Frequently Asked Questions

What is Title IX?
Title IX is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. At Palm Beach State College, Title IX protects students, employees and visitors from discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and pregnancy or parenting discrimination.

What are Title IX Offenses?
Title IX offenses may include:

• Sexual harassment 
• Sexual assault 
• Dating violence 
• Domestic violence 
• Stalking 
• Sexual exploitation 
• Quid pro quo harassment 
• Gender-based discrimination 
• Retaliation against someone involved in a report or investigation

Do I need to report an incident to the College, and how do I submit a report?
Reporting is encouraged so the College can provide support, resources and safety measures. You may submit a report online, by email, by phone or in person to the Title IX Office. Reporting allows the College to assess safety concerns and determine what support or response may be appropriate.

File a Complaint - Against a Student

File a Complaint Against Employees or Other Parties

What if I don’t know who did this?
You can still make a report even if you do not know the identity of the person involved. Provide as much information as possible, such as dates, locations, descriptions, screenshots or witness information. The College will review the available information and discuss possible next steps with you.

Do I have to report to police and the College?
No. Reporting to the College and reporting to law enforcement are separate processes. You may choose to report to one, both or neither. 

Can I report information on behalf of someone else?
Yes. Anyone may submit a report on behalf of another person. However, the College will generally reach out directly to the impacted individual to discuss available resources, support and options.

What about retaliation against complainants, respondents or involved parties?
Retaliation is strictly prohibited. The College does not tolerate intimidation, threats, coercion, discrimination or adverse treatment against anyone involved in a report, investigation or resolution process. Reports of retaliation should be reported immediately to the Title IX Office.  |  See Board Policy 6Hx-18-5.86
 

Can I report an incident that happened off campus?
Yes. The College may review off-campus incidents if they affect a student’s or employee’s ability to participate in College programs or activities or create a campus safety concern. Title IX Sexual Misconduct specifically must occur as part of the College’s educational program or activity within the United States. This includes locations, events or circumstances over which the school exercises substantial control over the respondent and the context in which the alleged sexual harassment has occurred. This includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by the College.

Is there a time limit for reporting? 
There is no specific time limit for reporting an incident. However, reporting sooner may help preserve evidence and support a more effective response.

Who will I have to talk to?
We make every effort to minimize the number of times that a reporting party and/or complainant need to describe what took place. Depending on the situation, you may speak with:

• A Title IX Coordinator or investigator 
• Student Conduct staff (Associate Dean and/or Dean) 
• Campus security or law enforcement (if requested) 

The College strives to conduct processes in a respectful, supportive and trauma-informed manner.

What does the process look like?
After a report is received:

1. The Title IX Office reviews the report. 
2. The complainant is contacted and offered supportive measures. 
3. The College determines whether the allegations fall under Title IX or another College policy. 
4. If a formal complaint is filed, an investigation may begin. 
5. Both parties have opportunities to provide information and evidence. 
6. A determination is made based on the evidence available. 
7. Both parties receive information about outcomes and appeal options.

What is the difference between sexual misconduct and Title IX Sexual Misconduct?
Sexual misconduct is a broader term used by the College to address prohibited conduct involving sexual behavior or harassment. Title IX Sexual Misconduct refers specifically to conduct that meets federal Title IX definitions and jurisdictional requirements. Some behaviors may violate College policy even if they do not meet the federal Title IX definition.

What if I've been accused?
You will be informed of the allegations and given an opportunity to respond. Respondents are presumed not responsible unless a determination is made through the applicable process. You may have an advisor of your choice and access to support resources throughout the process.

Why am I being punished before my case has been reviewed?
Interim measures are not disciplinary findings. In some situations, the College may implement temporary actions to protect the safety and well-being of individuals and the campus community while a matter is being reviewed.

Why can't my lawyer represent me in the process?
The College process is administrative, not criminal or civil court proceedings. Attorneys may serve as advisors, but the College maintains control over its educational and disciplinary processes to ensure equitable participation for all parties.

What happens if I submit a formal complaint?
A formal complaint typically initiates an investigation and resolution process. The College will notify both parties, gather evidence, conduct interviews and determine whether a policy violation occurred. See formal complaint procedures: Board Procedure 6Hx-18-5.86P-2
 

What are some protective measures that may be taken?
Supportive or protective measures may include:

• Academic accommodations 
• Schedule adjustments 
• No-contact directives 
• Changes to work or class locations 
• Counseling referrals 
• Campus escort services 
• Extensions or attendance flexibility when appropriate 

These measures are available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. See Board Procedure 6Hx-18-5.86P-2

What is the role of an advisor?
An advisor is someone who supports a party throughout the process. Advisors may attend meetings, help review information and provide guidance. Advisors may be attorneys, friends, family members, faculty, or other support persons, depending on College policy. Apart from their role in cross-examination, this person will be a silent and nonparticipating presence who solely observes and provides support during the investigation process. If a party does not have an advisor present at the live hearing, the school must provide, without fee or charge to that party, an advisor of the school’s choice.

What if I am not satisfied with the determination?
Both parties may have the right to appeal based on specific grounds outlined in College policy, such as procedural error, new evidence or conflict of interest. Board Procedure 6Hx-18-5.86P-2 outlines the appeal process.

How long does the process usually take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the matter, availability of witnesses and other factors. The College strives to resolve matters as promptly and fairly as possible while ensuring a thorough review.

Can I withdraw my complaint?
Yes. A complainant may request to withdraw a complaint; however, the College may still need to proceed in certain circumstances involving campus safety or legal obligations.

Will my report be confidential?
The College will make every effort to protect your privacy and share information only with individuals who need to know in order to respond appropriately. However, the College cannot guarantee complete confidentiality because it may have an obligation to investigate or address safety concerns.

Why can’t the College guarantee confidentiality?
The College has a responsibility to respond to reports of sex-based discrimination and maintain a safe educational environment. While privacy is respected, certain information may need to be shared with individuals responsible for reviewing, investigating or addressing the situation. Complainants under the age of 18, however, may be subject to additional disclosures, if the allegation involves possible child abuse and/or neglect. 

What happens if the complainant requests that their name be anonymous or asks that the College not take any action?
If a complainant requests that his/her name not be revealed to the respondent, or asks that the College not investigate or seek action against the respondent, the College will inform the complainant that honoring the request may limit its ability to respond fully to the incident, including pursuing disciplinary action against the respondent. The complainant may still utilize supportive measures. The College will also explain that Board Policy 6Hx-18-5.86 includes protections against retaliation and that College officials will not only take steps to prevent retaliation but will also take responsive action if it occurs. If the complainant still requests that their name is not disclosed to the respondent or that the College does not investigate or seek action against the respondent, the College will consider the request and may have to dismiss the formal complaint. Supportive measures are still available to the complainant.

Who is considered a confidential resource?
Confidential resources may include licensed counselors or health care professionals acting within the scope of their role. Speaking with a confidential resource allows individuals to receive support without automatically triggering a College investigation.

Will my parents or professors be notified?
Information is generally shared only with individuals who have a legitimate educational or safety-related need to know. The College does not routinely notify parents or professors unless necessary to implement supportive measures, address safety concerns or comply with legal obligations.

Are there private spaces on campus for students and employees to express breast milk?
Yes. Palm Beach State College provides private, non-bathroom spaces for students and employees to express breast milk as required by law. Individuals may contact Human Resources, the Title IX Office or campus administration for assistance locating available lactation spaces.

View lactation room locations and booking information

If your campus does not have a lactation room, please follow up with the Title IX office or your supervisor for arrangements.

What protections are available for pregnant students?
Students may request reasonable modifications related to pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, recovery or related medical conditions. Support may include excused absences, academic adjustments, breaks or other reasonable accommodations.

Who can I contact for pregnancy or parenting support?
Students and employees may contact the Title IX Office for information about rights, accommodations, supportive measures and available campus or community resources.