As of Sept. 30, 2014, "Title IX " was placed into effect at Niagara University. Title IX covers sexual harassment issues on campus as well anywhere else Niagara University is represented and sponsored such as study abroad programs. Sexual Harassment under this policy covers, but is "not limited to, sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking." If a student feels they have been sexually harassed they can report the incident to a member of the residence life staff, the Dean of Students, the Title IX Coordinator, Campus Safety or any university employee. A crucial portion of the title states that the victim will be given the option to, but is not required to report the incident to law enforcement.
An important issue on college campuses all over the country is drinking. At parties where there is drinking and other activities, the chance for sexual harassment naturally increases. This is where a very controversial section of Title IX lies. The section rightfully declares intoxication or influence of other drugs not an excuse for sexual harassment. The confusion comes about when it states, "Behaviors that violate the university’s alcohol or drug policy may be addressed outside of this policy." Some students question and have gotten mixed answers when asking if they could get in trouble if proof of underage intoxication comes about during the investigation. Obviously, the Title IX investigator cannot give out punishments for drinking but could an official not associated with Title IX hand out an additional penalty for intoxication during a Title IX investigation?
The other main issue is a contradiction of Constitutional Rights as freedom of speech and a fair trial. Freedom of speech is obviously broad and could be brought up in a sexual harassment case if the accused feels what was said is their right. The right to due process issue arrives when a punishment could be hand out if the accused is believed to have committed the harassment even if there is a reasonable doubt.
Title IX is a positive step towards identifying and stopping the issue of sexual harassment on campus. There are still many more issues within Title IX that need to be corrected and altered, but the only way to make the policy better is to become more aware of the issues. I hope this article motivates students to learn their rights and become educated to protect themselves and ultimately aid in the goal of eliminating sexual harassment.
