Why does the University have an Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy?
The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities that it operates, and is required under Title IX not to discriminate in such a manner. Title IX, however, is triggered only if the alleged conduct occurred within a University program or activity. To expand the protection of the University community, in addition to its Title IX Policy, the University also has an Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy that works to protect members of the University community from sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and sexual misconduct that does not occur within a University’s program or activity.
Sexual harassment, which, under Title IX, includes sexual assault and certain forms of relationship violence, is also prohibited under the University’s Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.
How does the University’s Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy differ from its Title IX Policy?
In addition to protecting members of the University community from sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, and sexual misconduct that does not occur within a University’s program or activity, the Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy also protects individuals from sexual exploitation.
The University defines Sexual Exploitation to includes the following behaviors that occur inside or outside a University program or activity, and includes but is not limited to:
- Non-consensual videotaping, audiotaping, or photographing of sexual activity even if the sexual act is consensual
- Non-consensual posting, publishing, sharing, or displaying photo, audio, or video of sexual activity even if the activity was originally recorded with effective consent
- Voyeurism, which is a form of sexual exploitation in which one individual engages in secretive observation or non-consensual video or audio taping of another for personal sexual pleasure
- Any disrobing of another or exposure to another without effective consent
- Any collecting, creating, viewing, and/or distributing of pornography/sexual images of those under the age of eighteen (18)
The Director of Regulatory Compliance
The Director of Regulatory Compliance is responsible for overseeing the development of sexual misconduct policies, ensuring compliance with Title IX and relevant federal and state regulations, and overseeing investigation and adjudication of formal complaints. The Director of Regulatory Compliance is also responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of supportive measures and accommodations, with or without the filing of a formal complaint.
The Director of Regulatory Compliance/Title IX Coordinator at the University of Mississippi is Honey Ussery and can be reached by email at hbussery@olemiss.edu, by phone (662) 915-7045, or on campus at 120 Lester Hall.
For more information, please review the University’s Interpersonal Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.