Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender (sex). Sexual misconduct is a form of prohibited sex discrimination that includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking, and domestic or dating violence. Per UT Southwestern Policy, sexual misconduct also includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that does not rise to the level of sexual harassment but is unprofessional and inappropriate for the work or learning environment.

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature such as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s employment, education, or participation in UT Southwestern activities or (2) such conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile environment.

Sexual violence means physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent (e.g., due to age, use of drugs/alcohol, or intellectual or other disability that prevents the individual from having the capacity to give consent). Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, and sexual coercion.

A hostile work environment occurs when conduct is unwelcome, would be perceived by a reasonable person in the same position as offensive, and is severe and pervasive enough to deny educational opportunities, interfere with an employee’s work, or hinder an individual’s ability to participate in UTSW programs or activities. Anyone can contribute to creating a hostile environment, including administrators, faculty, employees, students, trainees, vendors, patients, or visitors.

Seek immediate medical care. It is important to get a medical exam and preserve all physical evidence, regardless of whether you intend to report a crime, notify the police, or press criminal charges. Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to have a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) performed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) as soon as possible but no later than four days after the incident. With the victim’s consent, evidence collected during a SAFE can be used in a criminal investigation; however, a victim can undergo a SAFE regardless of whether they contact police. To undergo a SAFE, victims should go directly to the emergency department of the nearest hospital that provides SAFE services: Parkland Memorial Hospital, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, or Methodist Dallas Medical Center.

There are a number of ways to report concerns:

• titleIX@utsouthwestern.edu UT Southwestern’s Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Coordinator.
• Contact the Office for Access & Title IX.
• Report the concern to the Compliance Hotline at 877-507-7319. The Compliance Hotline is a 24/7/365 confidential third-party reporting service. Calls can be made anonymously, or individuals may leave their name. Reports to the Hotline are forwarded to UT Southwestern and will be promptly evaluated.
• Report the concern online.
• Report the concern to the Compliance Hotline at 877-507-7319. The Compliance Hotline is a 24/7/365 confidential third-party reporting service. Calls can be made anonymously, or individuals may leave their name. Reports to the Hotline are forwarded to UT Southwestern and will be promptly evaluated.

All Title IX concerns are treated as confidential, and Title IX Coordinators will only share information with authorized individuals as necessary. All UT Southwestern employees must report any incidents of sexual harassment, sexual violence, domestic/dating violence, or stalking committed by or against a student, resident, or employee. This reporting requirement does NOT apply to Confidential Employees, which includes counselors in Student Wellness and Counseling, the Resident Wellness and Counseling Center, the Employee Assistance Program, members of the Student Assistance Committee, providers in Student Health, or members of the clergy. Employees who learn about incidents under other confidential circumstances (such as attorneys or treating health care providers) are also exempt from the reporting requirement. Confidential Employees are only required to report the type of incident and may not include any information that would violate an individual’s privacy.

Title IX and UT Southwestern policies protect from retaliation anyone who in good faith reports a known or suspected Title IX issue. This protection also covers anyone who participates in an investigation or related proceeding, including the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses or other people who have provided or may provide information. Concerns about retaliation should be immediately reported to a Title IX Coordinator.

UT Southwestern respects the privacy concerns of those impacted by sexual harassment. The University’s Title IX Coordinators are specially trained on protecting privacy during an investigation and the resolution process. However, UT Southwestern is also obligated to keep the community safe and to address incidents of alleged harassment appropriately. All UTSW employees who have an obligation to report must provide the Title IX Coordinator all known information about possible incidents, including the identities of individuals involved and the nature of the conduct. Anonymous reports may be made to the Compliance Hotline at 877-507-7319, a confidential third-party reporting service. The Title IX website also permits anonymous reporting by students. Remember that complaints received anonymously may make it more difficult for UTSW to investigate and promptly address any sexual misconduct.

All UT Southwestern employees MUST report all information relating to a potential policy violation learned in the course and scope of employment. You are strongly encouraged to err on the side of caution and report to a Title IX Coordinator. Confidential Employees must report only the type of incident to a Title IX Coordinator. Knowingly failing to report an incident as required could lead to termination of employment and possible criminal charges under state law.

Students and trainees (residents, fellows, postdocs) are very strongly encouraged to report incidents to a Title IX Coordinator but are not required to by law or UTSW policy.

UT Southwestern prohibits sexual misconduct that occurs on and off campus, including via electronic means (e.g., phone call, text message, email, social media, or instant messaging), if it adversely impacts education or participation in UT Southwestern programs or activities or affects the University community. The University’s ability to investigate and address incidents that occurred in the distant past or were committed by an outside individual can be limited. Title IX Coordinators can provide support and resources to assist students and employees impacted by sexual misconduct, regardless of when or where it occurred. This may include directing the individual to on-campus or local support services, assisting the individual with understanding their rights to bring a Title IX complaint at UTSW or with local police, and taking steps to protect the campus community.

Responsible Employees must immediately report. However, there is no time limit for making a report if you are the victim of sexual misconduct. UTSW encourages members of the community to report an incident as soon as possible in order to maximize UTSW’s ability to respond effectively. A delay in making a report can greatly limit UTSW’s ability to conduct an investigation, implement appropriate interim measures, or take effective action against the alleged offender.

Pregnancy discrimination is defined as conduct directed at an individual or group of individuals that adversely affects their employment, education, training, or participation in UT Southwestern activities because pregnancy or parenting status.

Responsible Employees must immediately report all known information concerning the incident to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator, and must include whether a complainant has expressed a desire for confidentiality in reporting the incident.

Although UTSW would strongly encourage any employee to report, information that is learned OUTSIDE of the course and scope of his employment about a colleague's potential Title IX concern does not fall within mandatory reporting. As a rule: report anything you learn while at work or during work hours, even during scheduled breaks.