Benefits and complexities of Title IX at MC

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education environments. It is funded by the federal government, and plays an important role in protecting students, faculty and staff. For students who don’t understand the Title IX purpose or processes at Maryville College, Title IX is where you report behavior like bullying, sexual harassment or assault. 

According to Title IX Coordinator Daniel Roselli (‘14), who has been certified for the position since 2017, working in this role at his previous institutions, a Title IX case starts with a formal complaint. Roselli meets with the student who filed the complaint, called the complainant. Then, Roselli notifies the respondent, the person listed in the complaint. 

The investigation process begins with students and witnesses questioned to gather information. After the investigation process, a hearing panel is selected from trained faculty and staff to hear the case. 

During the hearing, both the respondent and the complainant are able to ask relevant questions of one another, and they can also respond to questions presented by the hearing panel, Roselli explained. At the end, the panel comes together to determine the outcome and assign sanctions.

While Title IX is beneficial, there can be barriers within the system. 

“Difficulties such as lack of witnesses make it difficult as it can lead to one person’s word against another,” Roselli said. “Another prevalent difficulty I find [is] that the process can take very long – up to 90 business days – and because of federally mandated time blocks, investigations can take a long time.”

This has proven to be an issue for Title IX – one that Roselli wishes he could change.

“I think the procedures of Title IX are pretty solid, and really provide an avenue for a student to handle a terrible situation they are going through,” Roselli said. “I do wish there were less mandated holds on time so that we are able to give students answers in a more timely manner.” 

One of the consequences of cases lasting a long time is that other students could catch wind of the situation. This is exacerbated by the size of Maryville College, where rumors spread fast.

“Empathy can go a long way. [Students at] small colleges often hear about the cases around campus,” said a complainant who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of Title IX. “The way peers respond, rumors spread and how survivors are treated on campus matter just as much as the case itself. Students need to think critically about how they respond.”

To help mitigate the negative effects felt by complainants and respondents, Title IX offers support.

“My experience showed me the protections but also the limitations of Title IX,” the anonymous student said. “If I could change anything about the process, it would be the emotional transparency. The process is very isolating and exhausting. I think there should be built-in emotional support, more than just the optional support they provide. I think this should be offered for both the complainant and the respondent.”

The student also brings up another issue with Title IX surrounding the “reasonable person” standard. 

This is a legal benchmark that can help determine liability. It is presented as a hypothetical situation, wherein if the person acted with the level of care that a “normal” person would exhibit in a similar situation, they would be found a “reasonable person”, and thus, not liable.

“Since my case had very little physical evidence, they based a lot of it on what was said,” the anonymous student said. “I personally disagree with the ‘reasonable person’ standard in sexual assault and coersion cases. In situations with a power imbalance or emotional manipulation, what feels unsafe to one person cannot fit a generalized standard. I strongly believe this element affects outcomes.”

Additionally, once a case is closed, it can be difficult to re-open. 

If a hearing is not found in favor, a student can only reopen it if they present new evidence or prove that an error with the hearing occurred, Roselli explained.

College life can be difficult after a case, whether Title IX ruled in favor or not.

“The case did not end in my favor, so I continue to share classes with the respondent because we are in the same major. Honestly, this has been one of the most difficult parts of my experience. The process ended on paper, but continues in my daily life,” the anonymous student said. “Of course, Title IX does offer a No Contact Directive, but the proximity rules are very vague. It’s hard to share spaces with someone you had a previous Title IX with.”

The student offered advice for people who are going through a Title IX case.

“I advise the following: document everything and keep a timeline, seek support outside of the institution, and understand the process is long and retraumatizing. It is also important to remember that the outcome does not reflect your worth or truth. A ‘not responsible’ finding does not mean something did not happen.”

If you would like to speak to Title IX to ask questions or to report an incident, contact their email: [email protected].