stanford student title ix investigation & hearing process (“student ... · student...

10109788.1

Stanford Student Title IX

Investigation & Hearing Process

(“Student Title IX Process”) February 2016

StanfordStudentTitleIXInvestigation&HearingProcess(“StudentTitleIXProcess”)

I. PreambleII. UnderstandingOptionsBeforeReporting:ConfidentialUniversityResourcesIII. ReportingaConcernIV. ConfidentialityV. DecisiontoUndertakeanInvestigationVI. InterimMeasuresVII. SupportDuringanInvestigationandHearingProcessVIII. ResponsibilitiesandRightsofthePartiesandWitnessesIX. FormalInvestigationX. TimingofMattersProceedingtoHearingXI. Pre-HearingPreparationXII. HearingProcessXIII. AppealXIV. OngoingManagementXV. ExpeditedProcessforViolationsofUniversityDirectivesorCourtOrders

AppendixA.DefinitionsAppendixB.SanctionGuidelinesAppendixC.SupportResources,InterimMeasures&Remedies

I. Preamble

StanfordUniversityhasdevelopedthisprocessaspartofitscommitmenttoaddresssexualviolence.TheprocessarisesoutoftheApril2015ReportoftheProvost’sTaskForceonSexualAssaultPoliciesandPractices,whichincludedrecommendationsforanewstreamlinedTitleIXstudentinvestigationanddisciplinaryprocessonapilotbasis.Thisprocesssetsforthfairandequitableprocedurestoreviewandadjudicatesexualviolenceallegationsmadeagainststudents.ThisprocesswillbeknownastheStudentTitleIXProcess.

A. Scope

ThisprocessisdesignedtoaddresstheUniversity’sresponsibilitiesunderTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972relatingtosexualharassment(includingsexualviolence,stalking,anddomesticanddatingviolence),theViolenceAgainstWomenReauthorizationActof2013(VAWA)anditsimplementingregulations,andCaliforniaEducationCodesections67380,67383and67386.TitleIXprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofsexineducationalprogramsandactivitiesthatreceivefederalfinancialassistance.Similarly,Section304ofVAWAandCaliforniaEducationCodesection67386requirethatuniversitieshaveproceduresinplace

Modified September 2018

torespondtomattersofsexualassault,domesticviolence,datingviolenceandstalking.ThisprocesswillbereliedontoimplementtheselegalobligationsinconjunctionwithAdministrativeGuide1.7.3,whichprohibitsthefollowingconduct:SexualHarassment,SexualAssault,SexualMisconduct,RelationshipViolence(domesticviolenceanddatingviolence),andStalking.Thisprocesswillalsobeusedtoaddresscomplaintsofretaliation/intimidationandviolationsofUniversityorCourt-OrderedDirectivesrelatedtotheaforementionedconduct(collectively,ProhibitedConduct).SeeAppendixAfordefinitions.Additionally,thisprocessmayalsoaddressrelatedpolicyandFundamentalStandardchargesthatstemfromthesameallegationsasthechargedProhibitedConduct.1

B. Jurisdiction

ThisprocessaddressesallinstancesinwhichaStanfordstudent2(theRespondingStudent)whileinadegree-grantingprogramisallegedtohaveengagedinProhibitedConductoncampusoroffcampusundercircumstancesinwhichtheallegedProhibitedConducteitheroccurredinaUniversityprogramoractivityorsuchthatithastheeffectofpotentiallycreatingahostileenvironmentfortheComplainant(s).AComplainantforpurposesofthisprocessistheindividual(s)subjectedtotheallegedProhibitedConduct.3

C. PilotImplementation

Becausethisprocessappliestostudentdiscipline,thePresidenthasauthorizeditasapilotprogramunderSectionIV.AoftheJudicialCharterof1997,whichreservesforthePresidenttheability“topromulgateandenforceregulationsgoverningstudentconduct.”TheTitleIXCoordinatorisdirectedtomanagethisprocessinconsultationwiththeDirectoroftheOfficeofCommunityStandardsandtosharedisciplinaryoutcomerecordswiththeOfficeofCommunityStandards.ThispilotprogramwilltakeeffectbeginningFebruary1,20164andwillremainineffectthroughAugust31,2020*,orasotherwiseindicatedbythePresident.ThisisthesoledisciplinaryprocesstoresolvemattersofProhibitedConductallegedtohavebeencommittedbyaStanfordstudentwhileinadegree-grantingprogram.Therightsandobligationsprovidedinthisprocessnecessarilysupersedeanyconflictingrightsorobligationsprovidedinthe

1 AllegationsrelatedsolelytoaviolationofAdministrativeGuide1.7.2,whichcoversconsensualsexualrelationships,willnotbehandledundertheStudentTitleIXProcessoutlinedhere,unlessthereareotherallegationsofProhibitedConductbeingaddressedthroughthisprocess.2 InstancesinvolvingallegationsofProhibitedConductbyStanfordcommunitymembersnotcoveredbythispolicyareaddressedundertheTitleIXAdministrativePolicyandProceduresat:https://stanford.app.box.com/v/TIXAdministrativePolicy. 3 Stanfordusestheterm“Complainant”toprovideconsistencywiththeOfficeforCivilRightsandmanypeerinstitutions.Useofthistermdoesnotnecessarilyindicatethatthispersoncomplained,reportedtheconductorrequestedthattheUniversitypursuethematter.4 NewinvestigationsintoProhibitedConductbegunonorafterFebruary1,2016willbereviewedunderthisprocessregardlessofwhentheallegedProhibitedConductoccurred;investigationsbegunbeforeFebruary1,2016willcontinuethroughtheAlternateReviewProcess.


* Original pilot extended by President Tessier-Lavigne September 2018.

ConstitutionoftheAssociatedStudentsofStanfordUniversity(ASSU)oranyotherASSUorUniversitypolicy.

D. ProcessOverview

ThisprocessincludesaninvestigationphaseundertakenbytheTitleIXOffice.Followinganinvestigation,adecisionwillbemadeaboutwhethertochargeaRespondingStudentwithProhibitedConduct.Formattersthatarenotcharged,themattercouldproceedtoareviewofevidence(EvidentiaryReview)byanEvidentiarySpecialistifapartyrequestssuchareview.ResponsibilityforchargedconductisdecidedatahearingbyaHearingPanelusingtraineddecision-makers(Panelists).ThehearingprocessismanagedbyaHearingCoordinator.Inmattersinwhichanoutcomeisreached(eitherbynotchargingamatterorbyproceedingtoadecisiononachargebytheHearingPanel),partieshavearighttoappealtheoutcome.

II. UnderstandingOptionsBeforeReporting: ConfidentialUniversityResources

TheUniversityoffersconfidentialresourcesthatcanprovideemotionalsupportandcounseling.AConfidentialUniversityResourceisanindividualwhobylawisexemptedfromtheobligationtoreportanallegationofProhibitedConducttotheTitleIXCoordinatorortolawenforcement.ConfidentialUniversityResourcesincludethefollowingindividualswhenactinginthecapacityofprovidingmedicalcare,advice,counselingorcomfort:

• StanfordUniversityConfidentialSupportTeam

• YWCARapeCrisisHotline(24/7)

• CounselingandPsychologicalServices(CAPS)

• OfficeforReligiousLife

(650) 725-9955(24/7)or(650)736-6933

(650) 493-7273or(408)287-3000

(650) 723-3785

(650) 723-1762

Unlesstheallegedvictimisaminororthereisabeliefthatthereisanimminentthreatofharmtoselforothers,reportingaTitleIXconcerntooneoftheseresourceswillnotleadtoaUniversityorpoliceinvestigation.5

5 IndividualswhomeetthedefinitionofamandatedreporterunderCaliforniaPenalCodesections11165.7,11166,and11167,mustreportthoseincidentsofchildabuseandneglectasdirectedbytheapplicablestatute.Apersonundertheageof18yearsofageisaminorsubjecttotheseprovisions.Inaddition,physiciansandnurseswhotreatanyphysicalinjurysustainedduringasexualassaultarerequiredtoreportsuchcasestolawenforcement. 8


III. ReportingAConcern

ComplainantsmayreportdirectlytotheTitleIXCoordinatororthroughCallisto,athird-partysecureandconfidentialonlinereportingresource,https://stanford.callistocampus.org.

A. ReportingtotheUniversityToreportaconcern,contacttheTitleIXOfficeat:

Cathy GlazeTitleIXCoordinatorKingscoteGardens, Suite 240419LagunitaDriveStanford,CA94305 (650)[email protected]

1. DirectReport toStanfordfromComplainant

TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillaskforthefollowinginformationfromaComplainant:

1. NameofComplainant2. NameofRespondingParty(ifknown)3. Dateoftheincident4. Dateofreport5. Towhomreportwasmade6. Locationoftheincident7. Timeoftheincident8. Natureoftheconduct

2. ReportfromResponsibleEmployee

WhenstaffmembersdesignatedasResponsibleEmployees(seeAppendixA),aremadeawareofaTitleIXconcern,theseindividualsarerequiredtopromptlyreportthemtotheTitleIXCoordinator.TheTitleIXCoordinatorisobligatedtoreviewtheconcernandfollowupasappropriate.WhenthereportcomesfromaResponsibleEmployeetheTitleIXCoordinatorwillaskfortheinformationdescribedaboveandadditionallyrequest:

1. NameoftheResponsibleEmployee2. WhoreportedincidenttoResponsibleEmployee3. DateofreporttotheResponsibleEmployee


B. ReportingtoLawEnforcement

1. DirectReportfromComplainant

ForconductthatcouldalsoconstituteacrimeunderCalifornialaw,aComplainantisencouraged—butnotrequired—tocontactthepolicebydialing9-1-1orthelocalpoliceagencyinthejurisdictioninwhichtheallegedincidentoccurred.

IftheallegedincidentoccurredontheStanfordcampus,individualsmaycontacttheStanfordUniversityDepartmentofPublicSafety(SUDPS)at(650)723-9633fornon-emergencies.ResidenceandGraduateLifeOfficeDeans,aswellasSexualAssaultandRelationshipAbuse(SARA)OfficeandTitleIXOfficestaff,areavailabletoassistastudentinmakingsuchareport.

2. ReportfromaCampusSecurityAuthority

WhentheallegationsdescribedcouldbeacrimeunderCalifornialaw,UniversitystaffmembersdesignatedasCampusSecurityAuthorities(seeAppendixA)arealsorequiredbyCalifornialawtonotifytheStanfordUniversityDepartmentofPublicSafety,whichhasdedicatedatelephonelineforthispurpose:650-222-5147.

Exceptintheeventthepersonwhoisthesubjectofthepotentialcriminalactisaminor,thenameofthisindividualshouldnotbereleasedtotheDepartmentofPublicSafetywithouttheindividual’sconsent.

C. TimeFrameforMakingaFormalComplaint

ThereisnospecifictimeframeforindividualswhohaveexperiencedProhibitedConducttomakeaformalUniversityreportpursuanttothisprocess.Individualsare,however,encouragedtomakeareportsoonaftertheincidentinquestioninordertomaximizetheUniversity’sabilitytoinvestigateandreachafinding.

IV. Confidentiality

A. RequestforConfidentiality

ShouldtheUniversitybecomeawareofaconcernthatProhibitedConductisallegedtohaveoccurred,theTitleIXCoordinatorhasanobligationtoreviewtheavailableinformationanddeterminewhethertoproceedtoaninvestigation.TheComplainantmayasktheUniversitynottodisclosetheComplainant’sidentitytotheRespondingStudent.ShouldaComplainantmakesucharequestforconfidentiality,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillinformtheComplainantthattheUniversity’sabilitytorespondtotheallegationsandinvestigatemaythereforebelimitediftherequestisgranted. AComplainantwhoinitiallyrequestsconfidentialityisnotprohibitedfromlaterwaivingconfidentialityandrequestingthattheUniversityconductafullinvestigation.


B. NoGuaranteeofConfidentiality

TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillinformtheComplainantthatduetovariousfederalandstatelaws,itisnotalwayspossibletoguaranteeconfidentialityregardingincidentsofProhibitedConduct.Underthoselaws,theUniversity’sdecisiontoshareinformationwithothersissubjecttoabalancingtestthatrequirestheUniversitytoconsiderarangeoffactorswhenaComplainant’srequestforconfidentialitywouldprecludeameaningfulinvestigationorpotentialdisciplineoftheRespondingStudent.

Thesefactorsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

1. multiplereportsofProhibitedConductrelatingtoasingleRespondingStudent;2. areportthatProhibitedConductinvolvedaweapon,physicalrestraintsorbattery;3. theageoftheComplainant;and4. theavailabilityofotherUniversitymeanstoobtainrelevantevidence.

C. GrantingConfidentiality

Ifarequestforconfidentialityisgranted,theTitleIXOfficewillretaininformationregardingthereport,includingthenameoftheRespondingStudent(ifknown),initsinternaldatabasefortrackingpurposes,notingthatthereportwasnotfullyinvestigated.

Evenundercircumstanceswhereconfidentialityisgrantedandthereisnoadjudicatedfindingofthematter,therearesupportresourcesandservicesavailabletoassistsuchstudents. SeeAppendixC: SupportResources,InterimAccommodations&PermanentRemedies.

D. DenyingarequestforConfidentiality

IftheTitleIXCoordinatordeterminesthattheUniversitycannothonortherequestforconfidentialityandmustdisclosetheComplainant’sidentitytotheRespondingStudentandpursueaninvestigation,itwillinformtheComplainantbeforemakingthisdisclosureandputinplaceInterimMeasuresasnecessarytoprotecttheComplainantandtheStanfordcommunity.

V. DecisiontoUndertakeanInvestigation&ScopeofInvestigation

Exceptformattersinwhicharequestforconfidentialityisgranted,theUniversityinvestigatesthoseconcernsbroughttotheTitleIXOfficeinwhichtheTitleIXCoordinatordeterminesthattheallegationsareplausibleunderthetotalityofthecircumstancesand,iftrue,wouldconstituteProhibitedConduct.

WheretheTitleIXCoordinatordeterminesthatanallegationofProhibitedConductincludesoneormoreComplainantsandmorethanoneRespondingStudent,theTitleIXCoordinatormayinvestigatetheeventstogetherasasinglematterandinstituteasinglehearingprocessfortheresolutionofalltheconcerns.Similarly,wheretheTitleIXCoordinatordeterminesthat


therearemultipleallegationsofProhibitedConductinvolvingoneRespondingStudentbymorethanoneComplainant,theTitleIXCoordinatormayinvestigatetheeventstogetherasasinglematterandinstituteasinglehearingprocessfortheresolutionofalltheconcerns. IntherarecircumstancewhenallegationsofProhibitedConductarecoupledwithallegationsofviolationsofotherUniversitypolicies,suchastheFundamentalStandard,theTitleIXCoordinatormaydeterminethatajointhearingbeforeaHearingPanelandanOfficeofCommunityStandardsorOrganizationConductBoarddisciplinarypanelisappropriate. AComplainantorRespondingStudentmayraiseanyobjectionregardingthejoiningtogetherofallegationsorhearingstotheEvidentiarySpecialist.

VI. InterimMeasures

OnceanindividualhascomeforwardwithaconcernofProhibitedConductortheTitleIXCoordinatorisotherwisemadeawareofsuchaconcern,theUniversitywillpromptlytakestepstoensurethattheComplainanthasequalaccesstotheUniversity’seducationalprogramsandactivitiesandtoprotecttheComplainantasnecessary,includingtakingInterimMeasuresbeforethefinaloutcomeofaninvestigation.

InterimMeasuresaredeterminedonacase-by-casebasisandmayincludehousingaccommodations,counselingservices,academicaccommodations,no-contactdirectives,stay-awayletters/campusbans,escorts,limitationsonextracurricularorathleticactivities,andremovalfromtheUniversitycommunity. FormoreinformationonInterimMeasures,seeAppendixC: SupportResources,InterimAccommodations&PermanentRemedies.

VII. SupportDuringtheInvestigationandHearingProcess

OncetheUniversitydeterminesthatitwillundertakeaninvestigation,thepartieswillbenotified(seeSectionIX.A)andtheresourcesdescribedbelowwillbeavailabletotheparties.

A. SupportPerson

PartiesareencouragedtoseekthehelpofaSupportPersonduringthisprocess.TheUniversityhasidentifiedandtrainedstaffmemberstoserveasSupportPersonsforstudents.Forexample,allResidenceDeansandGraduateLifeDeansareabletoserveasSupportPersons.Additionally,apartymaycontacttheTitleIXCoordinatorforassistanceinidentifyingotheravailablesupportpersons.

TheSupportPersonservesasanadvisortotheparty. Whileanadvisormayofferguidancetoaparty,eachpartyisexpectedtosubmittheirownwork,whichshouldbesignedbythepartyattestingitistheirwork. TheSupportPersonmaynotspeakoradvocateonbehalfofthepartyinUniversityproceedings.Stanfordstudentsareexpectedtospeakforthemselves,andexpressthemselves,includinginwriting,onallmattersrelatingtoUniversityconcerns,includingTitleIX-relatedmattersandProhibitedConduct.AnySupportPersonwhoviolatestheseexpectationsmaybedirectedtoresignastheSupportPerson.


OnlyoneSupportPersonwillbeallowedtoaccompanyapartyintothehearingroom.

B. Attorney

EachpartymayelecttoidentifyanattorneytoserveastheirSupportPerson,andtoaccompanytheminthehearingroom.SuchanindividualisobligatedtofollowtherequirementsforSupportPersonsstatedinSectionVII.Aabove.WhileaSupportPersonmaybeanattorney,theattorneyhasnodifferentroleintheprocessandservesasaSupportPersoninthesamecapacityasanon-attorney.

1. University-IdentifiedAttorney

TheUniversityhasidentifiedlocalattorneyswhoarewillingtoadvisetheComplainantandRespondingStudentgoingthroughthisprocess,foratotalofninehoursofconsultationforeachparty.Partiesarenotobligatedtousethisresourceortofollowanyguidanceprovidedbyanattorney.Shouldpartieswishtoavailthemselvesofthisresource,theyshouldcontacttheTitleIXOfficetoobtainthelistofproviders.EachpartyisresponsibleforselectingtheirownUniversity-identifiedattorneyfromthislist.TheUniversitywillpayforthefirstninehoursofwork.Apartymayelecttocontinueworkwiththeirattorneypasttheninehours,withoutreimbursementbytheUniversity.

2. OtherAttorneys

WhilepartiesarenotrequiredtocontactaUniversity-identifiedattorneyandareotherwisepermittedtoengageanotherattorney,theUniversitywillnotreimbursepartiesforsuchservices.TheUniversitydoesnotreimbursepartiesforlegalfeesexceptasprovidedinSectionB.1above.

VIII. ResponsibilitiesandRightsofthePartiesandWitnesses

Duringaninvestigationandhearingunderthisprocess,thepartiesandwitnesseshavethefollowingresponsibilitiesandrights.

A. ResponsibilitiesofthePartiesandWitnesses

1. theresponsibilitytobetruthful,tocooperatewiththeprocess(exceptasprovidedinVIIIC.3),andtofollowthedirectionsofUniversitystaffandagentsresponsibleforadministeringthisprocess;

2. theresponsibilitynottoretaliateagainstorintimidateanyindividualwhohasreportedaTitleIXconcernorwhohasparticipatedasapartyorwitnessintheprocess;and

3. theresponsibilitytokeepconfidential(bynotdisseminatingbeyondSupportPersonsoradvisors)documentsandmaterialsreceivedfrom


theUniversityduringthisprocessand,aspartofthisresponsibility,todestroy,whensodirectedbytheUniversity,alldocumentsprovidedbytheUniversity,exceptforOutcomeLetters.6

B. RightsofthePartiesandWitnesses

1. therighttobereasonablyprotectedfromretaliationandintimidationwhereonehasreportedaTitleIXconcernorparticipatedasapartyorwitnessintheprocess7;and

2. therightnottobedisciplinedfordrugandalcoholviolations(relatingtovoluntaryingestion)orsimilarFundamentalStandardoffensesinconnectionwiththereportedincidentthatdonotplacethehealthorsafetyofanyotherpersonatrisk.

C. RightsoftheParties

1. therighttoaSupportPersontoadvisetheparty,asdescribedinSectionVII.A;

2. therighttoreceiveawrittenNoticeofConcernthatprovidessufficientdetailabouttheallegationsandtheapplicableUniversitypoliciesfortheRespondingStudenttobeabletorespondandforbothpartiestounderstandthescopeoftheinvestigation;

3. therighttodeclinetogiveastatementabouttheallegationsorattendahearing;

4. therighttoparticipateintheinvestigation,includingbyidentifyingwitnessesandidentifyingand/orprovidingrelevantinformationtotheinvestigator;

5. therighttoreceiveawrittenNoticeofChargeoranochargedecision;

6. therighttoreviewtheHearingFileatthepointofachargeornochargedecision;

7. therighttoobjecttotheinclusionorexclusionofinformationorwitnessesinthepost-chargeHearingFile,includingbyrequestingareviewbyanEvidentiarySpecialist;

8. therighttohavethematterheardbyaneutralHearingPanelconsistingofthreetrainedpanelistswhowilldeterminethematterusingapreponderanceoftheevidencestandardandwhowillnotprejudgetheoutcomeofacasebecausetherehasbeenacharge;

9. therighttoreceiveanOutcomeLetter;

6Apartymaynotdistributeconfidentialmaterialsobtainedthroughtheprocessandmaynotengageinretaliatoryorintimidatingconductaimedatanyotherparticipantsintheprocess. TheUniversitywillinvestigateallegationsofapartyengaginginanyoftheseprohibitedacts. TheUniversityrecognizes,however,thatitcannototherwisepreventpartiesfromspeakingopenlybothabouttheallegationsandtheUniversityprocess.7Seefn6.


10. therighttoappealtheoutcome;and11. therighttoreceiveanAppealOutcomeLetter.

IX. FormalInvestigation

TheformalinvestigationphaseistheperiodduringwhichtheInvestigatorgathersinformationabouttheallegationsanditbeginswhentheTitleIXCoordinatorissuesaNoticeofConcern.Thisperiodoftimeistheparties’opportunitytoprovideinputregardingthecollectionofevidence.Newevidenceand/orrebuttalevidencemaybeprovidedbythepartiesafterachargeissuesonlywhenitmeetsthestandardfornewand/orrebuttalevidencesetforthinSectionXI.A.3below.

A. NoticeofConcern

IftheUniversitydeterminesthatitwillinvestigateaconcern(seeSectionV),thepartieswillreceiveawrittenNoticeofConcernfromtheTitleIXOffice.

Within48hoursofreceivingtheNoticeofConcern,boththeComplainantandtheRespondingStudentwillbeaskedtoidentifyanyacademicorothersignificantconflictsthatwouldaffectthetimingoftheinvestigationandpotentialhearing.TheHearingCoordinatorwillconsiderthisinputinfinalizingaHearingSchedule.

B. MethodofInformationGathering

AftertheNoticeofConcernisissued,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillassignanInvestigatortothematter. TheInvestigatormaygatherinformationinmultipleways.TheInvestigatormaycollectdocumentsandotherinformationandmayalsointerviewpartiesand/orwitnesses.Inaddition,aComplainantorRespondingStudentmay:

1. submitdocumentaryinformationtotheInvestigator;2. submitalistofwitnessestobeinterviewedbytheInvestigator;and/or3. requestthattheInvestigatorattempttocollectdocumentsandotherinformationthatare

notaccessibletotherequestingparty.

TheInvestigatormaydeclinetogatherinformationif:

1. therequestseeksinformationabouttheComplainant’spastsexualhistorywithanyonea. otherthantheRespondingStudent;

2. therequestseeks informationabouttheRespondingStudent’spastsexualhistorywithanyoneotherthantheComplainant,unlesssuchinformationcouldproveordisproveapatternofconductorknowledgeofwrongdoing;

3. therequestseeksinformationthatisunreasonablyduplicative;4. therequestisunlikelytoyieldrelevantevidenceasdefinedbySectionXI.Abelow;


5. therequestseeksinformationthattherequestingpartycouldobtainfromanothersourcewithgreaterconvenienceorlessburden;

6. therequestunreasonablyinvadestheprivacyinterestsofapartyorwitnessorseeksinformationprotectedbyfederalorstatelaw;or

7. theburdenofcomplyingwiththerequestislikelytosubstantiallyoutweighthebenefitoftheinformationasrelevantevidenceinthehearing.

C. PotentialOutcomesofInvestigation: NoChargeDecision,Non-HearingResolutionorChargeDecision,WithdrawalofComplaint

Followinganinvestigation,orpossiblyduringtheinvestigationintheeventofaNon-HearingResolutionorwithdrawalofthecomplaint,theTitleIXOfficewilladoptoneofthefollowingoptions:

1. NoChargeDecision

IftheTitleIXCoordinatorconcludesthatareasonableHearingPanelcouldnotfindbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethattheallegedProhibitedConductoccurred,nochargewillissue,andtheTitleIXCoordinatorwillissueanOutcomeLetter.TheOutcomeLettercanbeappealedpursuanttoSectionXIII.

2. Non-HearingResolution

IftheTitleIXCoordinatorconcludesthatareasonableHearingPanelcouldfindbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethattheallegedProhibitedConductoccurred,butthereisnotasignificantdisputeamongthepartiesandtheTitleIXOfficeabouttheproperoutcomeofthematter(includingadministrativeremediesanddisciplinarysanctions),theTitleIXOfficemaysuggesttothepartiesaresolutionwithoutahearing.Innocaseshallthepartiesberequiredtoengageindiscussionstogetherregardingaproposedresolution.

1. Anon-hearingresolutionisnotavailableifapartyobjectstosucharesolution.2. Non-hearingresolutionswillresultinanOutcomeLetter.3. Theadministrativeremediesanddisciplinarysanctionswillhavethesameforceand

effectasthoughtheywereimposedfollowingahearing.4. Non-hearingresolutionscannotbeappealed.

3. ChargeDecision

IftheTitleIXCoordinatorconcludesthatareasonableHearingPanelcouldfindbyapreponderanceoftheevidencethattheallegedProhibitedConductoccurredandthataNon-HearingResolutionoptionisnotfeasible,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillnotifyboththe


ComplainantandtheRespondingStudentinwritingthatthematterhasbeenchargedandreferredtoaHearingPaneltodecidethematter.

TheChargeLetterwillconsistofasummaryoftheinvestigationsufficienttosupportthereferraltoahearingandwillnotcontainanyconclusionsorfindingsregardingresponsibility.Specifically,theChargeLetterwillcontain(1)thespecificallegationsofProhibitedConduct;and(2)theapplicableUniversityPolicy.

ShortlyafterreceiptoftheChargeLetter,thepartieswillreceiveelectronicaccesstoviewtheHearingFilepreparedbytheInvestigator.Additionally,thepartieswillreceivealogofevidencethatwascollectedaspartoftheinvestigationbutredactedorexcludedfromtheHearingFile,aswellastherationalefortheseredactionsandexclusions.ThelogwillbesufficientlydetailedsuchthatthepartiescanbringforwardanyevidentiaryconcernstotheEvidentiarySpecialist.

4. WithdrawalofaComplaint

AComplainantmaynotifytheTitleIXCoordinatoratanytimethattheComplainantdoesnotwishtoproceedwiththeinvestigationand/orhearingprocess.Ifsucharequestisreceived,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillinformtheComplainantthattheUniversity’sabilitytorespondtotheallegationmaybelimitediftheallegationsarewithdrawn.

TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillconsiderthefactorsinSectionIV.Binreachingadeterminationastowhethertoterminatetheinvestigationand/orhearingprocess.IntheeventthattheTitleIXCoordinatordeterminesthattheinvestigationwillcontinue,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillnotifytheComplainantofthatdetermination.TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillincludeinthatnotificationastatementthattheComplainantisnotrequiredtoparticipateintheinvestigationand/orhearingprocessbutthattheprocesswillcontinue.

X. TimingofMattersProceedingtoaHearing

A. HearingSchedule

Generally,theUniversitywillseektoreachaNon-HearingResolutionortocompleteahearingwithin60calendardaysfromthedateofissuanceoftheNoticeofConcern,althoughtheUniversitywillnotcompromiseathoroughandfairprocessinordertomeetthe60-dayguideline.Additionally,theUniversitywillseektoconcludeanypost-hearingappealandtoissuetheAppealOutcomeLetterwithin15calendardaysafterreceiptofallappealmaterialsfromtheparties.ThesetimelinesmaybeextendedforUniversitybreaksorotherreasonabledelays,suchasextensionsgrantedtothepartiesuponashowingofgoodcause(discussedinX.Bbelow).Ifadeadlinefallsonaweekendorholiday,therewillbeanautomaticextensiontothenextbusinessday.

TheUniversitywillstrivetocompleteaninvestigationandmakeachargingdecisionwithin20calendardays.TheInvestigator(workingwiththeHearingCoordinator)willthencreatethe


initialHearingFileinfivedays.However,inmorecomplexcasesinvolving,forinstance,multipleallegationsand/orwitnesses,theinvestigationmaytakelonger.Thepartieswillbenotifiedinwritingofanychangestothistiming.

AtthetimeacaseischargedbytheTitleIXOffice,theHearingCoordinatorwillalsoissueatimetablethatschedulesallkeydatesforthematter(HearingSchedule)thattakeintoconsiderationtheacademicandotherconflictsidentifiedinresponsetotheNoticeofConcern.Unlessanextensionisgrantedbasedonashowingofgoodcause,thepartiesareobligatedtofollowtheHearingSchedule.ExceptasprovidedinSectionXIII,theHearingSchedulewillbecase-specificbutgenerallywillusethefollowingtimeframesasguidelines:

a. fivecalendardaysforpartiestobringforwardevidentiaryconcernsregardingtheHearingFiletotheEvidentiarySpecialist,ifany(andtooffernewevidenceand/orrebuttalevidence,ifany);

b. fivecalendardaysfortheEvidentiarySpecialisttoprovideawrittenresponsetotheevidentiaryconcerns;

c. followingthefinalizationoftheHearingFilebytheEvidentiarySpecialist,fivecalendardaysforthepartiestoprovideawrittenresponsetotheHearingFile;

d. twocalendardaysfortheHearingCoordinator(workingwiththeInvestigatorand/orEvidentiarySpecialistasnecessary)toredactanyinformationfromthewrittenresponsesthatdonotcomportwiththeevidentiarydecisionsinthematter;

e. theHearingCoordinatorwillreleasethenamesofthepaneliststothepartiesandthenamesofthepartiesandwitnessestothepanelists.Requestsforrecusalmustbemadewithin24hours;

f. theHearingCoordinatorwillreleasetheHearingFileandpartyresponsestotheHearingPanelinadvanceofthehearing,suchthattheHearingPanelhassufficienttimetoreviewandanalyzethefile.ThepartieswillbenotifiedinwritingwhentheHearingFileisreleased;

g. followingafindingthataRespondingStudentisresponsible,twocalendardaystoprovideasanctionstatement(discussedinXII.C);

h. followingthehearingandreceiptoftheOutcomeLetter,tencalendardaystofileanappeal;

i. followingthereceiptoftheotherparty’sappeal(ifany),sevencalendardaystoi. respond;

j. theappealdecisionwillbeissuedwithin15calendardays.

B. Extensions

Extensionsareonlygrantedforgoodcause.Arequestforanextensionmustbemade,inwritingandwithreasonsprovided,totheHearingCoordinator.TheHearingCoordinatorwillendeavortorespondtoanextensionrequestpromptly,inwriting,ideallywithin24hours.


XI. Pre-HearingProcess

Onceamatterischarged,themattergoesthroughthefollowingpre-hearingsteps.

A. UseofEvidence

AsdescribedinSectionIX,duringtheinvestigationphase,theInvestigatorgathersinformationrelatingtothematter.Duringthepre-hearingprocess,theInvestigatorreviewsthisinformationandidentifiesthatportionofthematerialsthatmeetthefollowingevidentiaryguidelinesbasedonthechargesthatwereissued.ThisevidenceisthenplacedintotheHearingFile,whichcontainsthematerialthatwillbereviewedbythepaneliststomakeadecisiononacharge.

Therulesofevidenceapplicabletocourtproceedingsdonotapplytothisprocess.

Ingeneral,evidencemaybepresentedduringahearingifitisrelevant,notundulyrepetitious,andthesortofinformationareasonablepersonwouldfindreliable.Evidenceisrelevantif(1)itmakesafactthatisofconsequenceindeterminingtheactionmoreorlesslikelythanitwouldbewithouttheevidence;or(2)itreflectsonthecredibilityofatestifyingpartyorwitnessinamaterialwayandthevalueofthisevidenceisnotoutweighedbyitsprejudicialeffect.

AsprovidedinIX.C.3,informationgatheredduringtheinvestigationthatisnotrelevanttothechargedconductwillnotbeplacedintotheHearingFile;irrelevantinformationappearingwithinawitnessstatementorotherevidencewillberedacted. PartieswillreceivealogdescribinggatheredevidencethatwasnotincludedintheHearingFile.

1. ReputationandCharacterEvidence,IncludingPastSexualHistory

Reputationandcharacterevidenceconcernsaparty’spositiveornegativetraits,truthfulnessoruntruthfulness,ethics,ormorals.Duringthefact-findingportionofahearing,suchevidenceisnotgenerallyadmissibletoestablishapersonactedinaccordancewiththecharacterortrait.Accordingly,pastconductorviolationsbytheRespondingStudentwillnotbeconsideredinthefact-findingportionofahearing,excepttoproveordisprovepatternofconductorknowledgeofwrongdoing.

PastsexualhistorybetweentheRespondingStudentandComplainantisonlyrelevantwhenthepastsexualincidentorhistoryprovidescompellingevidenceonadisputedissue,includingcredibility.PastsexualhistorybetweentheComplainantandanyotherindividualwillnotbeconsidered,exceptintheextraordinarycircumstancethattheComplainantaffirmativelyprovidesevidenceoflackofsexualexperience,whichcanthenberebuttedifsuchrebuttalevidencewouldprovidecompellingevidenceonadisputedissue,includingcredibility.PastsexualhistorybetweentheRespondingStudentandanyotherpartymayonlybeconsideredifsuchinformationcouldproveordisproveapatternofconductorknowledgeofwrongdoing.


2. ExpertWitnesses

ExpertwitnessesmaybepermittedonlyiftheInvestigatordecidesthat:

a. thecaserequiresspecialexpertiseinordertohavetheHearingPanelunderstandatechnicalmatter,suchasforensicevidence;

b. anunderstanding of that technicalmatter is likely to affect theHearingPanel’s

c. finding;andd. theInvestigatordeterminesthatthereisnotamoreefficientmethodof

obtainingtheinformationnecessarytoresolvethattechnicalmatter.

If allowed, anexpert witness may be retained by a partyorbytheTitle IXOffice.Ifanexpertwitnessisretainedbyaparty,thatpartywillberesponsibleforanycostsincurred,andtheotherpartywillbeallowedtorespondtothatexpert’swrittenororaltestimony.IfanexpertwitnessisconsultedbytheTitleIXOffice,thepartieswillbeallowedtorespondtothatexpert’swrittenororaltestimony.ExpertwitnessesmustbeidentifiedintheinvestigationphaseandmustbewillingtosubmittoaninterviewwiththeInvestigator.

3. “New”Evidenceand/orRebuttalEvidence

“New”evidenceisevidencethatwasnotavailableatthetimeofthechargedecision,couldnothavebeenavailablebasedonreasonableanddiligentinquiry,andisrelevanttothematter.RebuttalevidenceisevidencepresentedtocontradictotherevidenceintheHearingFile,whichcouldnothavebeenreasonablyanticipatedbyapartytoberelevantinformationatthetimeoftheinvestigation.

ThissectionisnotintendedtopermitapartywhohasdeclinedtogiveastatementabouttheincidentduringtheinvestigationtogivesuchastatementforthefirsttimeaftertheHearingFilehasbeencreated.Thissectionisintendedtobeinvokedinrareinstancestoallowfortheinclusionofinformationthatwasnotavailableduringtheinvestigationorthatcouldnothavebeenreasonablyanticipatedtoberelevanttorebutanissuethatcametolight.

B. EvidentiaryReviewProcess

IfapartyobjectstoevidenceincludedorexcludedfromtheHearingFile,orifapartywantstosubmitnewevidenceand/orrebuttalevidenceafterthepartieshaveviewedthefile,thepartymaymakeawrittenrequestofnomorethan1,500wordsinlength(excludingthesubmissionofproposedneworrebuttalevidence)forareviewbytheEvidentiarySpecialist.Newevidenceand/orrebuttalevidence,ifany,shouldbeattachedtothewrittenrequest.

InordertoconsidertheobjectionstotheHearingFile,theEvidentiarySpecialistwillhaveaccesstoallmaterialsgatheredbytheInvestigatorduringtheinvestigation.ThepartiesmustsubmittheobjectionsbythedatesetintheHearingSchedule,generallyfivecalendardays


fromthedatetheHearingFileismadeavailabletotheparties.TheEvidentiarySpecialistwillmakeadecisionbasedonthestandardsdescribedinSectionXIaboveandwillprovideawrittendecisionthatwillbebinding.TheEvidentiarySpecialisthastheauthoritytomakeallevidentiarydecisionsrelatingtowhatinformationisrelevant;thatis,whatinformationshouldbeincludedorexcludedfromtheHearingFile.TheEvidentiarySpecialistwillworkwiththeHearingCoordinatortocompletethefinalizedHearingFile.

Duringthehearing,partiesandwitnessesmustcomplywiththeevidentiarydecisionsthathavebeenmadebytheEvidentiarySpecialist.

Objectionstotheinclusionorexclusionofevidencethatwere,orcouldhavebeen,resolvedthroughtheEvidentiaryReviewbeforethehearingcannotbethebasisforanappeal,unlesstheappealingstudentdemonstratesthattheevidentiarydecisionwasclearlyerroneousandsubstantiallyaffectedthereviewingpanel’sdecisiontothedetrimentoftheappealingstudent.

C. ResponseStatementtoHearingFile

AftertheHearingFilehasbeenfinalized,eachpartymaysubmitawrittenstatementoftheirpositiontotheHearingCoordinatorthatisnomorethan1,500wordsinlength.

a. Thisstatementiseachparty’sopportunitytorespondtotheHearingFileandtheb. chargesmadeandtoprovideastatementtothepanelistsaboutwhattheparty

believestheevidenceshows.c. Noattachmentswillbeaccepted;referencestoevidenceshouldbemadeto

materialintheexistingHearingFile.d. Nonewand/orrebuttalevidencemaybesubmitted.e. Noinformationmaybesubmittedthatgoesbeyondthescopeofthematter

thatischarged.

ThepartiesmustsubmitthisstatementbythedatesetintheHearingSchedule,generallyfivecalendardaysaftertheHearingFileisfinalized.

TheHearingCoordinator,inconsultationwiththeInvestigatorandEvidentiarySpecialistasnecessary,willremoveinformationfromapositionstatementthatgoesbeyondthescopeofthechargeorthatviolatestheevidentiaryguidelinesprovidedaboveinSectionXI.A.

XII. HearingProcess

A. HearingPanelSelection

Eachcasewillbeheardbyapanelofthreetrainedpanelists,whowillbeselectedfromapoolconsistingoffaculty,staffandgraduatestudentsappointedbytheProvost.ThepanelistpoolwillbediverseandrepresentativeoftheStanfordcommunity.Fortheselectionoffacultypanelists,theProvostwillreceivecandidatesfromtheFacultySenateCommitteeon


Committees. Fortheselectionofgraduatestudentpanelists,theProvostwillreviewcandidateswiththeGraduateStudentCouncil.Nopanelwillincludemorethantwoindividualsofanyofthesecategoriesanditisnotnecessaryforanyparticulargrouptoberepresentedonapanel.

Thenamesofthepanelistswillbeprovidedtothepartiesinadvanceofthehearing.NopersonwhohasaconflictofinterestmayserveontheHearingPanel.Aconflictofinterestexistsifthepanelisthaspriorinvolvementinorknowledgeoftheallegationsatissueinthecase,hasapersonalrelationshipwithoneofthepartiesorwitnesses,orhassomeothersourceofbias.Eitherpartymayassert,inwriting,thataHearingPanelmemberhasaconflictofinterest.TheHearingCoordinatorwilldeterminewhethersuchaconflictexists.ArequesttorecuseapanelistbasedonaconflictmustbesubmittedtotheHearingCoordinatorwithin24hoursofreceiptofthenamesofthepanelists.IftheHearingCoordinatordeterminesthatapanelisthasaconflictofinterest,thatHearingPanelmemberwillbereplacedbyanalternate.

B. Hearing

TheInvestigatorwillattendandobservethehearingandwillbeavailabletoansweranyquestionsfromtheHearingPanelabouttheinvestigation.

TheHearingPanelwillmeetwiththepartiesandwitnessesforthepurposeofmakingfindingsoffact. ThepartiesandwitnessesmaynotspeaktomattersbeyondthescopeoftheHearingFile(forexample,byraisingpotentialmisconductallegationsthatgobeyondthescopeofthechargedconduct).PartiesandwitnessesmustnotdiscloseorreferenceinformationtotheHearingPanelthatwasexcludedbytheInvestigatorand/orEvidentiarySpecialist.TheHearingPanelisexpectedtoaskquestionsofthepartiesand/orwitnesses.

1. Parties’Participation.Partiescanchoosetoappearinperson,bytelephone,orbySkype(orsimilartechnology).Thepartieswillnotbeinthesameroomatthesametimewitheachother.IfthepartyisavailabletomeetwiththeHearingPanelinperson,eachpartywilldothatinpersonwhiletheotherpartylistensinbytelephone(orsimilartechnology).EachpartymaybeaccompaniedinthehearingroombyoneSupportPerson.TheSupportPersonmaynotspeakonbehalfofthepartyduringthehearing.

2. Witness’Participation. PartiesarepermittedtolistentowitnessesastheyarespeakingtotheHearingPanel. TheHearingPanelisnotobligatedtospeaktoallwitnesses;theHearingPaneldoesnotneedtomeetwithawitnessifthewitnessstatementissufficientandthecredibilityofthewitnessisnotatissue.

3. QuestionsfromtheParties:Attheconclusionofaparty’sorwitness’sessionwiththeHearingPanel,therewillbeabreakso


thatapartylisteningtothehearingisabletosubmitwrittenfollow-upquestionstotheHearingCoordinatorbyemail.TheHearingPanelhasultimateauthorityastowhatquestionstoask.Therecommendedpracticeistocoverrelevantsubjectmatterareasrequestedbythepartiesthathavenotalreadybeencoveredandthatarelikelytoelicitinformationnecessarytomakefindingsoffact.

C. Deliberation

Usingapreponderanceoftheevidencestandard,theHearingPanelwilldetermineresponsibilitybasedonthecontentsoftheHearingFileandtheparties’andwitnesses’statementsandresponsestoquestions.AfindingthattheRespondingStudenthasviolatedUniversityPolicyoraUniversitydirectivemustbeunanimous.Thefindingofresponsibilitywilloccurafterareasonabletimefordeliberation,butgenerallynomorethan12hoursaftertheendofthehearing.

D. SanctionPhase

Uponafindingofresponsibility,theprocesswillmovetotheSanctionPhase.Thepartiesmaysubmitastatementregardingdisciplinethatisnomorethan1,500wordsinlength.ThisdocumentistheopportunityforthepartiestosuggestdisciplinaryoutcomesandtoprovideaggravatingormitigatingcircumstancesfortheHearingPaneltoconsider.TheHearingCoordinator,inconsultationwiththeInvestigatorandEvidentiarySpecialist,willremoveinformationorspeculationfromthesestatementsthatwouldnotberelieduponbyreasonablepeopleinmakingsanctiondeterminations.PartiesmustsubmitthisstatementbythedatedeterminedbytheHearingCoordinator,generallytwocalendardaysafterthefindingofresponsibility.

TheHearingCoordinatorwillsetadatefortheHearingPaneltomeetfortheSanctionPhase.ThepartiesdonotmeetwiththeHearingPanelduringthisphase.AttheSanctionPhase,theHearingPanelwillreceive:

a. thesanctionstatements;b. noticeoftheinterimmeasuresthatwereinplaceduringtheprocess;andc. noticeofanydisciplinaryhistoryoftheRespondingStudent.

Basedonacarefulreviewoftheforegoinginformation,theHearingPanelwillimposesanctionsusingtheguidelinesprovidedinAppendixB.ThesanctiondeterminationwillbeprovidedtotheTitleIXCoordinatorwhowilldeterminetheremediesappropriateforthematter,assetforthinAppendixC. TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillthenissuewrittenOutcomeLetterstothepartiesthatwillincludeadescriptionofthesanctionsandtheremedies. TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillprovideOfficeofCommunityStandardswithcopiesoftheOutcomeLettersforthepurposeofmaintainingadisciplinaryrecordfortheresponsiblestudent.


TheHearingPanelandtheTitleIXCoordinatorrespectivelymustexplaindecisionsonresponsibilityandsanctions(ifapplicable)andremedieswithenoughspecificityforthepartiestobeabletofilemeaningfulappeals.

Theconsiderationofwhetherremediesandsanctionsgointoimmediateeffectorareheldinabeyancependingappealorsomecombinationthereof,willbedeterminedonacase-by-casebasisbytheTitleIXCoordinatorbasedonconsiderationsprovidedinAppendixC.II.

XIII. Appeal

A. Parties’RighttoAppeal

ThepartiesmayappealtheOutcomeLetter.Eachpartymaysubmitawrittenappealofupto6,000wordsinlength,whichwillbesharedwiththeotherparty.ThepartiesmustsubmittheappealbythedatedeterminedbytheHearingCoordinator,generallytencalendardaysfromthereceiptoftheOutcomeLetter.

Thegroundsforappealarelimitedtothefollowing:

1. Werethereanyproceduralirregularitiesthatsubstantiallyaffectedtheoutcomeofthemattertothedetrimentoftheappealingparty?8

2. Wasthereanysubstantivenewevidencethatwasnotavailableatthetimeofthenochargedecisionorhearingandthatcouldnothavebeenavailablebasedonreasonableanddiligentinquirythatwouldsubstantiallyaffecttheoutcomeofthedecision?

3. IsthedecisiononthefindingsonethatareasonableInvestigator(inanappealofanochargedecision)orHearingPanel(inanappealofafindingofresponsibilityand/orsanction)mighthavemade?

4. Formattersthatproceededtosanctioningandimpositionofremedies,arethesanctionand/orremediesonesthatcouldhavebeenissuedbyreasonablepersonsgiventhefindingsofthecase?

Incomposingappeals,partiesshouldformattheirresponsesfollowingthesefourgroundsastheorganizationalstructure.

8AsstatedinSectionXI.B,objectionstotheinclusionorexclusionofevidencethatwere,orcouldhavebeen,resolvedthroughtheEvidentiaryReviewbeforethehearingcannotbethebasisforanappeal,unlesstheappealingstudentdemonstratesthattheevidentiarydecisionwasclearlyerroneousandsubstantiallyaffectedtheHearingPanel’sdecisiontothedetrimentoftheappealingstudent.


Uponreceiptofaparty’sappeal,theHearingCoordinatorwillshareitwiththeotherparty.Eachpartymaysubmitaresponsetotheotherparty’sappeal(nomorethan3,000words).EachpartymustsubmitthisresponsebythedatedeterminedbytheHearingCoordinator,generallysevencalendardaysaftertheotherparty’sappealhasbeenshared.Theappealingpartywillhaveaccesstotheotherparty’sresponsetotheappeal,butnofurtherresponseswillbepermitted.

B. AppealDecision

TheAppealOfficerwillbeselectedfromtheHearingPanelPool. TheAppealOfficerwillprovidethefinalappealdecisionnolaterthan15calendardaysafterreceiptofallappealdocuments.Asneeded,theAppealOfficerwillconsultwiththeTitleIXCoordinatorregardingthemanagementofongoingremedies.TheAppealOfficermayrejecttheappealinwholeorinpart,issueanewdecisionregardingresponsibility,issueneworrevisedsanctionsandremedies,orreferthemattertoanewpanel.

C. ProvostialReviewofExpulsion

FormattersinwhichthedecisionoftheAppealOfficeristoupholdadeterminationtoexpelastudent,theProvostwillhavethefinalreviewofthematter.BoththeRespondingStudentandComplainantarepermittedtowritealettertotheProvostofnomorethan3,000wordsinoppositiontoorsupportoftheexpulsion.

XIV. OngoingManagement

Ifthereisafindingofresponsibility,theHearingCoordinatorwillprovideacopyofallkeydocumentstotheOfficeofCommunityStandards.TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillhaveongoingresponsibilitiestomonitorthesanctionsimposedandtoadministerandadjustsafetyandadministrativeremediesfortheparties.

XV. ExpeditedProcessforViolationsofUniversityDirectivesandCourtOrders

DuringthisprocessandafteraRespondingStudenthasbeenfoundresponsibleforengaginginProhibitedConduct,ifthereisanewallegationthattheRespondingStudenthasviolatedaCourtOrderorUniversityDirectiverelatingtothematter,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillexpeditiouslyinvestigatetheconcern.TheTitleIXCoordinatormayshortentheminimumtimestorespondunderSectionX.Ainordertobringsuchamattertoahearingonanexpeditedbasis.

ThisexpeditedprocessisonlyavailableforRespondingStudentsfollowingafinaldeterminationofresponsibilitythroughahearingorNon-HearingResolution.ReportsofallegedviolationsofUniversityDirectivesorCourtOrderspriortoafinaldeterminationeitherwillbeincorporatedintothependingmatterorreferredseparatelythroughthisprocess.


AppendixA:Definitions

AppealOfficer:afacultyorstaffmemberoftheHearingPanelPooldesignatedtohearappealsofmatterspursuanttothisprocess.

AppealOutcomeLetter:awrittenletterdescribingtheAppealOfficer’sfinaldeterminationofamatterbroughtforwardonappeal.

ChargeLetter:theformalnotificationissuedbytheTitleIXOfficefollowinganinvestigationandaftertheOfficehasfoundinformationtopermitareasonableinferencethat,bythepreponderanceoftheevidencestandard,aviolationofUniversitypolicyoccurred.

Complainant:thepartytotheprocesswhohasallegedlyexperiencedtheallegedProhibitedConductatissue.StanfordusesthistermtoprovideconsistencywiththeOfficeforCivilRightsandmanypeerinstitutions.UseofthistermdoesnotnecessarilyindicatethatthispersoneitherreportedtheconductorrequestedthattheUniversitypursuethematter.

Concern:anallegationthatastudenthasengagedinProhibitedConduct.

ConfidentialUniversityResource:apersonwhobylawisexemptedfromtheobligationtoreportanallegationofProhibitedConducttoanyentity,includingtheUniversity’sTitleIXCoordinatororlawenforcementincircumstancesinwhichthereportedconductcouldbeacrime(except,astolawenforcement,iftheComplainantisaminororifthereisabeliefthatthereisanimminentthreatofharmtoselforothers).ConfidentialUniversityResourcesareidentifiedinSectionII.

ConsentasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Consentisanaffirmativeactorstatementbyeachpersonthatisinformed,freelygivenandmutuallyunderstood.Itistheresponsibilityofeachpersoninvolvedinasexualactivitytoensurethatheorshehastheaffirmativeconsentoftheotherorotherstoengageinthesexualactivity(andeachactduringtheactivity).Affirmativeconsentmustbeongoingthroughoutasexualactivityandcanberevokedatanytime.Lackofprotestorresistancedoesnotmeanconsent,nordoessilencemeanconsent.Consenttooneactbyitselfdoesnotconstituteconsenttoanotheract.Theexistenceofadatingrelationshipbetweenthepersonsinvolved,orthefactofpastsexualrelations,shouldneverbyitselfbeassumedtobeanindicatorofconsent.Whetheronehastakenadvantageofapositionofinfluenceoveranothermaybeafactorindeterminingconsent.

EvidentiarySpecialist:apersonwithspecializedknowledgeinevidence(suchasapersonwithlegaltraining)retainedbytheUniversity,intheeventofanobjectiontotheinclusionorexclusionofevidenceintheHearingFile,toresolveevidentiaryconcernsandfinalizetheHearingFile.


EvidentiaryReview:theprocessmanagedbytheEvidentiarySpecialist,whereapartyobjectstotheinclusionorexclusionofevidenceintheHearingFile,tofinalizetheHearingFilethatwillbeconsideredbytheHearingPanelusingtheevidentiaryprocessdescribedinSectionsXI.A&B.

HearingCoordinator:thepersonwhomanageshearingsunderthisprocess.

HearingFile:theinformationcollectedduringtheinvestigationthatisdeemedrelevanttobeconsideredbytheHearingPanel.

HearingPanel:thethree-personpaneloftrainedmembersoftheUniversity’scommunitythatwillconsiderallegationsanddetermine,applyingapreponderanceoftheevidencestandard,whethertheRespondingStudenthasviolatedUniversitypolicyrelatingtoProhibitedConduct.

HearingSchedule:atime-tablespecifictoeachmatterthatscheduleskeydatesforthematterafterithasbeencharged.

IncapacitationasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Incapacitationmeansthatapersonlackstheabilitytovoluntarilyagreetosexualactivitybecausethepersonisasleep,unconscious,mentallyand/orphysicallyhelpless,otherwiseunawarethatsexualactivityisoccurringorunabletoappreciatethenatureandqualityoftheact.Incapacitationisnotthesameaslegalintoxication.Apartywhoengagesinsexualconductwithapersonwhoisincapacitatedundercircumstancesinwhichareasonablesoberpersonwouldhaveknownthepersontobeincapacitatedisresponsibleforsexualmisconduct.ItisnotadefensetoSexualMisconductthattheRespondingStudent’sbeliefinaffirmativeConsentarosefromtheintoxicationoftheRespondingStudent.

InterimMeasuresasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:WhentheUniversityhasnoticeofanallegationofProhibitedSexualConduct,aqualifiedUniversitystaffmember(suchasaGraduateLifeDean,ResidenceDean,ResidenceFellow,DeanofStudentLife,HRManager,cognizantDean,TitleIXCoordinatororDeputyTitleIXCoordinator)mayimposeinterimaccommodationsorsafetymeasures,whichwillgenerallyremainineffectthroughoutthedurationoftheUniversityinvestigation.Inimposinginterimmeasures,aqualifiedUniversitystaffmembershouldconsultwiththeTitleIXCoordinator(forstudents)ortheSexualHarassmentPolicyOffice(forstafforfaculty).ThelistofpossibleremediesisprovidedinAdminGuide1.7.3.

Investigator:thepersonassignedbytheTitleIXCoordinatortoinvestigateallegationsofProhibitedConduct.TheInvestigatorshallhavebeentrainedonallelementsofaninvestigationasrequiredbyfederalandstatelaw.

Non-HearingResolution:aresolutiontoaconcernasdescribedinSectionIX.C.2.

NoticeofConcern:awrittencommunicationissuedfromtheTitleIXOfficetotheRespondingStudentindicatingthataconcernhasbeenraisedthattheRespondingStudentmayhave


engagedinProhibitedConductandthattheUniversityhasdecidedtoinvestigatetheallegations(seeSectionV).

OutcomeLetter:awrittenletterdescribingtheoutcomeinamatterandtherationalefortheoutcome.

OfficeofCommunityStandards:theUniversityofficethatmanagesstudentdisciplineandretainsdisciplinaryfiles.

Parties:thetermusedtorefercollectivelytoComplainant(s)andRespondingStudent(s).

ProhibitedConductasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:SexualHarassment,SexualAssault,SexualMisconduct,RelationshipViolence(domesticviolenceanddatingviolence),andStalkinginadditiontoRetaliation,intimidation,andviolationofUniversityorCourt-Ordereddirectivesrelatedtotheseallegations.

RelationshipViolenceasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:ThisisStanford’sumbrellatermthatincludesdatinganddomesticviolence.RelationshipViolenceisphysicalviolencerelatingtoacurrentorformerromanticorintimaterelationship,regardlessofthelengthoftherelationship.RelationshipViolencealsoincludesthreateningconductthatwouldcausereasonablepersonstobefearfulfortheirsafety.

RespondingStudent:aStanfordstudentinadegree-grantingprogramallegedtohaveengagedinProhibitedConductoncampusoroffcampusundercircumstancesinwhichtheallegedProhibitedConducteitheroccurredinaUniversityprogramoractivityorhadtheeffectofcreatingahostileenvironmentoncampusfortheComplainant(s).

ResponsibleEmployee(whomustreportProhibitedConducttoTitleIX)asdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:ExceptforUniversity-recognizedconfidentialresources,thefollowingUniversityfacultyandstaffmembers(includingstudentstaffmembers)withknowledgeofunreportedconcernsrelatingtoProhibitedSexualConductarerequiredtoreportsuchallegationstotheTitleIXCoordinator(forstudents)ortheSexualHarassmentPolicyOffice(forallotherreports):(i) supervisors;(ii)staffwithin:(a)ResidentialEducation;(b)ViceProvostforStudentAffairs;(c)ViceProvostforUndergraduateEducation;(d)ViceProvostforGraduateEducation;and(iii)staffwhohaveresponsibilityforworkingwithstudentsinthefollowingcapacities:teaching;advising;coachingormentoring.Reportingbytheseindividualsisrequiredregardlessofwhetherimpactedpartyhasorhasindicatedtheywillcontacttheappropriateoffice.

RetaliationasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Directorindirectintimidation,threats,coercion,harassment,orotherformsofdiscriminationagainstanyindividualwhohasbroughtforwardaconcernorparticipatedintheUniversity’sTitleIXprocess.


SexualAssaultasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:anactofSexualMisconductdescribedinSection1(a-d),accomplishedbyuseof(i)force,violence,duress,ormenace;or(ii)inducementofIncapacitationorknowinglytakingadvantageofanIncapacitatedperson.

Definitionsofforce,violence,duress,ormenace.Thefollowingdefinitions(drawnfromCalifornialaw)informwhetheranactwasaccomplishedbyforce,violence,duress,ormenace:

Anactisaccomplishedbyforceifapersonovercomestheotherperson’swillbyuseofphysicalforceorinducesreasonablefearofimmediatebodilyinjury.

Violencemeanstheuseofphysicalforcetocauseharmorinjury.

Duressmeansadirectorimpliedthreatofforce,violence,danger,hardship,orretributionthatcouldcauseareasonablepersonofordinarysensitivitytodoorsubmittosomethingthatsuchpersonwouldnototherwisedoorsubmitto.Whendecidingwhethertheactwasaccomplishedbyduress,allthecircumstances,includingtheageoftheComplainantandrelationshiptotheRespondingStudent,arerelevantfactors.

Menacemeansathreat,statement,oractshowingintenttoinjuresomeone.

SexualHarassmentasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Unwelcomesexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavors,andothervisual,verbal,orphysicalconductofasexualnature(somethingbeyondthemereexpressionofviews,words,symbols,orthoughtsthatsomepersonfindsoffensive)constitutesexualharassmentwhentheconductissufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasivesoastointerferewithorlimitareasonablestudent’sabilitytoparticipateinorbenefitfromtheUniversity’sservices,activities,oropportunities.

Determiningwhatconstitutessexualharassmentdependsonthespecificfactsandcontextinwhichtheconductoccurs.Sexualharassmentmaytakemanyforms:subtleandindirectorblatantandovert.Forexample,itmay:

a. Beconducttowardanindividualoftheoppositesexorthesamesex.b. Occurbetweenpeersorbetweenindividualsinahierarchicalrelationship.c. Beaimedatcoercingan individual toparticipateinanunwantedsexual

relationshiporitmayhavetheeffectofcausingan individualtochangebehavior.

d. Consistofrepeatedactionsormayevenarisefromasingleincidentifsufficientlyegregious.

Whethertheunwantedsexualconductrisestothelevelofcreatinganintimidatingorhostileenvironmentisdeterminedusingbothasubjectivestandard(thatis,apersonhasbeenoffendedbytheconduct)andanobjectivestandard(thatis,areasonablestudentwouldfind


theconducttobesufficientlysevere,persistentorpervasivesoastointerferewiththeabilitytoparticipateinorbenefitfromtheUniversity’sservices,activities,oropportunities).

SexualMisconductasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Thecommissionofasexualact,whetherbyastrangerornonstrangerandregardlessofthegenderofanyparty,whichoccurswithoutindicationofConsent.

1. ThefollowingactsorattemptedactscanbethesubjectofaSexualMisconductorSexualAssaultcharge:

a) vaginaloranalintercourse;b) digitalpenetration;c) oralcopulation;ord) penetrationwithaforeignobject.

2. AdditionalActsofSexualMisconduct.ThefollowingcompletedactscanbethesubjectofaSexualMisconductcharge:

a) unwantedtouchingorkissingofanintimatebodypart(whetherdirectlyorthroughclothing);or

b) recording,photographing,transmitting,viewing,ordistributingintimateorsexualimagesorsoundrecordingswithouttheknowledgeandConsentofallpartiesinvolved.

StalkingasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:Therepeatedfollowing,watching,orharassingofaspecificpersonthatwouldcausereasonablepersonsto(a)fearfortheirownsafetyorthesafetyofothers,or(b)suffersubstantialemotionaldistress.

SupportPerson:anadvisortotheparty.SeeSectionVIIforadditionalinformation.

TitleIXCoordinator:theindividualatStanfordresponsibleforoverseeingtheUniversity’scompliancewithTitleIX,VAWAamendmentstotheCleryActandCaliforniaEducationCodesections67380-67386.

TitleIXOffice:theStanfordOfficeunderthedirectionoftheTitleIXCoordinator.

UniversityDirectiveViolationorCourtOrderViolationasdefinedinAdminGuide1.7.3:ViolationofanydirectiveissuedbytheUniversitythatrestrictstheactivitiesofanindividualinconnectionwithanallegationorfindingofProhibitedConduct;orviolationofanyformalorderissuedbyastateorfederalcourtorauthorizedpoliceofficer,thatrestrictsastudent’saccesstoanotherStanfordcommunitymember,suchasanemergency,temporary,orpermanentrestrainingorder.

Witness:apersonaskedtogiveinformationorastatementinamatterunderthisprocess.


AppendixB:SanctionGuidelines

ExpulsionistheexpectedsanctionforafindingofSexualAssault.9TheHearingPanelmustimposesanctionsthatreflecttheseriousnessoftheincidentandtheharmcausedtotheComplainantand,asrelevant,theStanfordcommunity.BeyondSexualAssault,expulsionmaybetheappropriateoutcomeinothermattersconsideredunderthisprocessandeverysanctiondeliberationshouldbeginwithconsiderationofexpulsion.SexualMisconductisextremelyseriousand(ininstancesinwhichexpulsionisnotwarranted)separationfromtheUniversityforsomeperiodoftimeisexpected.

Likefindingsofresponsibility,theHearingPanelcanimposethesanctionofexpulsiononlywhentheHearingPanelisunanimousonthatoutcome.SanctionsotherthanexpulsioncanbeimposedifthemajorityoftheHearingPanelagrees.

Sanctionsincludethefollowing:

a. Expulsion–permanentseparationfromtheUniversitywithouttheoptiontore-enrollinanyfuturedegree-grantingStanfordprogram.

b. SuspensionfromtheUniversityforaperiodofbetweenone–twelvequarters(thatis,uptothreeacademicyears).

c. Delayintheconferralofdegreeforaperiodofbetweenone–twelvequarters(thatis,uptothreeacademicyears)–thissanctionisonlyavailableforstudentsintheirfinalquarteratStanford.

d. ProbationwithaSuspendedSuspensionperiodofoneortwoquarters–timeawayfromtheUniversityisnotimmediatelyimposedbutshouldtheRespondingStudentfaceanyotherdisciplinarymatteratStanfordthatdecision-makingbodywouldbeinformedinthesanctionphasethatthestudentwasonprobation,wouldconsidertheprobationasanaggravatingfactorinsettingdiscipline,andwouldminimallyimposethesuspendedsuspensionperiodasanactualsuspension.

e. Probation–ShouldtheRespondingStudentfaceanyotherdisciplinarymatteratStanfordthatdecision-makingbodywouldbeinformedinthesanctionphasethatthestudentwasonprobationandwouldconsidertheprobationasanaggravatingfactorinimposingdiscipline.

Hearingpanelistsmayconsiderpastdisciplinaryoutcomesforsimilarmatters,butarenotrequiredtogiveanyweighttopastoutcomes.Attheconclusionofayear,hearingpanelistswillbeaskedtomeetanddeterminewhethertodraftadditionalSanctionGuidelines.Hearingpanelistsmayconsiderpastdisciplinaryoutcomesforsimilarmatters,butarenotrequiredtogiveanyweighttopastoutcomes.

9TheProvost’sTaskForceonSexualAssaultputforwardthisrecommendation,whichisadoptedhere.


AppendixC: SupportResources,InterimMeasures&Remedies

I. SupportResources

ThefollowingresourcesareavailabletoStanfordstudentswhobelievethattheyhavebeenthevictimofProhibitedConductregardlessofwhetherthereisaninvestigationorfindingunderthisProcess. TheseresourcesarealsoavailabletoComplainantsfollowingafindingofnoresponsibilityinahearing.

a) AccesstocounselingprovidedthroughtheConfidentialSupportTeam((650)725-9955).

b) AcademicassistancefromUndergraduateAdvisingandResearch(forundergraduates)((650)723-2426)orstudentservicemanagers(forgraduatestudents)tonotifyfacultythatastudentisexperiencingaperiodofpersonalhardship.

c) OnCampusescorts,suchasfrom5-Sure((650)725-7873).

Additionally,workingthroughtheTitleIXCoordinator((650)497-4955,[email protected])onacase-by-casebasisasappropriate:

d) Othersafetymeasuresorsupportservices,includingintheareasofacademics,housing,andextracurricularactivities.

(NOTE:Generally,fundamentalprinciplesoffairnesspreventtheUniversityfromtakingactionsagainstanotherstudentabsentafindingofresponsibilityunderthisprocess,exceptonaninterimbasiswhileaninvestigationispendingasdescribedbelowinSectionIIofthisAppendix.)

II. InterimMeasures

Inadditiontothesupportresourcesdescribedabove,thefollowinginterimmeasuresmaybeimplementedbytheTitleIXOffice((650)497-4955,[email protected])oritsdesigneewhileaninvestigationispendingandasprovidedinAdministrativeGuide1.7.3:

a) Housingaccommodations,includingthepossibilityofremovaloftheRespondingStudentfromacurrentassignment

b) Academicaccommodations,includingthepossibilityofremovaloftheRespondingStudentfromacourse

c) Nocontactdirectives,stay-awayletters,orcampusbansd) Safetyescortse) LimitingtheRespondingStudent’sextracurricularorathleticactivitiesf) Inrareinstances,removingtheRespondingStudentfromtheUniversitycommunity

whiletheinvestigationispendingg) Othersafetymeasuresoraccommodationsasappropriatefortheparticularmatter

WhenimplementingInterimMeasures,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillconsideranumberoffactorsindeterminingwhichmeasuresshouldbeputinplace,suchas:


a. thesafetyofthecommunity;b. thesafetyoftheComplainant;c. theseverityoftheallegations;d. theeducationandlivingenvironmentsoftheparties;ande. anyacademicorotherUniversity-relatedprogramsandactivitieswithwhich

thepartiesareinvolved.

PursuanttoguidancefromtheU.S.DepartmentofEducation,whenadoptingInterimMeasures,theTitleIXCoordinatorwillminimizetheburdenontheComplainant.Totheextentnotinconsistentwiththeobligationsabove,theUniversitywilltakeintoaccounttheRespondingStudent’sacademic,living,andextracurricularactivitiesduringtheprocessofsettinginterimaccommodations,includingcircumstancesinwhichtheRespondingStudentmighthaveprioritytoattendaclassorevent.

TheTitleIXCoordinatorwillprovidewrittennotificationofInterimMeasurestobothparties,althoughameasureaffectingonlyonepartywillnotbesharedwiththeotherparty. TheTitleIXCoordinatormaymakeadjustmentstotheInterimMeasuresasnecessary.

III. Remedies

IftheHearingPanelfindstheRespondingStudentresponsibleanddeterminesthesanction,theTitleIXCoordinatormustthenimplementremedieswiththegoalofenablingtheComplainanttoreasonablyobtaintheeducationalbenefitsavailabletoStanfordstudentswhileremainingfreefromunreasonableinteractionwiththeRespondingStudentoncampusforareasonableperiodoftime.IninstancesinwhichtheRespondingStudentisnotexpelled,theUniversitymustalsoprovideaneducationtotheRespondingStudentwiththeexpectationthattheRespondingStudentwillfollowappropriateUniversitydirectivestogivepriorityinmostactivitiesandprogramstotheComplainant,exceptincircumstancesinwhichtheRespondingStudentshouldhaveclearprioritytoaclass,program,activityorlivingenvironment.Forexample,theRespondingStudentwouldnotneedtoleavethecommonareaoftheirassigneddormiftheComplainantdecidestovisitafriendinthesamespace.TheroleoftheHearingPanelistoinstitutesanctionsand(ifnecessary)theTitleIXCoordinatorwillimplementremedies. SanctionsandremedieswillthenbeoverseenbytheTitleIXCoordinator.

RemediesmaybemodifiedbytheTitleIXCoordinatorascircumstanceschangeoverthecourseofaComplainant’sstudentcareeratStanford.RemediesthatarebothsubstantiallydifferentfromthoseinitiallyenteredfollowingahearingandthatsubstantiallyalteraRespondingStudent’saccesstoeducation,campusorextracurricularactivitiesmaybereviewedthroughthelimitedappealinquiryprovidedinSectionXII.A.4.

TheTitleIXCoordinatorshouldconsiderwhetherremediesinthefollowingcategoriesareappropriateand,ifso,whattheremediesshouldbe.Thesecategoriesareillustrativeonly;theTitleIXCoordinatormayimplementsuchremediesasdeemedappropriatefortheparticularcase.


A. RestrictionsonRespondingStudent1. PresenceonCampus

a. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedoncampusforanypurposewhileexpelledoronsuspension?

b. Isacampusstay-awaydirectiveforsomeperiodoftimeappropriate?c. Ifthepartieswillbeoncampustogetheratanytime,shouldtheResponding

Studentbedirectedtostayatleast50feetfromtheComplainant?2. Housing

a. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedtoliveincampushousing?b. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedtobepresentinthe

Complainant’sresidence?3. Academics

1. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedtotakecourseswiththeComplainant?

b. IfageneralprioritytotheComplainantisappropriate,aretheresomecoursesforwhichtheRespondingStudentshouldhavepriority?

4. ExtracurricularActivities,Programs&Athleticsa. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedtoengageinactivitiesand

programswiththeComplainant?1. IfageneralprioritytotheComplainantisappropriate,aretheresome

activitiesorprogramsforwhichtheRespondingStudentshouldhavepriority?

2. ShouldtheRespondingStudentbepermittedtoattendvoluntarysocialactivitiessuchascampusparties,athleticevents,theater,lectures,etc?

5. Leadershipa. ShouldtheRespondingStudentholdstudentleadershippositions?

B. EducationalCounselingandTrainingfortheRespondingStudent1. WouldtheRespondingStudentbenefitfromeducationalcounselingortraining,

suchassexualharassmenttrainingortrainingregardingangermanagement?

C. AdditionalRemediesfortheComplainant,whichwillbedirectedbytheTitleIXCoordinator. UnlessoneoftheseremediesaffectstheRespondingStudent,theseshouldremainconfidentialandshouldonlybeincludedintheOutcomeLetterfortheComplainant.

1. Counselingassistance2. Academicaccommodations3. Safetyaccommodations,suchasescorts4. Otheraccommodations

D. TimeframeforRemedies1. TheTitleIXCoordinatorshouldindicateatimeframefortheremedies(noting

thatitmightbeappropriateforsomeremediestohavedifferenttimeframes;e.g.,noleadershippositionfortwoyearsandnohousingforthreeyears.)


stanford student title ix investigation & hearing process (“student ... · student...

Documents