Title IX Reporting and Grievance Process

Reporting Sexual Harassment, Violence, Discrimination, or Misconduct

All sexual harassment, violence, discrimination, and/or misconduct should be reported immediately.

Ways to Report

• Confidential Reporting:
  Any Blinn College counselor or nurse. These individuals are not obligated to report incidents to Title IX personnel.
• Blinn College Employees or Resident Assistants (RAs)
• Title IX Hotline: (979) 830-4700
• Title IX Email: titleix@blinn.edu
• Blinn College Police Officer
• Title IX Coordinator

Immediate Response

Actions Taken Immediately by the Title IX Coordinator

• Offers immediate assistance to the complainant, including emergency room care, hospital care, crisis center services, and counseling
• Offers supportive measures
• Explains how to file a formal complaint
• Explains the grievance process
• Notifies all parties of their rights and available resources
• Notifies campus police for a timely warning or immediate notification, if needed

Blinn College Police Department (If Applicable)

• Initiates a criminal investigation

Initial Assessment

Title IX Coordinator Review

The Title IX Coordinator determines whether the reported incident meets the criteria for Title IX jurisdiction through an initial assessment.

If the Incident Does Not Meet Title IX Criteria

• Incident is dismissed as a Title IX case
• Incident is referred to the appropriate non-Title IX process
• All parties are notified

If the Incident Does Meet Title IX Criteria

• Title IX Coordinator assigns an investigator
• Case is logged in the Title IX case log

Investigation and Grievance Process

Title IX Investigator Responsibilities

• Conducts investigation under either the Formal Process or Informal Process
• Completes the investigative report
• Forwards the report to all parties and witnesses for review (10 college business days)
• Forwards the report to the Title IX Coordinator

Grievance Process Steps

• Title IX Coordinator forwards the report to the Title IX Grievance Committee
• Live hearing is conducted
• Cross-examination occurs
• Responsibility is determined
• Disciplinary sanctions and remedies are proposed

Post-Hearing Review

• Title IX Investigator updates the investigative report based on the live hearing transcript
• Updated report is provided to parties involved for review (10 college business days)

Determination and Appeals

Written Determination

The Title IX Coordinator issues a written determination to all parties, which includes:

• Finding of responsibility or non-responsibility
• Resolution and sanctions (if applicable)
• Appeal process information

Parties are given 10 college business days to review the determination.

Appeals

• The claimant and/or respondent may appeal the ruling under FMA (LOCAL) within 10 college business days
• Appeals are reviewed by the Vice Chancellor for Student Services
• Final sanctions are determined at this stage
• Either party may not appeal final sanctions once determined

Final Administrative Review

The Vice Chancellor for Student Services, Chancellor of the College District, and/or Board of Trustees may amend the grievance appeals administrator’s ruling.

Final Outcomes

• Title IX Determination of Responsibility Found
• No Title IX Determination of Responsibility Found