Power Based Violence and Title IX

The Title IX Coordinator ensures schools are compliant with Title IX, oversees educational efforts for students, faculty, and staff, coordinates the investigation and disciplinary process, and looks for patterns or systemic problems with compliance to ensure schools fulfill all their federal obligations.

As a responsible employee per Title IX related law, faculty and staff must report the disclosure to the Title IX Coordinator. Please feel free to contact the Title IX Coordinator for assistance immediately. Official online reports must be made at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?NorthwesternStateUnivLA&layout_id=1 . Additionally, please download the What to Report Guide (Employee) below and the NSU TIX Brochure-Not Alone to give to the student.

• What to Report Guide (Employee)
• NSU TIX Brochure-Not Alone

Research has shown that alcohol use and sexual violence are associated. Make every effort to watch out for friends and plan interventions to take action if need be–be proactive and do not be a bystander to sexual misconduct. For more information about how you or your student organization can get involved in eliminating sexual misconduct in our community, contact the Title IX Coordinator-Julie Powell at (318) 357-5570, obannonj@nsula.edu or visit 306 Friedman Student Union during office hours.

Northwestern State provides amnesty–forgiveness of nonviolent student conduct violations, such as underage drinking–for any student reporting sexual misconduct in good faith.

All reporting of sex discrimination and sexual misconduct is treated as confidential to the greatest extent possible; the privacy of all individuals involved is important to the Northwestern State. In most situations, only individuals involved in the resolution of the situation will have access to the information about the case. If there is a risk of the alleged perpetrator committing additional crimes, if an individual is in immediate danger, or if there has been expressed intent to harm others, or other risks such as involvement of a weapon or the age of the person involved (minor), the University may determine that it is necessary to compromise the level of privacy provided.

Title IX policy and NSU’s Student Code of Conduct prohibit retaliation. Acts or attempted acts for the purpose of interfering with any report, investigation, or proceeding, or as retribution or revenge against anyone who has reported sexual misconduct, relationship violence, sex discrimination, or who has participated (or is expected to participate) in any manner in an investigation or proceeding under the NSU policy is strictly prohibited. Prohibited retaliatory acts include, but are not limited to, intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination. For purposes of this NSU policy, an attempt requires a substantial step towards committing a violation.

Once an incident is reported, the complainant is not obligated to file a grievance with the University or a criminal charge with law enforcement. The Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinator will explain all options to the complainant with the goal of ending the sexual violence and harassment, preventing its recurrence, and addressing the effects. Please see University Obligations below for more information regarding accommodations.

NSU has policy and procedure set in place to fairly and quickly address sexual misconduct. Students found responsible for sexual misconduct may receive sanctions ranging from an educational alternative to expulsion. Sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis.
Employees found responsible for sexual misconduct may receive sanctions ranging from Suspension to Termination. Sanctions are determined on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, the incident may be investigated and adjudicated by the University and local law enforcement simultaneously.

For details regarding informal and formal resolutions, investigations, disciplinary actions, and appeals, please see the current version of the Power Based Violence/Title IX Policy on this page.