Title IX
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination in education and its implementing regulation, at 34 C.F.R. § 106.31 (a), states that no person shall on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, or other education program or activity operated by the university.
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including rape, sexual assault, sexual battery and sexual coercion. Sexual harassment of a student can deny or limit, on the basis of sex, the student's ability to participate in or to receive benefits, services, or opportunities in the school's program MSU Billings considers sexual discrimination in all its forms to be a serious offense. This includes all forms of sexual discrimination including: sexual harassment, sexual assault, and sexual violence by employees, students, or third parties.
Any student or visitor with questions or concerns about sex discrimination or who believes that he or she has been the victim of sex discrimination may contact Paula Highlander, Title IX Coordinator for assistance.
While compliance with the law is everyone’s responsibility at MSUB, listed below are the staff members who have primary responsibility for Title IX compliance.
FILE A REPORT
NOTE: Filing a report will take you to the Montana State University campus reporting form. The Discriminiation, Harassment, and Retaliation policy applies to all Montana State University campuses.
Complaints against Students and Employees in Athletics
If you have a complaint against an MSUB student, coach or administrator for sexual harassment, sex discrimination, or sexual assault, you may contact one of the offices listed above, or you may contact the Director of Athletics, Michael Bazemore, who will facilitate the handling of the complaint with the appropriate office.
Gender Equity in Athletics
If you have a complaint about gender equity in MSUB athletics programs, you should contact the Director of Athletics, Michael Bazemore, who is responsible for Title IX Compliance in matters related to gender equity in MSUB athletics programs.
Training Materials
Pursuant to Federal Regulations with an August 14, 2020, implementation date, materials used to train Title IX Coordinators, Investigators, Decision Makers, and individuals involved in the informal resolution process must provide access to the materials used to train them. Information about the materials used for training these individuals is below.
Hearings in the New Era: Are You Ready?
By Grand River Solutions
Title IX Coordinator Training- NACUA 2022-2023
Module 1-Jurisdiction and Other Threshold Topics
Module 2-Formal Complaints, Investigations, and Grievance Procedures
Module 3- Policy and Training Obligations
Module 4- Definitions, Jurisdiction and Prelimiary Matters
Module 5- Conducting a Title IX Investigation
Module 6- Hearings and Appeals
Module 7-Anatomy of an OCR Investigation
Module 8- Title IX Training and Policies
Module 9- Athletics Equity
Nine on IX- NACCOP- 2024
Additional Resources
Sexual Assault
To file a complaint of sexual assault or any form of discrimination that may also be a crime, you may contact one of the offices above, depending on who the complaint is against (faculty/staff, visitor or student) and you may also contact:
University Police
Located in the Southwest Corner of Parking Garage
406-657-2147 (non-emergency)
406-657-2222 (emergency)
911 (emergency)
Printer-friendly Title IX Information
Duties and Responsibilities: Monitoring and oversight of overall implementation of Title IX Compliance at the University, including coordination of training, education, communications, and administration of grievance procedures for faculty, staff, students and other members of the University community.
The Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success is responsible for Title IX compliance for matters involving students, including training, education, communication, and administration of the grievance procedure for all complaints against MSUB students. The HR Director is responsible for Title IX Compliance involving faculty and staff.
