OFFICE OF THE TITLE IX COORDINATOR

WHAT IS TITLE IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. As such a recipient school, these regulations apply to and guide Musicians Institute (MI) in addressing such issues.

Specifically, the law states that: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”

Note: to be sex or gender-based, conduct must either be directed at someone because of their actual or perceived sex (female, male) or gender (masculine, feminine, or non-binary). This also includes discriminatory conduct on the basis of a person’s sexual orientation and their pregnancy status.

Title IX applies to educational programs and activities including

• admissions, financial aid/scholarships;
• course offerings and program access;
• hiring and retention; and benefits.

Title IX also protects all members of the college community against unlawful acts of sexual violence, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, intimate partner violence, and stalking in college programs and activities.

Members of the community are also protected from retaliation for making reports or advocating a right related to Title IX. Sex and gender-based discrimination can be perpetrated by men or women and can take place between people of the same or different sex.

The regulations regarding Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 can be found on the Department of Justice website.

Due to the gravity of these issues, and in the interest of protecting individuals from harassment or misconduct on the basis of sex or gender, certain individuals, including Faculty and Staff, are mandated to report to their supervisor, HR, or the MI Title IX Coordinator any knowledge of, or information relating to, harassment or misconduct on the basis of sex or gender, and/or criminal and discriminatory behavior involving MI faculty, MI staff, and/or MI students. Such reports must take place within twenty-four (24) hours of learning of the incident. In any such cases, the Title IX coordinator must be notified of the report/issue within forty eight (48) hours.

THE TITLE IX OFFICE

In compliance with Title IX, Campus Hollywood prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in employment as well as in admission, enrollment and in the provision of all of its services, programs, and activities.

If you experience any of these forms of misconduct, you are strongly encouraged to utilize the various on- and off-campus resources. Your safety and well-being are Campus Hollywood’s primary priorities.

It is the purpose of the Title IX Office to support all members of the Campus Hollywood community by monitoring compliance with federal, state, and internal regulations; investigating reports and incidents relating to Title IX; advising CH community management and administration; and providing options and support for individuals who may have experienced gender-based discrimination and/or sexual misconduct.

WHOM DO I CONTACT?

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you are/have been a victim of gender discrimination or harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner/relationship violence, or stalking, you may contact any one of the following:

Campus Safety Authorities Public Safety (Non-Emergency)
323-860-1127

Robert Caven
Director of Operations
323-860-1119
cavenr@mi.edu

Jonathan Newkirk
Title IX Coordinator and Senior Director
323-860-1158
titleix@campushollywood.com
newkirkj@mi.edu

Casey Burgess
Title IX Investigator/Director of Library Services
323-860-1186
burgessc@mi.edu

Other resources:

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
For information about frequently asked questions about sexual harassment, visit the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights website.

CAMPUS HOLLYWOOD/MUSICIANS INSTITUTE
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT RESPONSE POLICY

I. Introduction and Scope of Policy

Musicians Institute (the “Institute”) complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), which prohibits Sex Discrimination in education programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The purpose of this Sexual Misconduct Response Policy (“Policy”) is to define certain conduct prohibited by Title IX, as well as other types of sexual misconduct prohibited by the Institute, describe the process for reporting violations of the Policy and for filing Formal Complaints, outline the process used to investigate and decide alleged violations of this Policy, and identify the resources available to Complainants and Respondents.

The Institute prohibits discrimination, harassment, and other types of misconduct on the basis of sex, gender, or sexual orientation as defined in this policy, both on and off campus as well as in or outside of the United States. This Policy covers both of the Institute’s campuses, in Hollywood and Nashville. Anyone may experience sex discrimination, sexual harassment or other misconduct, irrespective of gender identity or sexual orientation. The Institute also prohibits retaliation against any person for exercising any right or privilege under this Policy, or because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted or participated in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under this Policy.

As described further below, the Institute has designated a Title IX Coordinator to coordinate compliance with this Policy, and respond to inquiries, reports and Formal Complaints under this Policy.

Allegations of Sexual Harassment that do not meet the definition of sexual harassment under this policy shall be addressed under other applicable Institute policies, such as the Student Code of Conduct or policies applicable to employees or faculty, as appropriate and within the Institutes’ discretion.

II. Definitions

A. Prohibited Conduct

Prohibited Conduct under this Policy is necessarily Prohibited Conduct under other applicable Institute policies, such as the Student Code of Conduct or policies applicable to employees or faculty. The following conduct is prohibited:

“Assault With Intent to Commit Rape” means a willful act that by its nature would directly and probably result in the application of force to a person, with the intent to commit rape.

“Child Abuse” means sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation of a person who is under the lawful age of consent in the state in which the conduct occurs. The age of consent in Tennessee and California is 18. If other age requirements apply, individuals are expected to be aware of and comply with the laws applicable to them.

“Dating Violence” means violence committed by a person who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the Complainant and where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a consideration of the following factors: the length of the relationship, the type of relationship, the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the relationship.

“Domestic Violence” includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the applicable jurisdiction, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the applicable jurisdiction.

“Retaliation” means intimidation, threats, coercion, or discrimination, including charges against an individual for policy or code of conduct violations that do not involve Sex Discrimination or Sexual Harassment, but arise out of the same facts or circumstances as a report or complaint of Prohibited Conduct, or a Formal Complaint, for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege under this Policy. Retaliation may be directed against a Party, or against anyone who participates or who refuses to participate in any process under this Policy. However, charging an individual with a policy or code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in a report, complaint or Formal Complaint, or in the course of a Grievance Process, does not constitute Retaliation under this Policy. A determination regarding responsibility, alone, will not be sufficient to conclude that any Party made a materially false statement in bad faith.

Notwithstanding this definition of Retaliation, the exercise of rights protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution does not constitute Retaliation under this Policy. A person engaged in retaliatory conduct is subject to disciplinary sanctions under this Policy. For students, this may include but is not limited to denial of certain privileges, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. For employees, this may include but is not limited to warnings, suspensions, or termination. The Institute will consider interim measures in response to Retaliation-related concerns in order to stop Prohibited Conduct and its recurrence. In some instances, this may lead to the removal of the person accused of Retaliation from campus pending resolution of the matter, in accordance with Section III.F.

“Sex Discrimination” means discrimination (other than Sexual Harassment) based on sex, which includes gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy status.

“Sexual Assault” means any sexual act directed against a Complainant without the Affirmative Consent of the Complainant, including instances in which the Complainant is incapable of giving Affirmative Consent, including because of incapacitation. The sexual acts covered by this definition include:

• Rape—(Except Statutory Rape) Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with another body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the Affirmative Consent of the Complainant.
• Sodomy—Oral or anal sexual intercourse with another person: forcibly or against that person’s will, meaning without the Affirmative Consent of the Complainant; or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances where the Complainant is incapable of giving Affirmative Consent because of the person’s age or temporary or permanent mental or physical Incapacity.
• Sexual Assault With An Object—To use an object or instrument to penetrate, however slightly, the genital or anal opening of the body of another person: forcibly or against that person’s will, meaning without the Affirmative Consent of the Complainant; or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances there the Complainant incapable of giving Affirmative Consent because of the person’s age or temporary or permanent mental or physical Incapacity.
• Fondling—The touching of the private body parts (buttocks, groin, breasts) of another person for the purpose of sexual gratification: forcibly or against that person’s will, meaning without the Affirmative Consent of the Complainant; or not forcibly or against the person’s will in instances where the Complainant is incapable of giving Affirmative Consent because of the person’s age or temporary or permanent mental or physical Incapacity.
• Incest—Nonforcible sexual intercourse between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein marriage is prohibited by law.
• Statutory Rape—Nonforcible sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurs. The age of consent in Tennessee and California is 18. If other age requirements apply, individuals are expected to comply with the laws applicable to them.

“Sexual Battery” means touching an intimate part of another person while that person is unlawfully restrained by the accused or an accomplice, and if the touching is against the will of the person touched and is for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification, or sexual abuse.

“Sexual Exploitation” means taking non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for one’s own advantage or benefit, or to benefit a person other than the one being exploited. Some examples of sexual exploitation may include:

• Prostituting oneself or another person;
• Non-consensual photographing or video or audio recording of nude or sexually-explicit images or sexual activity or non-consensual transmitting, sending, disclosing or publicizing such images, videos, audio recordings, photographs or likeness, in whole or in part, by any means or medium, including but not limited to texting, email, live-streaming or social media;
• Exceeding the boundaries of explicit consent, such as allowing friends to hide in a closet to witness one’s consensual sexual activity; or
• Engaging in non-consensual voyeurism.

“Sexual Harassment” means conduct on the basis of sex, including gender, that also satisfies one or more of the following:

1. employee conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit or service of the Institute on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
2. unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the Institute’s education program or activity; or
3. Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, or Stalking (as defined in this Policy).

“Stalking” means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her safety or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.

In addition to the offenses described above, any sexual misconduct that violates the law of the jurisdiction where it took place shall also be considered Prohibited Conduct under this Policy.

B. Other Definitions

“Actual Knowledge” means notice of Prohibited Conduct or allegations of Prohibited Conduct under this Policy by the Title IX Coordinator or any Official With Authority as defined herein. However, the Institute is not deemed to have Actual Knowledge when the only Official With Authority with Actual Knowledge is the Respondent.

“Affirmative Consent” means mutually understandable words or actions that clearly indicate a willingness to engage in a specific sexual activity. Affirmative Consent to engage in sexual activity must exist from beginning to end of each instance of sexual activity and may be withdrawn at any time. Silence or lack of protest, without actions evidencing permission, does not constitute Affirmative Consent. While Affirmative Consent may be expressed by words or by actions, it is highly recommended that Affirmative Consent be expressed and obtained verbally. Non-verbal Affirmative Consent expressed through actions may lead to confusion and potential for misunderstandings, which may lead to a violation of this Policy. Affirmative Consent must be given by both parties. Each party is responsible for obtaining Affirmative Consent to engage in the sexual activity. An individual’s use of alcohol or drugs does not diminish that individual’s responsibility to obtain Affirmative Consent if that individual is the one who initiates sexual activity. Affirmative Consent must be conscious, knowing and voluntary. To give Affirmative Consent, a person must be of age in the state where the activity takes place. The age of consent in California is 18. Assent does not constitute Affirmative Consent if obtained through “coercion” or from an individual whom the Respondent knows or reasonably should know is “incapacitated”.

Affirmative Consent to engage in sexual activity may be withdrawn by any person at any time. Once withdrawal of Affirmative Consent has been expressed, the sexual activity must cease immediately. Affirmative Consent is automatically withdrawn by a person who is no longer capable of giving Affirmative Consent due to incapacitation. A current or previous marital or consensual dating or sexual relationship between the Parties should never by itself be assumed an indicator of Affirmative Consent.

It is not a valid excuse that the accused believed there was Affirmative Consent if the accused knew, or reasonably should have known, that the Complainant was unable to give Affirmative Consent to sexual activity because he or she was: (1) asleep or unconscious; (2) incapacitated due to the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication so that he or she could not understand the fact, nature or extent of sexual activity; or (3) unable to communicate due to a mental or physical condition.

“Coercion” means the use of express or implied threats, intimidation, or physical force which places an individual in reasonable fear of immediate harm or physical injury.

“Complainant” means an individual who is alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct.

“Formal Complaint” means a document filed by a Complainant or signed by the Title IX Coordinator alleging Sexual Harassment against a Respondent and requesting that the Institute investigate the allegation of Sexual Harassment. At the time of filing a formal complaint, a Complainant must be participating in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity of the Institute. Participating or attempting to participate includes someone who has taken a leave of absence from their education or employment, but who intends to return. A Formal Complaint may be filed with the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by email, by using the contact information contained in Section III.B. of this Policy. As used in this definition, the phrase “document filed by a Complainant” means a document or electronic submission that contains the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the Formal Complaint.

“Grievance Process” means the process used by the Institute to investigate and decide Formal Complaints. The Grievance Process shall provide a prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution, and shall be conducted by persons who receive annual training on issues related to Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking, and how to conduct an investigation and hearing process that protects the safety of victims and promotes accountability.

“Incapacity” means, by reason of mental or physical condition, an individual lacks the ability to make a knowing and deliberate choice (that is, to give Affirmative Consent) to engage in sexual activity. Someone who is drunk, legally intoxicated or under the influence of a narcotic, anesthetic or other substance may or may not be incapacitated. Individuals who are asleep, unresponsive, or unconscious are incapacitated. Factors the Institute will use to assess whether someone is incapacitated for purposes of this Policy include, but are not limited to: inability to communicate coherently, inability to dress or undress without assistance, inability to walk without assistance, slurred speech, loss of coordination, vomiting, or inability to perform other physical or cognitive tasks without assistance. The existence of any one of these factors may support a finding of incapacitation for purposes of this Policy.

“Official With Authority” means the Title IX Coordinator and the following individuals who have the authority to institute corrective measures under this Policy: President, Vice Presidents, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Academic Officer, Deans, Directors, the HR Manager, the Safety & Security Manager, Institute Security Officers and contracted security personnel. An Official With Authority who has Actual Knowledge must immediately report incidents or allegations of Prohibited Conduct to the Title IX Coordinator.

“Party” or “Parties” means any Complainant or Respondent, individually or collectively.

“Prohibited Conduct” means any of the defined terms under this Section II.A. Misconduct that is not defined as Prohibited Conduct under this Section may be prohibited by other Institute policies such as the Student Code of Conduct or the policies applicable to employees and faculty.

“Remedies” means any measure designed to restore or preserve equal access to the Institute’s education program or activity. Remedies may include disciplinary sanctions or Supportive Measures, and may be punitive in nature. The Institute will not impose Remedies that are not Supportive Measures against a Respondent unless and until a determination of responsibility for Sexual Harassment has been made against the Respondent pursuant to the Grievance Procedure. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of Remedies.

“Respondent” means an individual who has been reported to be the perpetrator of conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct.

“Supportive Measures” means non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge to the Complainant or the Respondent before or after the filing of a Formal Complaint or where no Formal Complaint has been filed, regardless of whether the Complainant chooses to report the incident to campus security or local law enforcement. These measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the Institute’s education program or activity without unreasonably burdening the other Party, including measures designed to protect the safety of all Parties or the Institute’s educational environment, or deter Prohibited Conduct. Supportive Measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, transportation options, mutual restrictions on contact between the Parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures. The Institute will maintain as confidential any Supportive Measures provided to either Party, to the extent it can do so without impairing its ability to provide the Supportive Measures, and unless otherwise required by law. The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for coordinating the effective implementation of Supportive Measures.

III. Reporting and Complaint Procedures

A. General Principles

The Institute strongly encourages individuals to report incidents involving conduct prohibited under this Policy and to obtain support services. Although the Institute does not limit the time frame for reporting allegations or for filing a Formal Complaint under this Policy, the Institute can most effectively respond to allegations of Prohibited Conduct if a report is made as promptly as possible after the incident occurs.

B. Reporting Prohibited Conduct; Supportive Measures

Any person may report Prohibited Conduct under this Policy (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of the conduct), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator below, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. A report may be made at any time (including during non-business hours) by using the telephone number or electronic mail address, or by mail to the office address, listed below for the Title IX Coordinator.

Contact Information:

Title IX Coordinator Jonathan Newkirk Senior Director newkirkj@mi.edu (323) 860-1158 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Title IX Investigator Casey Burgess Director of Library Services burgessc@mi.edu (323) 860-1186 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Alternatively, any person may report Prohibited Conduct (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of such conduct), to an Official With Authority, as defined in this Policy. Officials With Authority who obtain Actual Knowledge of Prohibited Conduct must promptly advise the Title IX Coordinator of any report, allegations or observations of Prohibited Conduct, including the identities of the individuals involved. This is required even if the person reporting the Policy violation is unsure about pursuing a Formal Complaint. Failure of an Official With Authority to comply with this reporting requirement may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Similarly, all Institute employees who receive a report, make observations or learn of allegations of Prohibited Conduct must promptly advise the Title IX Coordinator of any report, allegations or observations of Prohibited Conduct, including the identities of the individuals involved. This is required even if the person reporting the Policy violation is unsure about pursuing a Formal Complaint. Failure of an employee to comply with this reporting requirement may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Any person subject to this Policy is required to report suspected or known Child Abuse in accordance with applicable state law. In California, reports of suspected or known Child Abuse must be made to local law enforcement, the sheriff’s department, the county welfare department or the LA County Department of Children and Family Services (Child Abuse Reporting Hotline). In Tennessee, reports of suspected or known child abuse must be made to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services or to local law enforcement. Any uncertainty about reporting Child Abuse should always be resolved in favor of making a report.

Upon receiving a report of Prohibited Conduct, the Title IX Coordinator shall:

• Promptly contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures and provide written information on Rights and Supportive Measures to Complainant and Respondent;
• Consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures;
• Inform the Complainant of the availability of Supportive Measures with or without the filing of a Formal Complaint;
• Explain to the Complainant the process for filing a Formal Complaint
• Explain and provide written information on the following to persons alleging Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus:

1. the importance of preserving evidence as may be necessary to the proof of criminal Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking, or in obtaining an order of protection;
2. options regarding law enforcement and campus authorities, including notification of the survivor’s option to–
• (a) notify on-campus security, local police or both;
• (b) be assisted by the Title IX Coordinator in notifying law enforcement authorities if the survivor so chooses; or
• (c) decline to notify such authorities;
3. where applicable, the rights of survivors and the institution’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court.

All reports of Prohibited Conduct under this Policy will be promptly investigated by the Institute. The Grievance Procedure set forth in this Policy will typically apply only to Formal Complaints made in accordance with Section III.C. that are not otherwise dismissed pursuant to Section IV.A. As addressed in Section IV.E., in some circumstances and within the discretion of the Institute, Formal Complaints may be consolidated (investigated and decided together under the Grievance Process) with reports of Prohibited Conduct, or alleged violations of other College policies. Within the discretion of the Institute, all other reports of Prohibited Conduct will typically be investigated in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or the policies applicable to employees and faculty.

The Institute will keep the Complainant’s identity confidential (including from the Respondent), unless disclosing the Complainant’s identity is necessary to provide Supportive Measures for the Complainant (e.g., where a no-contact order is appropriate and the Respondent would need to know the identity of the Complainant in order to comply with the no-contact order, or campus security is informed about the no-contact order in order to help enforce its terms), and except as may be necessary in order to carry out the provisions of this Policy or a related Institute policy or to comply with applicable law.

Any person may choose to make a report anonymously. Where a person makes an anonymous report, the Institute will comply with this Section to the fullest extent possible, but may be limited in its ability to do so if the identity of any Complainant is unknown.

All individuals are encouraged to report sexual misconduct that may also violate criminal law to both the Institute and to local law enforcement. These processes are not mutually exclusive. The Institute encourages immediate involvement of the local rape crisis center or domestic violence victim service organization for allegations involving Dating Violence, Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault. A Complainant who chooses not to report to such organizations or to local law enforcement will still receive support and services from the Institute. The Institute will assist a Complainant who wishes to make a report to local or campus security, if desired.

C. Formal Complaints of Sexual Harassment; Supportive Measures

A Complainant may file a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment against a Respondent by submitting it to the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by email, by using the contact information listed below. A Formal Complaint must be a document or electronic submission that contains the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the Formal Complaint. A Formal Complaint must allege Sexual Harassment against a Respondent and request that the Institute investigate the allegations of Sexual Harassment. Complainants who seek to file a Formal Complaint may choose to use the Formal Complaint form attached to this Policy as Addendum A, but are not required to do so.

Contact Information:

Title IX Coordinator Jonathan Newkirk Senior Director newkirkj@mi.edu (323) 860-1158 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Title IX Investigator Casey Burgess Director of Library Services burgessc@mi.edu (323) 860-1186 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Reporting Sexual Harassment, whether verbally or in writing, to an Official With Authority (other than the Title IX Coordinator), or anyone other than the Title IX Coordinator, does not constitute a Formal Complaint.

Where a Complainant desires to initiate the Grievance Process, the Complainant cannot remain anonymous. The Complainant’s identity will need to be disclosed to each Respondent. However, the Title IX Coordinator may file a Formal Complaint based on an anonymous report or complaint, which the Institute will investigate. Where the Title IX Coordinator signs a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator is not a Complainant or otherwise a Party under this Policy.

Upon receiving a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall:

• promptly contact the Complainant to discuss the availability of Supportive Measures and provide written information on Rights and Supportive Measures to Complainant and Respondent;
• consider the Complainant’s wishes with respect to Supportive Measures;
• explain and provide written information on the following to persons alleging Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus:

1. the importance of preserving evidence as may be necessary to the proof of criminal Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking, or in obtaining an order of protection;
2. options regarding law enforcement and campus authorities, including notification of the survivor’s option to–
• (a) notify on-campus security, local police or both;
• (b) be assisted by the Title IX Coordinator in notifying law enforcement authorities if the survivor so chooses; or
• (c) decline to notify such authorities;
3. where applicable, the rights of survivors and the institution’s responsibilities regarding orders of protection, no contact orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by a criminal, civil, or tribal court.

D. Counseling Resources

The Institute may offer counseling services on a part-time or full-time basis. The Counselor is also available to students at the Nashville campus via telephone or videoconference. While information shared with the Institute’s Counselor (including information about whether an individual has received services) will be kept private and will not be disclosed to the Title IX Coordinator or other Institute employee without the individual’s express written permission, the Counselor may be required to disclose certain information in a court or administrative proceeding or under other circumstances, such as cases involving child abuse or threats of harm. For this reason, the Institute encourages individuals affected by Sexual Assault to seek the immediate involvement of a local rape crisis center or domestic violence victim service organization.

E. Amnesty

A person who makes a report or files a Formal Complaint in good faith under this Policy will not be disciplined by the Institute for a violation of the Institute’s drug and alcohol possession or consumption policies that may have occurred in connection with the reported incident.

F. Emergency Removal

Prior to removing a Respondent from its education program or activity on an emergency basis, the Safety and Security Manager or his or her designee shall: (1) undertake an individualized safety and risk analysis; (2) determine that an immediate threat to the physical health or safety of any student or other individual arising from the allegations of Prohibited Conduct justifies removal; and (3) provide the Respondent and Complainant(s) with notice of the emergency removal and provide the Respondent with an opportunity to challenge the decision immediately following the removal.

A Respondent seeking to challenge a decision ordering emergency removal must submit a written request specifying the reason(s) the emergency removal should be overturned to the President or his or her designee within 5 days of receiving notice. A written notification of the President’s or designee’s decision as to whether the emergency removal is sustained or overturned will be provided to the Respondent and Complainant(s) within 3 days of receipt of Respondent’s written request.

G. Administrative Leave

The HR Manager or his or her designee may determine to place a non-student employee Respondent on administrative leave during the pendency of the Grievance Process. The Institute, in its sole discretion, shall determine whether such leave will be paid or unpaid.
 

IV.  Disposition of Formal Complaints and Pre-Investigation Process

A. Initial Review of Formal Complaint; Dismissal

Promptly upon receipt of a Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall assess whether the Formal Complaint is to be dismissed on a required or permissive basis.

The Title IX Coordinator must dismiss a Formal Complaint, if any time during the investigation or hearing, the alleged conduct would not constitute Sexual Harassment as defined under this Policy, even if proven.

A Formal Complaint that is dismissed for failure to meet the above jurisdictional requirements may nevertheless violate the Institute’s Student Code of Conduct or employee and faculty policies. Unless the dismissal of the Formal Complaint is overturned in accordance with Section IV.B., the matter shall be referred to the appropriate Institute personnel for investigation and potential adjudication under the Institute’s Student Code of Conduct or employee and faculty policies.

The Title IX Coordinator may dismiss a Formal Complaint, if at any time during the investigation or hearing:

• (i) A Complainant notifies the Title IX Coordinator in writing that the Complainant would like to withdraw the Formal Complaint or any allegations therein;
• (ii) The Respondent is no longer enrolled at or employed by the Institute;
• (iii) Specific circumstances prevent the Institute from gathering evidence sufficient to reach a determination as to the Formal Complaint or allegations therein.

If the Title IX Coordinator decides to dismiss the Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall provide a “Notice of Dismissal” to the Parties simultaneously indicating the reasons for the dismissal, and referring the matter to the appropriate personnel for processing under the Student Code of Conduct or policies applicable to employees and faculty. The Parties may appeal the dismissal as described below. Unless the Formal Complaint is dismissed, the Title IX Coordinator shall provide notice of the allegations to the Parties as prescribed by Section IV.F., within 7 days after receiving the Formal Complaint, and shall keep a written record of the reasons for the decision.

The Title IX Coordinator shall assess whether the allegations meet the definition of Sexual Harassment under this Policy before signing a Formal Complaint and shall not sign a Formal Complaint that would require dismissal.

B. Appeal of Dismissal of Formal Complaint

Any Party may appeal a dismissal of a Formal Complaint by submitting a written notice of appeal of dismissal (“Appeal of Dismissal”), explaining the reasons for the appeal, to the Title IX Coordinator within 3 days of receiving the Notice of Dismissal. A Party may appeal dismissal on the following grounds:

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the determination;
• New allegations or evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding dismissal was made, that could affect the outcome of the determination; or
• The Title IX Coordinator had a conflict of interest or bias for or against complainants or respondents generally or the individual Complainant or Respondent that affected the outcome of the determination.

Promptly upon receiving an Appeal of Dismissal, the Title IX Coordinator shall notify all other Parties in writing and provide them with 3 days to submit a written statement in support of, or challenging, the dismissal. The Title IX Coordinator will submit any Appeal of Dismissal to the Appellate Officer or his or her designee for consideration. The Appellate Officer or his or her designee shall consider any Appeal of Dismissal and simultaneously provide the Parties with a written decision, including the reason for the decision, within 10 days after receiving the Appeal of Dismissal or additional written statements in support of, or challenging, the dismissal, whichever is later. This decision is final and not subject to further review.

C. Continuing Review

If at any time the Title IX Coordinator receives information or evidence that may indicate that the Formal Complaint is required to be dismissed or may be dismissed under this Section, he or she shall assess whether the Formal Complaint is to be dismissed on a required or permissive basis in light of the new information or evidence. If at any time the investigator or Decision-maker receives information or evidence that may indicate that the Formal Complaint is required to be dismissed or may be dismissed under this Section, they shall immediately notify the Title IX Coordinator and provide the Title IX Coordinator with the new information or evidence, in writing; the Title IX Coordinator shall then assess whether the Formal Complaint is to be dismissed on a required or permissive basis in light of the new information or evidence. If the Title IX Coordinator determines to dismiss the Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall follow the procedure relating to dismissals in Section IV.A. If the Title IX Coordinator determines not to dismiss the Formal Complaint, the Title IX Coordinator shall keep a written record of the reasons for the decision.

D. Surviving Allegations after Dismissal of Formal Complaint

If the Title IX Coordinator determines to dismiss a Formal Complaint, but the Formal Complaint alleges sexual or other misconduct that may violate other Institute policies, the Title IX Coordinator shall communicate in the Notice of Dismissal that the allegations may violate other Institute policies and will be addressed in accordance with such policies. Generally speaking, the Respondent’s identity will determine whether the allegations will be addressed pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct, or the policies applicable to faculty or employees, which the Institute shall determine at its discretion.

E. Consolidation; Related Allegations

The Title IX Coordinator may consolidate Formal Complaints against more than one Respondent, or by more than one Complainant against one or more Respondents, or by one Party against the other Party (multiple complaints or counter-complaints), where the allegations arise out of the same facts or circumstances. The decision of whether and how to consolidate Formal Complaints is at the Title IX Coordinator’s discretion.

The Title IX Coordinator may also consolidate a Formal Complaint with a report or complaint of Prohibited Conduct that may violate this Policy, or a report or complaint of conduct that may violate another Institute policy, where the allegations arise out of the same facts or circumstances. The Title IX Coordinator may consolidate allegations of retaliation that arise during a Grievance Process with a pending case. The decision of whether and how to consolidate a Formal Complaint with a report or complaint of other Prohibited Conduct or conduct that may violate another Institute policy is within the Title IX Coordinator’s discretion.

The Title IX Coordinator shall endeavor to make decisions regarding consolidation as early in the Grievance Process as possible. When the Title IX Coordinator determines to consolidate Formal Complaints or allegations under this Section, he or she shall advise the Parties of the consolidation in the Notice of Allegations under Section IV.F, or in a writing as soon thereafter as practicable.

F. Notice of Allegations

Within 7 days after a Formal Complaint is filed (or in the event a Party appeals a dismissal, within 3 days of the issuance of a decision reversing the dismissal), the Title IX Coordinator shall provide written notice of the allegations (“Notice of Allegations”) to the Parties who are known, which shall include the following:

• (i)     Notice of the allegations potentially constituting Sexual Harassment as defined in this Policy;
• (ii)     Notice of the Institute’s Grievance Process, including its informal resolution process, under this Policy;
• (iii)     Sufficient details surrounding the allegations including the identities of the Parties involved in the incident, if known, the conduct allegedly constituting Sexual Harassment, and the date and location of the alleged incident, if known;
• (iv)    A statement that the Respondent is presumed not responsible for the alleged conduct and that a determination regarding responsibility will be made at the conclusion of the Grievance Process;
• (v)     A statement informing the Parties that they may have an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, who may accompany them to any meeting or hearing during the Grievance Process. The statement shall explain that the Institute shall not limit the choice or presence of advisor for either the Complainant or Respondent in any meeting or hearing during the Grievance Process;
• (vi)   A list of the names and titles of available advisors from which to choose, and a statement that the Parties must notify the Title IX Coordinator of their choice of advisor within 10 days of the Notice of Allegations;
• (vii)    A statement informing the Parties that they may inspect and review evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in a Formal Complaint, including the evidence upon which the Institute does not intend to rely in reaching a determination regarding responsibility, and including inculpatory or exculpatory evidence whether obtained from a Party or other source; and
• (viii)    A statement informing the Parties that the Institute’s Student Code of Conduct and employee and faculty policies prohibit knowingly making false statements or knowingly submitting false information during the Grievance Process.

If the Title IX Coordinator consolidated two or more Formal Complaints, the Notice of Allegations must advise the Parties of the consolidation. Similarly, if the Title IX Coordinator consolidated a Formal Complaint with allegations of Prohibited Conduct under this Policy or other misconduct under another Institute Policies, the Notice of Allegations include a statement of all the charges, specify all provisions and policies alleged to have been violated, and advise the Parties of such consolidation.

G. Amended Notice of Allegations

If, during the Grievance Process, the Title IX Coordinator receives additional Formal Complaints or learns of additional information or allegations of sexual or other misconduct that arise out of or relate to the same or related facts or circumstances, the Title IX Coordinator may consolidate those matters and provide an Amended Notice of Allegations to the Parties as soon as practicable. If necessary, the Title IX Coordinator may temporarily pause the proceedings to provide an Amended Notice of Allegations.

H. Admission to Charges

If, during the Grievance Process, the Respondent accepts responsibility for the charges by submitting a written notice to the Title IX Coordinator, the investigator will continue and conclude the investigation. In such a case, an abbreviated hearing may be held in order to consider sanctions only. In consolidated cases involving multiple Respondents where only one or some Respondents accept the charges, or in cases the Respondent only accepts some charges but not others, the Grievance Process shall proceed in the ordinary course with regard to the remaining Respondents or charges.

I. Choice of Advisor

The Parties are entitled to an advisor of their choice, who may be, but is not required to be an attorney. The Institute maintains a list of advisors that are available to the Parties at no cost. Should a Party choose to engage an advisor that the Institute does not provide, the Party is responsible for any costs and fees for the advisor.

If a Party elects to use an advisor provided by the Institute, the Party shall notify the Title IX Coordinator within 5 days following receipt of the Notice of Allegations and shall indicate the name of the Party’s preferred advisor. A party may list alternate advisors in the event the Party’s first choice for advisor is unavailable or otherwise unable to serve as advisor for the Party. If more than one Party requests the same Institute-provided advisor, the Title IX coordinator shall use a neutral method (such as flipping a coin or placing names in a hat) to determine which Party will be assigned that advisor. If necessary, the Title IX Coordinator will communicate with the Parties to identify alternative advisors.

A Party who chooses to use an outside advisor or attorney may seek to use a different outside advisor or attorney at any time, or may instead seek to request an Institute-provided advisor, upon written notice to the Title IX Coordinator. A Party who chooses to use an Institute-provided advisor may seek to instead use an outside advisor or attorney at any time, upon written notice to the Title IX Coordinator. A Party who chooses to use an Institute-provided advisor may request a different Institute-provided advisor at any time by submitting a written request to the Title IX Coordinator, including the reasons therefore.

V. Investigation

A. Timeframe

Upon providing the Notice of Allegations to the Parties, the Title IX Coordinator shall assign an investigator to gather information and prepare an investigative report. The assigned investigator shall promptly commence an investigation. In ordinary circumstances, the investigator shall complete the investigation within 30 days. The investigative report should be completed within 45 days after the referral. For good cause, these timeframes may be extended by the Title IX Coordinator with notice provided to all Parties.

B. Evidence and Witnesses

The burden of gathering evidence that is directly related to the allegations rests on the investigator and not on the Parties. However, the investigator cannot access, consider, disclose, or otherwise use a Party’s records that are made or maintained by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or paraprofessional acting in the professional’s or paraprofessional’s capacity, or assisting in that capacity, and which are made and maintained in connection with the provision of treatment to the Party, unless the investigator obtains that Party’s voluntary, written consent.

The investigator shall provide at least 5 days written notice to a Party or witness whose participation is invited or expected, including the date, time, location, participants, and purpose of all investigative interviews or other meetings or proceedings.

The Parties shall have an equal opportunity to identify witnesses, including fact and expert witnesses, and to present other inculpatory and exculpatory evidence. The Parties shall not be restricted in their ability to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence.

Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition are not relevant. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are not relevant except: (i) when offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant; or (ii) when specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove Affirmative Consent. Information protected by a legally-recognized privilege, such as the attorney-client privilege, the physician-patient privilege or any other legally-recognized privilege, is also not relevant.

No individual shall attempt to alter or prevent a witness’s statement or participation.

C. Investigative Interviews

The Parties shall have an equal opportunity to be accompanied by their advisor in any investigative interview or other meeting or proceeding, including the hearing, under this Policy; however, advisors may not speak or participate during an investigative interview. A Party may take brief breaks in order to consult with their advisor. No Party shall have the right to attend, or have their advisor attend, an investigative interview of another Party or witness.

D. Right to Inspect and Review Evidence

The investigator shall provide the Parties an equal opportunity to inspect and review any evidence obtained as part of the investigation that is directly related to the allegations raised in a Formal Complaint, including the evidence the investigator does not intend to include in the investigative report, and inculpatory or exculpatory evidence whether obtained from a Party or other source, so that each Party can meaningfully respond to the evidence prior to conclusion of the investigation. Before completing the investigative report, the investigator shall provide to each Party a copy of the evidence for inspection and review in an electronic format or a hard copy. Neither the Parties nor their advisors shall be permitted to disclose or disseminate the evidence to any person who is not a Party or witness or other participant in the Grievance Process. The investigator shall redact from such evidence any information that is not directly related to the allegations (or that is otherwise barred from use by any provision of this Policy, such as information protected by a legally-recognized privilege, or a Party’s treatment records if the Party has not given written consent). The Parties shall have 10 days to submit a written response, which the investigator will consider prior to completing the investigative report.

E. Investigative Report

The investigator shall complete the investigation and prepare an investigative report that fairly and objectively summarizes relevant evidence. The report may include credibility assessments, but shall not make a determination regarding responsibility. The investigator shall redact from the investigative report any information that is not relevant, which is contained in documents or evidence that is relevant. At least 10 days prior to the hearing, the investigator shall send to the Title IX Coordinator and to each Party a copy of the investigative report, including all relevant evidence, in an electronic format or a hard copy. After receiving the investigative report, the Parties will have 5 days to submit an optional written response to the Title IX Coordinator.

F. No Bias or Conflict of Interest

Neither the Title IX Coordinator nor any individuals designated to serve as an investigator, Decision-maker, or informal resolution facilitator shall have a bias or conflict of interest for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or an individual Complainant or Respondent. A Party or person appointed to serve in a role in the Grievance Process may submit a written letter of concern relating to bias or conflict of interest at any time to the Title IX Coordinator; however, if the letter of concern relates to the alleged bias or conflict of interest by the Title IX Coordinator, the Party or individual shall submit the letter to the Director of Human Resources or his or her designee. The Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources or designee shall promptly speak with the individual alleged to have a bias or conflict of interest and conduct any other appropriate inquiry into the matter. The Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources or designee shall make a determination as to whether the individual alleged to have a bias or conflict of shall be removed from their role. If the individual alleged to have a bias or conflict is removed from their role, the Title IX Coordinator or the Director of Human Resources or designee shall appoint an alternate individual to serve in their place.
 

VI.  Hearing

According to the recent updates in 2024, “schools also have the option to offer an informal resolution process for sex discrimination complaints unless the complaint includes allegations that an employee engaged in sex-based harassment of an elementary school or secondary school student, or unless such a process would conflict with Federal, State, or local law.” Depending on the allegations and investigation outcomes, a hearing may or may not be required.

A. Timing and Notice

If a live hearing is determined to be necessary, it will be scheduled to take place no less than 10 days and no more than 30 days after the investigator sends the investigative report to each Party. The Title IX Coordinator shall give all Parties and witnesses at least 5 days’ notice of the hearing specifying the date, time, and place of the hearing, or if the hearing is virtual, the access instructions. Any Party or witness who is unable to attend the hearing must immediately notify the Title IX Coordinator of the reasons for the inability to attend.

The Title IX Coordinator shall send to the Decision-maker the investigative report along with the relevant evidence and any timely received written responses to the investigative report at least 5 days prior to the hearing.

B. Questions About Process

All pre-hearing questions regarding hearing procedures shall be directed to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator will share the questions and response with all Parties. During the hearing, procedural questions may be directed to the Decision-maker.

C. Hearing Before Hearing Officer

The hearing will be conducted by a Decision-maker. Neither the Title IX Coordinator, the investigator, nor a Party’s advisor shall serve as a Decision-maker.

D. Live Virtual and In- Person Hearings Permitted; Accommodations

Live hearings may be conducted with all Parties physically present in the same geographic location. At the request of either Party, or as may be necessary or appropriate, the Institute may at its discretion provide for the live hearing to occur virtually with any or all of the Parties, witnesses and other participants located in separate rooms or geographical locations with technology enabling the Decision-maker and participants to simultaneously see and hear each other. Should any Party or advisor require any accommodations for the hearing, they should notify the Title IX Coordinator within 2 days of receiving the Notice of the Hearing.

E. Record of the Hearing

The Institute shall create an audio or audiovisual recording of all hearings and make it available to the Parties for inspection and review. It is the Decision-maker’s responsibility to ensure that the entire hearing is recorded, including cross-examination, opening and closing remarks, questions for the Decision-maker, procedural discussions, objections and relevancy determinations and scheduling discussions. The Parties shall have an equal opportunity to inspect and review the recording of the hearing, however the Institute is not obligated to send the Parties a copy of the recording or transcript. Copies or transcripts of the recording may be made at the expense of the requesting Party.

F. Advisors

If a Party does not have an Advisor present at the live hearing, the Institute shall provide without fee or charge to that Party an advisor, who may be, but is not required to be, an attorney, to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that Party. Advisors’ participation in hearings is generally limited to cross-examination of the other Party and witnesses, including questions challenging credibility. At the conclusion of each Party’s or witnesses’ testimony, the Decision-maker will ask each Party if their advisor has any additional questions for the Party or witness. At that time, advisors may request that the Decision-maker ask additional questions.

G. Cross-Examination and Relevance

Only relevant cross-examination and other questions may be asked of a Party or witness. The Decision-maker must permit each Party’s advisor to ask the other Party and any witnesses all relevant questions and follow-up questions, including those challenging credibility. Such cross-examination must be conducted directly, orally, and in real time by the Party’s advisor of choice and never by a Party personally. The Decision-maker will make real-time relevancy determinations related to each question asked prior to a witness or Party answering the question.

Where questioning or evidence is duplicative, the Decision-maker may deem the questioning or evidence not relevant. Information protected by a legally-recognized privilege, such as the attorney-client privilege, the physician-patient privilege or any other legally-recognized privilege, is not relevant.

Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s sexual predisposition are not relevant. Questions and evidence about the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior are not relevant except: (i) when offered to prove that someone other than the Respondent committed the conduct alleged by the Complainant; or (ii) when specific incidents of the Complainant’s prior sexual behavior with respect to the Respondent and are offered to prove Affirmative Consent.

The Decision-maker retains the discretion to determine what additional measures, if any, are reasonably appropriate to allow the Parties to respond to and use the evidence at a hearing, while preventing the evidence from being used in an impermissible manner as long as such measures apply equally to both Parties and do not restrict the ability of a Party to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence. For example, such measures may be used to address sensitive materials such as photographs with nudity.

H. Party or Witness Not Subject to Cross-Examination

If a Party or witness does not submit to cross-examination at the hearing, the Decision-maker must not rely on any statement of that Party or witness in reaching a determination regarding responsibility; provided, however, that the Decision-maker cannot draw an inference about the determination regarding responsibility based solely on a Party’s or witness’s absence from the live hearing or refusal to answer cross-examination or other questions. This provision does not preclude the Decision-maker from reviewing evidence that may involve the Party or witness who refused to submit to cross-examination for purposes other than relying on a statement of the Party or witness who did not submit to cross-examination in reaching a determination regarding responsibility.

I. Rules of Decorum

The Decision-maker is charged with the authority and discretion, consistent with what is required by this Policy, to impose rules of decorum and ensure that the live hearing proceeds in an orderly, non-disruptive manner. All questions must be relevant, respectful and non-abusive. Yelling or raised voices are not permitted and questions must be asked in a non-abusive and non-intimidating manner. Badgering of a Party or witness is prohibited; repetition of the same question will be deemed irrelevant and, therefore, is not permitted.

If a Party’s advisor of choice refuses to comply with a recipient’s rules of decorum, the Decision-maker may require the Party to use a different advisor. Similarly, if an advisor that the Institute provides refuses to comply with the rules of decorum, the Decision-maker may provide that Party with a different advisor to conduct cross-examination on behalf of that Party.

J. Rules of Procedure

K.1. Opening and Closing Statements

 
The Parties shall have the option of offering opening and closing statements of 5 minutes each.

K.2.  Cross-Examination

The Decision-maker has the right and responsibility to ask questions and elicit information from the Parties and witnesses on their own initiative to aid in obtaining relevant evidence, both inculpatory and exculpatory. After each advisor completes their questioning of a Party or witness, any Decision-maker may ask any relevant questions of the Party or witness.

K.3.  Relevancy Determinations – Questions and Evidence

Before a Complainant, Respondent, or witness answers a cross-examination or other question posed by an advisor, the Decision-maker shall determine whether the question is relevant and explain any decision to exclude a question as not relevant. In order to determine relevance, the Decision-maker may ask the advisor to explain the relevance or any other preliminary matters or questions. The Decision-maker’s decision is not subject to further challenge at that time and the hearing shall proceed in an orderly fashion.

K.4.  Breaks

The Decision-maker shall afford short, reasonable breaks during the hearing.

K. Standard of Evidence; Written Determination

The Decision-maker must objectively evaluate all relevant evidence, both inculpatory and exculpatory, and must not give deference to the investigative report. The Decision-maker must apply the preponderance of evidence standard to reach a determination regarding responsibility.

Within 10 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Decision-maker shall simultaneously send a written determination letter (“Written Determination”) to the Parties, with a copy to the Title IX Coordinator, which shall include:

• (i) Identification of the allegations potentially constituting Sexual Harassment as defined in this Policy;
• (ii) A description of the procedural steps taken from the receipt of the Formal Complaint through the Decision-maker’s determination, including any notifications to the Parties, interviews with Parties and witnesses, site visits, methods used to gather other evidence, and hearing dates held;
• (iii) Findings of fact supporting the Decision-maker’s determination;
• (iv) Conclusions regarding the application of this Policy to the facts;
• (v) A statement of, and rationale for, the result as to each allegation, including a determination regarding responsibility, any disciplinary sanctions the Decision-maker determines to impose on the Respondent, and whether Supportive Measures will be provided;
• (vi) A statement of, and rationale for, only those Remedies that directly affect the Respondent;
• (vii) The procedures and permissible bases for any Party to appeal.

If the charges in the Notice of Allegations or Amended Notice of Allegations included other charges of Prohibited Conduct under this Policy or of other misconduct under another Institute Policy that were consolidated in the same proceeding, the Written Determination shall also provide a statement of and rationale for the result as to each additional allegation and what sanctions, if any, are being imposed.

If an appeal is not timely filed, the determination regarding responsibility automatically becomes final on the date on which the appeal would no longer be considered timely. If an appeal is timely filed, the determination regarding responsibility becomes final on the date that the Title IX Coordinator provides the Parties (simultaneously) with the Appeal Decision.

L. Disciplinary Sanctions, Remedies and Supportive Measures

Remedies must be designed to restore or preserve equal access to the Institute’s education program or activity. Remedies may include disciplinary sanctions or Supportive Measures, and may be punitive in nature. The Institute will not impose Remedies that are not Supportive Measures against a Respondent unless and until a determination of responsibility for Sexual Harassment has been made against the Respondent pursuant to the Grievance Procedure set forth in this Section. Remedies that do not directly affect the Respondent must not be disclosed to the Respondent.

Supportive Measures may include counseling, extensions of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, campus escort services, mutual restrictions on contact between the Parties, changes in work or housing locations, leaves of absence, increased security and monitoring of certain areas of the campus, and other similar measures. Unless otherwise required by law, the Institute will maintain as confidential any Supportive Measures provided to the Complainant or Respondent, to the extent that maintaining such confidentiality would not impair the Institute’s ability to provide the Supportive Measures, and unless otherwise required by law.

The Decision-maker may consult with the investigator and appropriate Institute offices on ranges or types of sanctions, but the ultimate decision with regard to sanctions must be made by the Decision-maker. The Decision-maker may, within his or her discretion, permit the Parties to submit sanction statements.

The range of disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed upon a student responsible for a violation of this Policy, either singly or in combination, are:

1. Exclusion from Musicians Institute Campus, Facilities or Official Functions

Exclusion of a student as part of a disciplinary action from specified areas of the campus or Musicians Institute- owned, -operated, or leased facilities, or other facilities located on Musicians Institute or affiliated property, including but not limited to residence halls and dining facilities, either permanently or for a specified term or terms. Upon Exclusion and until reinstated, a student may not enter restricted locations without securing prior approval from the School Designee. Violation of the conditions of Exclusion or of Musicians Institute policy during the period of Exclusion may be cause for further disciplinary action. Conditions for readmission to excluded locations may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary probation for a specified length of time; and restricted visitation to specified campus locations.

2. Loss of Privileges and Exclusion from Activities

Exclusion from participation in designated privileges and extracurricular activities for a specified term or terms. Upon Exclusion and until reinstated, a student may not utilize such privileges or attend or participate in such activities without securing prior approval from the School Designee. Violation of the conditions of Exclusion or of Musicians Institute policy during the period of Exclusion may be cause for further disciplinary action. Conditions for reinstatement to exercise privileges or access to excluded functions may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary probation for a specified length of time; and restricted attendance or participation in specified privileges or activities.

3. Restitution

A requirement for restitution in the form of reimbursement may be imposed for expenses incurred by Musicians Institute or other parties resulting from a violation of the Musicians Institute policies. Such reimbursement may take the form of monetary payment or appropriate service to repair or otherwise compensate for damages. Restitution may be imposed on any student who alone, or through group or concerted activities, participates in causing the damages or costs. Failure to fulfill restitution obligations may be cause for further disciplinary action. Musicians Institute shall not be responsible for collecting restitution assessed to or incurred by any parties other than Musicians Institute.

4. Educational Sanctions

Sanctions including but not limited to: required participation in or attendance at appropriate educational programs or counseling; community service; apologies, essays or other appropriate discretionary assignments or community service that fulfill the goals of education and reconciliation. The cost for attendance or participation is at the expense of the student. Note: community service cannot be part of an event, sport, etc. the student is already involved in.

5. No Contact Order

An order of ‘no contact’ is a restriction of contact between Parties, included direct and indirect contact, through a third-Party, or through technology or social media. It may be imposed for a specified period of time, or permanently.

6. Warning/Censure

Written notice or reprimand to the student that a violation of Musicians Institute policy has occurred and that additional, continued or repeated violations of Musicians Institute policy will likely result in more serious disciplinary action. Warning may also involve conditions, such as those listed above, that are intended to be educational in nature.

7. Disciplinary Probation

A status imposed for a specific period of time in which a student must demonstrate conduct that conforms to Musicians Institute standards of conduct and policies. Disciplinary Probation is a status which may involve restrictions, conditions or terms imposed for a definite period of time not to exceed the length of the probationary period. Restrictions, conditions, or terms of probation may include but are not limited to: periodic contact with a designated member of the campus community; restrictions on accessibility to Institute facilities, functions, activities or housing areas; and change of housing assignment. Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the probation or additional behavior in violation of Musicians Institute policies that occurs during or outside of the probationary period will likely result in more serious disciplinary action.

8. Hold on Musicians Institute Records

A Hold may be placed on the student’s Musicians Institute records for either a stated period or until the student satisfies any conditions imposed as part of another sanction. The placement of a Hold on the student’s Musicians Institute records may, for example, prevent the student from registering for classes or from obtaining transcripts, verifications, or a degree from Musicians Institute.

9. Suspension

Suspension is the temporary termination of student status involving denial of all student privileges for a specified academic term or terms, to take effect at such time as the School Designee decides. Upon suspension and until reinstated, a student may not enter Institute premises or Institute-related premises without securing prior approval from the School Designee. Violation of the conditions of Suspension or of Musicians Institute policy during the period of Suspension may be cause for further disciplinary action.

After the period of Suspension, the student will be reinstated if:

• the student has complied with all conditions imposed as part of the Suspension;
• the student is academically eligible;
• the student meets all requirements for reinstatement including, but not limited to, removal of Holds on records, and payment of restitution where payment is a requirement of reinstatement; and
• the student meets the deadlines for filing all necessary applications, including those for readmission, registration, and enrollment

Conditions for readmission may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary probation for a specified length of time; non-residence on campus; and restricted visitation to specified campus facilities.

10. Dismissal

Dismissal is the permanent termination of student status involving denial of all student privileges. Students separated from the Institute by Dismissal may not enter Institute premises or Institute-related premises without securing prior approval from the School Designee. Readmission to the Musicians Institute campus, facilities or properties after Dismissal may be granted only under exceptional circumstances and requires the specific prior approval of the School Designee.

11. Revocation of Awarding of Degree

    Should it be found that a degree, certificate or award was obtained by fraud, such degree, certificate or award is subject to revocation. Such revocation is subject to review on appeal by Musicians Institute.

When a student is suspended or dismissed, a temporary or permanent notation on the student’s record (academic transcript) that the student was found responsible for a violation of Musicians Institute policy may be imposed.

The disciplinary sanctions that may be imposed upon an employee found to be responsible for a violation of this Policy, either singly or in combination, include but are not limited to written warning, disciplinary probation, reassignment or transfer, remedial measures such as trainings and educational programs, or termination.

VII.  Appeals

Any Party may appeal a Written Determination by submitting a written appeal of determination (“Appeal of Determination”), explaining the reasons for the appeal, to the Title IX Coordinator within 5 days of receiving the Written Determination. A Party may appeal on the following grounds:

• Procedural irregularity that affected the outcome of the matter;
• New evidence that was not reasonably available at the time the determination regarding responsibility was made, that could affect the outcome of the matter;
• A conflict of interest or bias for or against Complainants or Respondents generally or an individual Party involving the Title IX Coordinator, investigator, or Decision-maker that affected the outcome of the matter; or
• The sanctions assessed are substantially disproportionate to the findings.

The HR Manager may also appeal a sanction imposed against an employee on the grounds that the sanction is not proportionate to the conduct. The disciplinary sanction will remain in place during the appeal process.

Within 3 days of receiving any Appeal of Determination, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct an initial review to determine if it is timely. If the appeal is not timely, the original Written Determination will stand and the decision is final, and the Title IX Coordinator shall notify the Parties in writing.

If the Appeal of Determination is timely, the Title IX Coordinator shall notify all other Parties in writing and provide them with 5 days to submit a written statement in support of, or challenging, the Written Determination. The Title IX Coordinator shall promptly provide copies of all Appeal of Determinations and additional written statements to all other Parties. After the 5-day period, the Title IX Coordinator will submit the Appeal of Determination, and any additional, timely written statements to the Appellate Officer for consideration. The Appellate Officer shall be a person trained to serve as a Decision-maker, who did not serve as a Decision-maker in the same case.

An appeal is not a hearing. The Appellate Officer will not hear testimony. The Appellate Officer shall consider any Appeal of Determination, along with any additional written statements in support of, or challenging, the determination, and make a decision. The Appellate Officer will make a decision either upholding, overturning, or modifying the Written Determination, and simultaneously provide the Parties and the Title IX Coordinator with a written decision (“Appeal Decision”), including the reason for the decision, within 10 days. The Appeal Decision is final and not subject to further review.

VIII.   Informal Resolution

Where the facts alleged in the Formal Complaint are not contested, or where the Respondent has admitted, or wishes to admit responsibility, or where the Parties want to resolve a case without a completed investigation or Grievance Process, informal resolution may be an appropriate solution. Informal resolution may include, but is not limited to, mediation and conciliation, and various forms of restorative justice, to be determined within the discretion of the Title IX coordinator.

An informal resolution process may be available at any time: (1) after a Formal Complaint has been filed and is not dismissed pursuant to Section IV.A. of this Policy; and (2) prior to the Decision-maker reaching a determination regarding responsibility. The Title IX Coordinator may choose to offer the Parties an informal resolution process. Alternatively, any Party may submit a written request to the Title IX Coordinator for an informal resolution process. The decision as to whether to offer or grant a request to engage in an informal resolution process resides within the sole discretion of the Title IX Coordinator. In consolidated cases or in cases involving multiple Parties, an informal resolution process may take place, if deemed appropriate by the Title IX Coordinator, where all Parties agree to participate; if only some Parties agree to participate, the Title IX Coordinator may sever matters that were previously consolidated or that involve multiple Parties. Notwithstanding, an informal resolution process is never available to resolve: (i) allegations that an employee engaged in Sexual Harassment against a student; (ii) allegations of Sexual Assault.

When the Parties have indicated to the Title IX Coordinator their assent to engage in an informal resolution process, the Title IX Coordinator shall provide the Parties with a written notice of informal resolution (“Notice of Informal Resolution”) which shall include:

• (i) a statement of the allegations;
• (ii) a statement that no Party is required to participate in an informal resolution process;
• (iii) a statement that any Party may withdraw from the informal resolution process and resume the Grievance Process with regard to a Formal Complaint arising from the same allegations at any time prior to signing a resolution agreement;
• (iv) a statement that the Parties are required to keep all information and communications relating to the informal resolution process confidential both during and after the informal resolution process;
• (v) a statement that any statements or admissions disclosed during the informal resolution process shall remain confidential and shall not be used in a subsequent investigation or proceeding arising out of the same or any other Formal Complaint;
• (vi) a statement that records relating to the informal resolution process will be maintained by the Title IX Coordinator and may only be shared or disclosed in accordance with this Policy, FERPA and other applicable federal or state laws;
• (vii) a statement that notwithstanding the confidentiality requirements of the informational resolution process, should the informal resolution process fail to satisfactorily resolve the matter, or if any Party withdraws from the informal resolution process, no Party shall be restricted in their ability to discuss the allegations under investigation or to gather and present relevant evidence after the matter is referred back to the Title IX Coordinator to resume the Grievance Process under this Policy;
• (viii) a statement that all Parties must provide their voluntary, written consent to engage in the informal resolution process to the Title IX Coordinator;
• (ix) a statement that a record of the outcome, including a resolution agreement, if any, will be maintained by the Title IX Coordinator; and
• (x) a statement that should the informal resolution process fail to satisfactorily resolve the matter, or if any Party withdraws from the informal resolution process, the matter shall be promptly referred back to the Title IX Coordinator to resume the Grievance Process under this Policy.

Upon receipt of each Party’s voluntary written consent to participate in an informal resolution process, the Title IX Coordinator shall refer the matter to an informal resolution facilitator. The informal resolution facilitator shall promptly contact the Parties in writing to commence the informal resolution process, which may occur in person or virtually.

The Institute is not required to provide the Parties with advisors prior to entering into an informal resolution process, nor must it ensure that the Parties confer with advisors prior to entering into an informal resolution process. Advisors are not permitted to participate in an informal resolution process.

In the event a Formal Complaint is not resolved by way of an informal resolution process, the informal resolution facilitator shall not serve as a witness in a related investigation or hearing.

Outcomes of an informal resolution process may include, but are not limited to, any of the following (or any combination thereof):

• Make the Respondent aware that the Respondent’s behavior is being perceived as Sexual Harassment, and make clear that the behavior is prohibited by this Policy;
• Make the Respondent aware that the purpose of the discussion is to achieve a change in behavior;
• Make clear the Institute prohibits Retaliation against the Complainant, or against anyone who participates in any process under this Policy.
• Suggest possible resolutions of the problem, including but not limited to: a change in the offensive behavior, counseling, an apology to the Complainant, a reevaluation of a grade, extension of deadlines or other course-related adjustments, modifications of work or class schedules, leaves of absence, campus escort services, increased security and monitoring of certain areas on campus, mutual restrictions on contact between the Parties or a change in the relationship between the Parties (i.e., changed advisor, class enrollment, athletic travel or hotel accommodations, or work or housing assignments);
• Provide or continue Supportive Measures;
• Disciplinary measures designed to educate or deter further inappropriate conduct by the Respondent.

A resolution reached by way of an informal resolution process shall become final and binding upon all Parties signing a resolution agreement. Any resolution agreement shall be reduced to a writing signed by the Parties and the informal resolution facilitator as witness, with a copy provided to the Title IX Coordinator, and shall continue the requirement that the Parties keep all information and communications relating to the informal resolution process confidential. A resolution agreement may contain additional confidentiality requirements as agreed by the Parties.

The informal resolution process should be completed within 10 days of the time a Notice of Informal Resolution is sent to the Parties. Should the informal resolution process fail to satisfactorily resolve the matter, or if any Party withdraws from the informal resolution process, the matter shall be promptly referred back to the Title IX Coordinator to resume the Grievance Process under this Policy.

The informal resolution process may be utilized in connection with reports or complaints under other Institute Policies, such as the Code of Student Conduct or the policies applicable to employees and faculty.

IX.    Law Enforcement and Community Resources

A. National Resources

National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a free 24/7 telephone hotline operated by the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). The hotline automatically redirects callers to local rape crisis centers based on the area code and first three digits of the caller’s phone number. RAINN does not keep a record of the caller’s phone number.

Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

For anyone affected by abuse and needing support, call 1-800-799-7233, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text START to 88788. These resources are available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

National Gender-Based Street Harassment Hotline

The Online National Street Harassment Hotline is a free, confidential, secure service that provides live help through the Stop Street Harassment website.
Hotline: 855-897-5910 or use secure IM chat via
http://tinyurl.com/TheSHhotline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If you are in immediate danger of seriously harming yourself or being harmed by someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help by calling or texting 988. Assistance is available in English and Spanish.

• For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
• For deaf or hard of hearing ASL users: call 988 Videophone.

B. Law Enforcement and Community Resources for Campus Hollywood

Campus security is available on campus, and emergency medical assistance and law enforcement assistance are available off campus. Individuals are encouraged (but not required) to contact law enforcement and seek medical treatment as soon as possible following an incident that poses a threat to safety or physical well-being or following a potential criminal offense. For more information about filing a criminal complaint with law enforcement, please contact:

LA Police Department – Hollywood Station

1358 North Wilcox Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90028
(213) 972-2971

CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY

6752 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 860-1127

LOCAL HOSPITALS AND URGENT CARE:

Southern California Hospital at Hollywood
6245 De Longpre Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

(323) 462-2271

Hollywood Urgent Care
5717 Melrose Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 957-2273

Kaiser Permanente
4733 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(800) 954-8000

Cedars Sinai Medical Center
8730 Alden Drive #2E
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 423-3277

EMERGENCY ROOMS:

Kaiser Permanente LA Medical Center
4867 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 783-4011

Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Emergency Room
1300 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(213) 413-3000

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Emergency Room
8700 Beverly Blvd #5725,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 423-8780

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND OTHER LOCAL SERVICES:

LA Department of Mental Health (24/7)
Access Center
(800) 854-7771
211 LA County (dial 2-1-1)
CONTACT: https://www.211la.org/contact-us

Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Hollywood Mental Health Center
1224 North Vine Street
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 769-6100
24/7 Access Line: (800) 854-7771
https://dmh.lacounty.gov/

Southern California Counseling Center
5615 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90019
(323) 937-1344
www.sccc-la.org

DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIMS/SURVIVORS AND ANY COUNTY OR CITY SEXUAL ASSAULT REPSONSE ORGANIZATIONS:

1736 Family Crisis Center
2116 Arlington Ave. Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90018
Crisis Line: (213) 745-6434
Main Office: (323) 737-3900

Center for the Pacific Asian Family
3424 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1000
Los Angeles CA, 90010
24-Hour Hotline: (800) 339-3940
https://www.cpedv.org/member-service/center-pacific-asian-family

East LA Women’s Center
1431 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Los Angeles CA, 90022
(323) 526-5819
https://www.elawc.org/
https://www.cpedv.org/member-service/east-la-womens-center

Los Angeles Center for Law and Justice
5301 Whittier Blvd, 4^th FL.
Los Angeles CA, 90022
Office: (323) 980-3500
https://www.laclj.org/

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 24-Hour Sexual Assault Resource Line
1.888.99.VOICE (1.888.998.6423)
https://www.kcsarc.org/

RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
https://www.rainn.org/
24/7 Hotline: 1(800) 656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

C. Law Enforcement and Community Resources for Nashville Campus

Campus security is available on campus, and emergency medical assistance and law enforcement assistance are available off campus. Individuals are encouraged (but not required) to contact law enforcement and seek medical treatment as soon as possible following an incident that poses a threat to safety or physical well-being or following a potential criminal offense. For more information about filing a criminal complaint with law enforcement, please contact:

Metropolitan Nashville Police–South Precinct

5101 Harding Place
Nashville, TN, 37211
(615) 862-7744

CAMPUS PUBLIC SAFETY

Michael Revis
5000 Harding Place
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 333-9423

LOCAL HOSPITALS:

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center
391 Wallace Rd.
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 781-4000

Vanderbilt Adolescent and Young Adult Health
719 Thompson Ln. Suite 36300
Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 936-8200

TriStar Summit Medical Center
5655 Frist Blvd.,
Hermitage, TN 37076
(615) 316-3000

EMERGENCY ROOMS:

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center
391 Wallace Rd,
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 781-4000

Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West Emergency Department
4220 Harding Pike
Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 222-2111

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND OTHER LOCAL SERVICES:

Mental Healthy America of the MidSouth
446 Metroplex Drive, Suite A-224
Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 269-5355

Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital
1601 23^rd Ave S.
Nashville, TN 37212 37232
(615) 320-7000

FOR DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE VICTIMS/SURVIVORS AND ANY COUNTY OR CITY SEXUAL ASSAULT REPSONSE ORGANIZATIONS:

Tennessee Coalition To End Domestic and Sexual Violence
404 BNA Dr., Suite 210
Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 386-9406

Safe Haven Family Shelter
1234 3^rd Ave S,
Nashville, TN, 37210
(615) 256-8195

Domestic Violence Program
1423 Kensington Square Ct.
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
(615) 896-7377

King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
24-Hour Sexual Assault Resource Line
1.888.99.VOICE (1.888.998.6423)
https://www.kcsarc.org/

RAINN – Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
https://www.rainn.org/
24/7 Hotline: 1(800) 656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)

X.    Additional Considerations

A.         Confidentiality.

The Institute must keep confidential the identity of Complainants, Respondents and witnesses, except as may be permitted by FERPA, as required by applicable law or as necessary to carry out the Grievance Process. To the extent disclosure of the identity of Complainants, Respondents, or witnesses is required by applicable law or is necessary to carry out the Grievance Process, the Institute will make such disclosure only to the extent necessary. Consistent with its legal obligations, the Institute may report or publish statistical information without disclosing the identities of the Parties.

Parties, advisors, and witnesses are prohibited from photographing, scanning or recording by audio, video or other means the evidence, or disseminating the evidence to third Parties or to the public. Should dissemination become necessary for litigation or other legal proceedings, the individual contemplating disclosure must advise all relevant Parties or other interested participants in writing of the pending disclosure and allow a reasonable time for such persons to contest the disclosure.

The Title IX Coordinator may, within his or her discretion, require the Parties, advisors, or witnesses to sign appropriate non-disclosure agreements.

Nothing in a non-disclosure agreement, or in this Section or any other Section of this Policy, shall restrict the ability of a Party to discuss or communicate about the allegations under investigation (e.g., with a parent, friend, or other source of emotional support), or to gather and present relevant evidence.

B.         Access to Records.

Parties may request access to records under this Policy by submitting such requests in writing to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator shall assess the request in light of FERPA and any other applicable federal or state laws. If the request is granted, the requesting Party will have the opportunity to review and inspect such records, which may be made available in redacted form. The Title IX Coordinator shall respond to requests for access to records within 25 days.

C.         Interpretation and Construction.

The headings and subheadings employed in this Policy are provided for ease of reference only, and shall not be construed to limit the rights and responsibilities set forth in this Policy. In all cases, this Policy shall be interpreted consistent with the spirit and purpose of Title IX.

D.         Timeframes and Deadlines.

The timeframes prescribed under this Policy may be subjected to limited extension for good cause upon written notice to the Complainant and the Respondent of the delay or extension and the reasons for the action. Good cause may include considerations such as the absence of a Party, a Party’s advisor, or a witness, concurrent law enforcement activity, or the need for language assistance or accommodation of disabilities. Decisions relating to extensions and delays shall be made by the Title IX Coordinator.

When any deadline or prescribed time period under this Policy falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday recognized by the Institute, the deadline or prescribed time period shall be extended to the next business day.

 

Addendum A
Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint Form

Complainants who seek to file a Formal Complaint of Sexual Harassment may choose to use this form, but are not required to do so. A Formal Complaint must be a document or electronic submission that contains the Complainant’s physical or digital signature, or otherwise indicates that the Complainant is the person filing the Formal Complaint, and requests that the College investigate the allegations. Formal Complaints may be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator in person, by mail, or by email, by using the contact information listed below.

Title IX Coordinator Jonathan Newkirk Senior Director newkirkj@mi.edu (323) 860-1158 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Title IX Investigator Casey Burgess Director of Library Services burgessc@mi.edu (323) 860-1186 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

I.  Complainant Information

Name:

Cell Phone:

Current Title, Status or Relationship to the Institute (e.g., student, employee, etc.)

Title, Status or Relationship to the Institute at time of incident(s) described in Section II below (if different than current):

II.    Factual Information Regarding Complaint

Date(s) of incident:

Location(s) of incident(s):

Description of incident(s) (please provide as much detail as possible and attach any relevant documents or information; include the name(s) of all parties involved, including any witnesses or other individuals who may have information relating to the incident(s):

III.    Request for Investigation and Signature

I hereby request that the Title IX Coordinator commence an investigation into the allegations of Sexual Harassment made in this Formal Complaint. I hereby certify that by my signature below, I am the person filing this Formal Complaint.

____________________________________________________
Complainant Signature

WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

This page is intended to provide information and assistance to victims of sexual misconduct and/or to individuals who may be acting in support of a victim.
Please know that you are not alone; you are not to blame. Anyone can be the victim of sexual misconduct–regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, age, or social status. In the event of sexual misconduct, Campus Hollywood can offer interim protection measures and assistance to help you feel safe and move forward with your academic and personal goals.

WHAT IS SEXUAL MISCONDUCT?

Sexual misconduct is a general term including any and all unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without “Affirmative Consent” or by force, intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. Sexual misconduct may vary in its severity. It can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in an intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual misconduct includes, but is not limited to, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, and sexual intimidation. Sexual misconduct can be committed by a person of any gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different gender.

A. Affirmative Consent

• According to the State of California, “’Affirmative consent’ means affirmative, conscious, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure that he or she has the affirmative consent of the other or others to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean consent, nor does silence mean consent. Affirmative consent must be ongoing throughout a sexual activity and can be revoked at any time. The existence of a dating relationship between the persons involved, or the fact of past sexual relations between them, can never by itself be assumed to be an indicator of consent.
• Consent must be present throughout the sexual activity — at any time, a participant can communicate a desire to no longer consent to continuing the activity.
• Consent to one form of sexual activity does not imply consent to other forms of sexual activity.
• If there is confusion as to whether anyone has consented or continues to consent to sexual activity, the participants must stop the activity until each consents to it.
• Consent is not procured by the use of physical force, compelling threats, intimidating behavior, or coercion.
• “Persons who are unable to give consent. In addition, the following persons are unable to give consent:
  • persons who are asleep, unconscious, or involuntarily restrained physically;
  • persons who are incapacitated due to the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication so that the complainant could not understand the fact, nature, or extent of the sexual activity;
  • persons who are unable to communicate consent due to a mental or physical condition;
  • persons who are not of legal age according to the State of California

B. Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a form of sexual misconduct and includes conduct from forcible intercourse to nonphysical forms of pressure that compel individuals to engage in sexual activity against their will. Examples of sexual assault under this policy include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors, however slight, when consent is not present:

• sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal). Intercourse, however slight, meaning vaginal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue, or finger; or oral copulation (mouth to genital contact or genital to mouth contact);
• attempted sexual intercourse (anal, oral, or vaginal);
• intentional contact with the breasts, buttocks, groin, or genitals, or touching another with any of these body parts, or making another touch you or themselves with or on any of these body parts;
• any other intentional unwanted bodily contact of a sexual nature;
• use of coercion, manipulation, or force to make someone else engage in sexual touching, including breasts, chest, and buttocks

C. Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination that includes verbal, written, or physical behavior of a sexual nature, directed at an individual, or against a particular group, because of that person’s or group’s sex, gender, perceived gender, or based on gender stereotypes, when that behavior is unwelcome and meets either of the following criteria:

• Submission or consent to the behavior is believed to carry consequences for another person’s education, employment, on-campus living environment, or participation in a University program or activity. Examples of this type of sexual harassment include:
• pressuring a student to engage in sexual behavior for some educational or employment benefit; or
• making a real or perceived threat that rejecting sexual behavior will carry a negative consequence for the student in education, on-campus residence, or University program or activity.
• The behavior has the effect of limiting or denying another person’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning environment for employment, education, on-campus living, or participation in a University program or activity. Examples of this type of sexual harassment can include:
  • persistent unwelcomed efforts to develop a romantic or sexual relationship;
  • unwelcome commentary about an individual’s body or sexual activities;
  • repeated unwanted sexual attention;
  • repeated and unwelcome sexually oriented teasing, joking, or flirting;
  • verbal abuse of a sexual nature.
• Comments or communications could be verbal, written, or electronic. Behavior does not need to be directed at or to a specific individual, but may be generalized unwelcomed and unnecessary comments based on sex or gender stereotypes. Determination of whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment requires consideration of all the circumstances, including the context in which the alleged incidents occurred.

D. Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation involves taking nonconsensual, unjust, or abusive sexual advantage of another person. Examples can include, but are not limited to the following behaviors:

• electronically recording, photographing, or transmitting intimate or sexual utterances, sounds, or images without the knowledge and consent of all parties involved;
• voyeurism (spying on others who are in intimate or sexual situations);
• distributing intimate or sexual information about another person without that person’s consent;
• prostituting or trafficking another person.

E. Sexual Intimidation
Sexual intimidation involves: threatening another person that you will commit a sex act against them; or engaging in indecent exposure.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

Immediately

• Get to a safe place. Call 911 or Campus Security, 323-860-1127, if you need help getting to safety.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible. Medical examinations are essential to detect injuries, and for possible protection against diseases or pregnancy. Medical professionals can also help preserve evidence.
  • Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic: www.hsfreeclinic.org; 323-660-2400
  • Hollywood Walk-In Clinic: www.hollywoodclinic.net; 323-848-4522
• Seek support. Sexual Assault Hotline www.rainn.org; 800-656-HOPE
• Sometimes victims of sexual assault choose not to share their experiences for weeks, months, or even years. If you are a victim who has been silent, seeking out support from someone you can trust and feel comfortable with is important. Campus Hollywood strongly suggests that victims of sexual assault/sexual misconduct seek support through talking to someone — friend, family, or professional.

HOW TO REPORT SEXUAL ASSAULT

Off Campus

Law Enforcement
Please note that all criminal legal processes are independent of Campus Hollywood.

Emergency
911

Hollywood Police Department
1358 N. Wilcox Avenue
Hollywood CA 90028
213-972-2971

On Campus

Campus Security
323-860-1127

Mandatory Reporter Employees

Many Musicians Institute employees (faculty members, administrators, residence assistants and directors, advisors, etc.) are required by law to notify the Title IX Coordinator the details of sexual misconduct.

Title IX Coordinator

Victims of sexual misconduct may file a report directly with the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator is available to offer ongoing support to victims of sexual assault in understanding Campus Hollywood’s investigative and/or disciplinary processes or the criminal process as the reporting party chooses.

The Title IX Coordinator has the duty to redress sexual violence and remedy the effects on the victim and the Campus Hollywood community. The Coordinator will make every effort to maintain confidentiality, but may be required to investigate the incident. To contact the Title IX Coordinator, please use the information listed below:

Title IX Coordinator Jonathan Newkirk Senior Director newkirkj@mi.edu (323) 860-1158 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Title IX Investigator Casey Burgess Director of Library Services burgessc@mi.edu (323) 860-1186 6752 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90028

Confidential Employees

Campus Hollywood has employees who are available to offer support and guidance to victims of sexual assault in a confidential environment. Individuals may speak with confidential employees if they want to discuss issues but do not want any further action to be taken. Confidential employees can provide individuals with both immediate and long-term help to access assistance and discuss possibilities for additional support.

• To book time with a confidential employee, please contact Student Affairs at studentaffairs@mi.edu.
• In addition to the confidential resources provided by the College, individuals may speak with off-campus counselors, violence resources, private agencies, and off-campus members of the clergy, each of whom will maintain confidentiality, except in extreme cases that involve a minor.

HOW DO I HELP A FRIEND?

A victim of assault is best supported with empathy and non-judgmental listening and confidentiality. It is usually best to try to remain calm, let the reporting party tell their story, and encourage the victim to seek medical attention and counseling.
It is the victim’s choice how and who to tell about the assault. Be clear and upfront about your ability to maintain confidentiality and reporting obligations.

• Don’t panic. Remain calm and concerned.
• Respect the language the victim uses to identify what has happened.
• Allow them to express their feelings.
• Believe and support the victim.
• Acknowledge discomfort and courage.
• Remind the victim that they are not at fault.
• Allow them to make their own decisions.
• Provide resources and options.

FILE A TITLE IX INCIDENT REPORT

Please use this form to make a report of sexual misconduct or email titleix@campushollywood.com.

Please fill out the form completely and honestly. The information provided in this report will be kept as private as possible, but may result in a Title IX investigation. Individuals may make reports anonymously. Please note that such anonymity may demonstrably limit the school’s ability to investigate the issue and take steps to remedy the problem.

Once completed, this form will be forwarded to the Campus Hollywood Title IX Coordinator.

If you need immediate assistance, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at 323-860-1158 or Campus Security at 323-860-1127. If it is an emergency, please call 911.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

1. OCR Webinar on Due Process Protection Under the New Title IX Regulations
2. The First Amendment and Title IX: An OCR Short Webinar
3. How to Report Sexual Harassment Under Title IX
4. New Title IX Protections Against Sexual Assault
5. OCR Webinar: Title IX Regulations Addressing Sexual Harassment
6. Conducting and Adjudicating Title IX Hearings: An OCR Training Webinar
7. U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Regulations, Providing Vital Protections Against Sex Discrimination – 2024 Regulations Updates

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

1. Case IQ: 2024 Title IX Regulations Updates
2. California Department of Education: Gender Equity/Title IX
3. National Sexual Violence Resource Center: 10 Facts Everyone Should Know About Title IX

ANNUAL SECURITY/SAFETY REPORT AND POLICIES

Musicians Institute’s Annual Crime and Safety Report

This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime
statistics for the school. The policy statements address the school’s policies, procedures and programs concerning safety and security, for example, policies for responding to emergency situations and sexual offenses.

Three years’ worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were
reported to have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the school and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

2023 Campus Security Report
2023 Campus Security Survey Completion Certificate

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CAMPUS SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool is brought to you by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education. This analysis cutting tool was designed to provide rapid customized reports for public inquiries relating to campus crime and fire data.

The data are drawn from the OPE Campus Safety and Security Statistics website database to which crime statistics and fire statistics (as of the 2010 data collection) are submitted annually, via a web-based data collection, by all postsecondary institutions that receive Title IV funding (i.e., those that participate in federal student aid programs).

This data collection is required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Higher Education Opportunity Act.