“The system doesn’t fail because of people who do wrong, it fails because people stay silent about what wrongdoers do!”
-MKD
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972
Protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance.
Title IX protects students and employees from discrimination in all aspects of education, including:
Title IX / Sexual Misconduct
At Tougaloo College, the dignity, safety, and well-being of our student body and campus community are paramount because they are our valued commodity!
Tougaloo College strictly adheres to all applicable institutional, local, state, and federal laws that prohibit sexual and discriminatory misconduct of any student, administrator, faculty, staff, or visitor of our college community. The college is responsible for creating a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can strive to attain all their educational and extracurricular endeavors.
The goal of Tougaloo College is to educate its campus community on issues regarding sexual misconduct and discrimination. This goal will be achieved through proactive preventive training and educational resources that help community members care for themselves and one another. It’s important that we demonstrate that we are our “Sister and Brother’s KEEPERS” and focus on galvanizing the campus community by enabling them to:
- Define and identify Sexual Misconduct.
- Empower themselves to not only “Speak Up but to Speak Out.”
- Build awareness of available on- and off-campus resources.
TOUGALOO COLLEGE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY
Sexual Misconduct Policy
Tougaloo College is committed to preventing all forms of sexual misconduct and ensuring prompt, fair investigation and appropriate remedial measures whenever it occurs. Sexual misconduct refers to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual exploitation, or stalking. Tougaloo policies also prohibit retaliation against any person who makes a good-faith report of potential sexual misconduct.
Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy
This policy describes the college's mechanisms for preventing and responding to harassment, including sexual harassment, in connection with Tougaloo College employment and other programs and activities. It defines sexual misconduct, outlines reporting avenues, investigation procedures, disciplinary actions, and supportive measures available.
Reporting and Confidential Assistance
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual misconduct, reporting options are available through Tougaloo College or local law enforcement. Confidential assistance is also accessible.
- Emergencies: If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Formal Complaints: Contact the Title IX Coordinator, Moses K. DuPre, at 601-977-7899 or mkdupre@tougaloo.edu.
- Confidential Resources: Assistance is available without formal reporting:
- Student Counseling Services: 601-977-7818
- Owens Health and Wellness Center: 601-977-6160
- TC Employee Assistance Program: 601-977-4461
- Law Enforcement: You always retain the right to report sexual misconduct to law enforcement. Please refer to the FAQ section for more details.
Sexual Misconduct FAQs
Common questions and answers about Tougaloo College’s Title IX and Sexual Misconduct policies.
Syllabus Statements
All course syllabi should contain the college’s standardized statement on Title IX and sexual misconduct. Additionally, faculty may choose to notify students of their mandatory reporter status via a statement in the course syllabus.
The statement is:
Tougaloo College is committed to complying with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination, including violence and harassment, based on sex. This means that TC’s educational programs and activities must be free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexual misconduct. If you or someone you know has experienced sex discrimination, sexual violence, and/or harassment by any member of the college community, you are encouraged to report the conduct to TC’s Title IX Coordinator at 601-977-7899 or by e-mail to mkdupre@tougaloo.edu .
Additionally, faculty may choose to notify students of their mandatory reporter status via a statement in the course syllabus. Including this statement is optional. OCI recommends the following language:
As the instructor for this course, I have a mandatory duty to report to the college any information I receive about possible sexual misconduct. This includes information shared in class discussions or assignments, as well as information shared in conversations outside class. The purpose of reporting is to allow TC to take steps to ensure a safe learning environment for all. The college also has confidential resources available, who can aid those who have experienced sexual misconduct without triggering a mandatory reporting duty.
Investigation Forms
The TC Title IX Office provides parties with appropriate forms summarizing their rights and obligations in connection with the investigation and adjudication of sexual misconduct. For convenience, certain commonly used forms are provided here:
Initial Report Notification: Provides an initial summary of rights for people reporting sexual misconduct.
Formal Complaint Form: The document by which someone may submit a formal complaint, requesting the college to conduct a full investigation and potentially pursue disciplinary action for violation of the Sexual Misconduct Policy.
Notification of Formal Complaint: Provides the accused party with notice of the complaint against them and summarizes their rights and obligations in the investigation and adjudication process.
Other Resources:
Respondent Advocate
TC has available advisors for people accused of sexual misconduct, who can provide advice on the investigation and disciplinary process, supportive measures, counseling and health options, and related matters. For more information on this service, contact the Title IX Office at 601-977-7899 or mkdupre@tougaloo.edu.
Title IX Office of Sexual Misconduct Staff
Moses K. DuPre’ - Director
601-977-7899 – Office
Title III Building
Latoya Haymer - Deputy Director
601-977-7904
Jamerson Hall – 2nd Floor
500 West County Line Road
Tougaloo, Mississippi 39174
Change can happen when one refuses to accept injustice as normal!
Today, Tomorrow, Tougaloo - Forever
Emergency Response Resources:
- National Suicide Hotline – 988 – This “Lifeline” provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
- Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault – 800-656-HOPE (4673) – 24-Hour Rape Crisis Hotline. Call 888-987-9011 to find a Crisis Center.
- The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline – Chat online with a trained staff member who can provide you with confidential crisis support.
- Domestic Violence National State Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233) / 800-898-3234.
- Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Rape, and Human Trafficking – 800-266-4198 – The Center for Violence Prevention has a 24-hour crisis and referral line to assist in immediate needs.
- Zero Tolerance Office (Tougaloo College) – 601-977-7821.
- Title IX and Sexual Misconduct (Tougaloo College Title IX Compliance Office) – 601-977-7899 – Misconduct is a serious concern to this college and is strictly prohibited. It is the policy of Tougaloo College to maintain an educational environment and workplace free from any form of misconduct.
- Title IX Deputy Coordinator – Dr. Latoya Haymer serves as the Deputy Coordinator, receiving formal complaints related to sexual misconduct and other civil rights issues. She can be reached at 601-977-7904 or lhaymer@tougaloo.edu.