On August 12, The University of Texas System Board of Regents approved new Title IX and sexual misconduct policies at its member institutions, including UT Arlington, to comply with federal Title IX regulations released by the Department of Education in May of this year.

The new policies and procedures take effect today, August 14.

UTA is committed to maintaining an educational and working environment that is free from discrimination on the basis of sex and free from sexual misconduct. The updates to UTA’s Title IX policies emphasize the protection and support of students, faculty, and staff involved in allegations of sexual misconduct or harassment, and provide a prompt, equitable and impartial grievance process that maintains victims’ and respondents’ rights and due process under federal and state laws. 

A complete overview of the revisions to the federal Title IX regulations and updates to UTA’s policies is available on the University’s Title IX website. However, a few key points of UTA’s Title IX policy as of August 14 are highlighted here:

Definition of Sexual Harassment

In accordance with federal Title IX changes, UTA’s definition of sexual harassment has been narrowed to behavior “so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the institution’s education program or activity.”

Previously, the definition of sexual harassment was “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.”

Sexual harassment also covers “sexual assault,” “dating violence,” “domestic violence,” and “stalking” as defined in the Clery Act, Violence Against Women Act, and UTA’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Additionally, the new definition covers quid pro quo harassment, or when an employee of the institution conditions the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct.

Live Hearing Requirement

Live hearings with cross-examination are now federally required as part of the grievance process unless otherwise resolved through an informal resolution agreement or formal complaint dismissal. Each party’s advisor must be permitted to ask relevant questions of the other party and any witnesses.

Reporting an Incident

Anyone can report incidents of sexual misconduct. However, only an alleged victim or the Title IX Coordinator may file a Formal Complaint. Filing a Formal Complaint will initiate the grievance process related to the allegations that have been reported.

Employee Reporting Obligations

All employees, including student employees, unless deemed confidential, are mandatory reporters (“responsible employees”) and must report promptly to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Coordinator all known information concerning an alleged incident of sexual misconduct. There are some limited exceptions for incidents students mention as part of an academic assignment.

To support and protect its community, UTA has made available prevention and awareness programming, Title IX FAQs and a repository of resources.

For information on UTA’s Title IX policies and procedures, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contact the Title IX office at titleix@uta.edu or visit the Title IX website: www.uta.edu/titleix.