1 - What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is the federal law which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity) in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, which includes Delta State University.
Delta State University is committed to fostering an environment free of sexual misconduct. The term sexual misconduct broadly defines any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature. This includes but is not limited to sexual assault, discrimination, exploitation, harassment, intimidation, and violence.
2 - Who is the Title IX Coordinator?
Title IX Coordinator: Mrs. Tameka Curry-Bryant
Office Location: H. L. Nowell Union 307
Contact Info: Phone (662) 846-4159
Email: titleix@bjzhtst.com or tcurry@bjzhtst.com
3 - Where do I report?
Email: titleix@bjzhtst.com
Call: (662) 846-4159
Online: File A Report
In person: H. L. Nowell Union 307
Immediate Assistance or Emergency Situation: Contact Delta State University Police Department at (662) 846-4155 or 911
4 - What happens if I report?
When a report is received, the Title IX Coordinator will contact the complainant to acquire relevant information, provide resources, and extend an invitation to discuss supportive measures. A meeting with the coordinator does not imply additional action will be taken. There are several options available, which the complainant will be made aware of. Options are individualized to ensure the complainant maintains control of the response best accommodating their needs.
The grievance process is initiated when a Formal Complaint is filed. A fair and impartial grievance process protects complainants from coercion and threats. The grievance process imparts due process principles, equitability, and reaches reliable responsibility determinations. This process includes a Notice of Allegations to the identified parties, an investigation, a live-hearing, a written determination, and an equal opportunity to appeal. Upon filing a Formal Complaint, there are also options for Informal Resolution.
Once a Formal Complaint has been filed and the respondent has been identified, the respondent will also be offered supportive measures. Supportive measures will be offered at no cost to both parties, which includes but is not limited to academic assistance, advocacy, campus escorts, counseling, employment and housing accommodations, immigration and visa assistance, No Contact Orders, and other reasonable measures. A notification to law enforcement officials is an additional option. The Title IX Coordinator can assist in connecting the complainant to the appropriate agencies and resources.
5 - Why should I report?
The incident has negatively affected your academics or employment.
You need someone to confide in and seek assistance and support, but don’t want a formal investigation.
You are concerned about your safety or the safety of others.
Your report could stop the behavior from continuing to hurt others.
Reporting helps the University provide support, resources, and accommodations to all impacted as well as help to change the culture through education etcetera.
6 - What if someone reports me?
You will have the same rights and privacy as all parties involved in the investigation.
The Title IX Coordinator and then an Investigator will be contacting you to give your account of what has been reported.
The same supportive measures and resources are available to you throughout this process as all parties involved.
7 - What if I see something?
Please make sure you have removed yourself from any situations where you are in danger. Record the details of the incident to preserve them for reporting purposes as time and the trauma of seeing Sexual Misconduct can cause memory problems. Contact the Title IX Coordinator to discuss what you witnessed. Know that you are beginning a conversation that may or may not lead to an investigation.
Your information will be protected and kept as private as possible. If you stay silent, the problem is allowed to continue and this could lead to more people being hurt.
8 - Where can I learn more?
Please review the rest of the information linked to this page addressing Delta State University’s Title IX Policy, Definitions, Procedures, and further resources.
You are welcome to contact the Title IX Coordinator to request a training about Title IX. You can also request customized trainings about boundaries, communication, and healthy relationships.
For more information about Title IX, see the Office of Civil Rights website.
9 - Why can't I joke about it?
Sexual Misconduct is not a joke and, when we resort to humor, this is an indication that we don’t have a lot of understanding about it. Title IX should not be casually used as a threat or for comical reasons. It is important to understand that the words you use impact your beliefs, actions, and the culture around you. Joking about Title IX leads to further misinformation about Sexual Misconduct, which can cause people to be hurt, not report situations, and/or possibly not understand they have been hurt.
Report Incident
If you need immediate assistance, please call Delta State University Police Department:
(662) 846-4155 or 911
Otherwise, please contact the
Title IX Coordinator:
Mrs.Tameka Curry-Bryant
(662) 846-4159
H. L. Nowell Union 307
You can also file a report directly at the link below:
Full Statement on Equal Opportunity & Sexual Harassment
Delta State University expects that all members of the University community – students, faculty, staff – should be able to pursue their work and education in a safe environment, free from sex/gender-based misconduct. To this end, the University is committed to maintain a working and learning environment free of sexual misconduct. The term sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual intimidation, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. The University aims to eradicate sexual misconduct through education, training, clear policies, and serious consequences for violations of this policy.
An Abridged Version of this Policy appears on all first-contact materials sent out from the University, and in Syllabi. This policy statement succinctly reads:
Delta State University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from sexual and gender-based discrimination or harassment. Our goal is for all to have equal access to the many great services and opportunities we offer. For more information, please refer to the Title IX Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment Policy.
