The School at Columbia Title IX Policy Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
THE SCHOOL AT COLUMBIA TITLE IX POLICY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- General
- What is Title IX?
- Who does the TSC Title IX policy protect?
- What kinds of behavior does Title IX cover?
- How do students report a concern?
- What happens after a report is made?
- Will my report be kept private?
- What support is available for students?
- What if I’m worried about retaliation (such as someone being mean to me because I reported)?
- Where can I find the TSC Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students?
- Where can families find more information?
- The Title IX Process
- What is a Complainant?
- What is a Respondent?
- What is a Party?
- Can I bring someone with me to meetings?
- What is a Title IX Investigation?
- Do I have to meet with the other Party face-to-face or communicate directly with them?
- If there is an investigation, how long will the process take?
- If there is an investigation, what happens to the information gathered during the process?
- How is students' privacy protected during the process?
- How does TSC determine whether there was a violation of the Policy?
- What happens if new information comes up during that investigation that wasn't included in the original complaint?
- Under what circumstances can a student or their parent/guardian request a review of the decision?
- Does a student have to participate in the process?
- Other Resolution Options
- Consent
General
What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal law that makes sure schools provide a safe and fair learning environment for all students. It says that no one can be treated unfairly because of their sex in school programs or activities.
Who does the TSC Title IX policy protect?
It protects students, faculty and staff.
What kinds of behavior does Title IX cover?
Title IX applies to inappropriate conduct based on sex that interferes with the learning environment at TSC. This can include:
- Unwanted sexual comments or touching.
- Making someone feel unsafe because of their sex.
- Denying opportunities in sports, clubs, or classrooms because of sex.
How do students report a concern?
Students or their parent/guardian can talk to:
- Any TSC employee, including a teacher, counselor, or principal.
- The school’s Title IX Coordinator, Kevin Fittinghoff.
Reports can be made in person or in writing.
What happens after a report is made?
- The school listens to the concern right away.
- The Title IX Coordinator or another trained staff member will look into what happened.
- The school will take steps to stop the behavior, support the student, and prevent it from happening again.
Will my report be kept private?
The school will respect your privacy as much as possible. Some information may need to be shared with staff who can help, but the school will not share details publicly.
What support is available for students?
Support is available for students regardless of whether they choose to file a Formal Complaint and may include:
- No Contact Directives
- Changes in class or seating arrangements
- Ensuring safety in school activities
- Counseling services
- Help with school work
What if I’m worried about retaliation (such as someone being mean to me because I reported)?
It is against the rules for anyone to threaten, bully, or punish a student for reporting a concern. The full retaliation policy can be found in the Student and Family Handbook.
Where can I find the TSC Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures for Students?
The Policy and Procedures can be found online at _________ and are linked In the Student and Family Handbooks. You can learn more about the disciplinary process in the Handbook as well.
Where can families find more information?
Families can contact the school’s Title IX Coordinator or visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights website for additional resources.
The Title IX Process
What is a Complainant?
A Complainant is the person who is alleged to be the victim of behavior that could constitute Title IX Prohibited Conduct.
What is a Respondent?
A Respondent is the person who has been accused of engaging in behavior that could constitute Title IX Prohibited Conduct.
What is a Party?
A Complainant or Respondent. The Complainant(s) and Respondent(s) are referred to collectively as the Parties.
Can I bring someone with me to meetings?
Yes. Students should be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all meetings throughout the process. They may also bring an advisor of their choice.
What is a Title IX Investigation?
A Title IX Investigation is a resolution option that is available when a student or their parent files a Formal Complaint about behavior that is prohibited by Title IX. TSC must follow the Title IX Investigation procedures before a student can be disciplined by TSC for a Policy violation.
Do I have to meet with the other Party face-to-face or communicate directly with them?
No. You will never be required to meet with the other Party or communicate directly with them.
If there is an investigation, how long will the process take?
In most cases, the process is completed within sixty (60) to ninety (90) business days after the school receives the Formal Complaint. TSC, at its discretion, may extend this timeframe if necessary.
If there is an investigation, what happens to the information gathered during the process?
Both Parties will have time to review all the information gathered during the investigation, except for information protected by law.
How is students' privacy protected during the process?
TSC will treat information gathered during the process as private to the extent permitted by law. When meeting with witnesses, the Investigator will share as little information about the matter as possible, only sharing what is necessary to gather relevant information from the witness.
It is the responsibility of every community member (including parents/guardians) to honor one another’s privacy. Confidentiality breaches erode the community’s trust and may have the purpose or effect (unintended or intended) of harming another’s emotional or social well-being.
At the start of a formal investigation or informal resolution, Parties, their parents/guardians, and advisors will be asked to sign an agreement not to share any case-related information or materials obtained during any process conducted under this Policy. Parties, parents/guardians, or advisors who do not sign a Privacy Agreement will not be permitted access to case information, the Investigative Report, or any other case-related materials. Sharing information about the matter may compromise the integrity of the investigation and might, in certain circumstances, be construed as retaliatory, which is prohibited under TSC’s policies.
How does TSC determine whether there was a violation of the Policy?
It is TSC’s responsibility to gather enough information to reach a decision about whether there has been a violation of the policy. . It is not the responsibility of the students, their parents/guardians, or witnesses to gather information.TSC uses the preponderance of the evidence standard, i.e., whether it is more likely than not that the Policy has been violated. The Respondent is presumed to be not responsible unless and until a determination of responsibility is made at the end of the process.
What happens if new information comes up during that investigation that wasn't included in the original complaint?
Should TSC, at any point, start to investigate claims that are materially beyond the scope of the initial investigation and allegation letter, TSC will provide additional written notice describing the additional allegations to be investigated.
Under what circumstances can a student or their parent/guardian request a review of the decision?
The four grounds for appeal are:
- Procedural irregularity.
- New information.
- Conflict of interest or bias.
- Excessiveness or insufficiency of the sanction.
Does a student have to participate in the process?
No. Students are not required to participate in the process, however the process may go forward without the participation of either Party, depending on the circumstances.
Other Resolution Options
What is an Informal Resolution Process?
An Informal resolution is one that does not involve disciplinary action. Informal resolutions are available after a Formal Complaint has been filed, but when the Parties do not want an investigation and instead wish to resolve allegations of misconduct without taking disciplinary or punitive action. The Title IX Coordinator must agree that an informal resolution is appropriate under the circumstances and both Parties and their parents/guardians provide voluntary written consent.
What are Supportive Resolutions?
A Supportive Resolution to a matter does not require a Formal Complaint and does not involve potential disciplinary action. Supportive Resolutions can include:
- No Contact Directives
- Changes in class or seating arrangements
- Ensuring safety in school activities
- Counseling services
- Help with school work
What is a No Contact Directive?
A No Contact Directive (NCD), is a measure that may be put in place that the Parties shall have no contact with each other either during the process or as part of its resolution. TSC will make every effort to comply with an NCD to the extent possible. Because TSC is a small, shared space, there are limitations on TSC’s ability to keep students physically separated. Parties must do their part by refraining from initiating contact beyond incidental interactions. Students must abide by NCDs by refraining from all contact with the other Party, whether in person, over the phone, via text or social media.
What else should I know?
In certain situations, TSC may take swift action to prevent the risk of possible harm to a community member or the community, including harm to self or others. That could include placing students on a leave of absence from school and/or school activities while conducting an investigation or requiring a mental health evaluation for particular conduct.
This document is intended to provide an overview of the resolution process and is not a statement of TSC school policy. In the event of any conflict between this chart and the policy, the policy controls. Actual policy violations are addressed based on the specific facts of the incident, and the processes and outcomes in any given matter may differ from the examples listed here. While this FAQ is intended to assist TSC and its community, TSC is authorized to determine what is considered appropriate response to an alleged infraction. Please see the TSC Title IX Policy and the Student and Family Handbook and the for a complete review of TSC’s policies and responses (include hyperlinks).
Consent
What is Consent?
Our school is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all students. Consent is a key part of respecting others’ boundaries, whether it’s about personal space, physical touch, or any kind of relationship. This policy helps students understand what consent means, why it matters, and how to respect it. Read the full policy here.
In New York State, the age of consent is 17 years old. This means that a person who is 16 years old or younger cannot consent to sexual conduct.
What Is Affirmative Consent?
Affirmative consent means that everyone involved clearly agrees to what is happening.
It is:
- Knowing – Everyone understands what is being agreed to.
- Voluntary – The choice is made freely, without pressure or threats.
- Mutual – Everyone says “yes” and wants to participate.
Consent can be given through words (“Yes, that’s okay”) or actions (nodding, offering a high-five), but it must be clear to everyone.
Key Rules About Consent
- Ask First – Before touching someone or using their belongings, always ask.
- No Means No – If someone says “no,” stops participating, or seems uncomfortable, you must stop.
- Silence Is Not Yes – If someone doesn’t answer, that does not mean they agree.
- Consent Can Change – Even if someone said “yes” before, they can change their mind.
- One Yes Doesn’t Mean Always Yes – Just because someone agreed to something before doesn’t mean they will always agree.
- You Can’t Force Consent – Using threats, intimidation, or pressure to make someone agree is not okay.
- Some People Can’t Give Consent – If someone is sick, asleep, confused, very upset, or too young to understand, they cannot consent.
- The Definition of Consent is the same for everyone, no matter their sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
Respecting Boundaries
- Respect personal space: some people like hugs, others don’t.
- If you’re not sure how someone feels, ask.
- Notice body language: if someone pulls away, turns their head, or crosses their arms, give them space.
What Is Not Consent?
Consent is not:
- Saying “yes” because you’re scared.
- Saying “yes” because you feel pressured.
- Going along with something to avoid conflict.
If You Experience or See a Consent Violation
- Tell a teacher, school counselor, or another trusted adult right away.
- You will be listened to, taken seriously, and supported.
- Our school will address the situation to keep everyone safe.
Why This Matters
Learning about consent helps everyone feel safe and respected. It teaches us to:
- Listen to each other.
- Respect differences.
- Build healthy, positive relationships.