resident Advisors (RAs), are responsible employees and are required to report information about a possible sexual offense. Responsible employees help connect students to their campus resources.