Title IX Resources

 

The Title IX Coordinator will offer  supportive measures as appropriate for the complainant. NFA will treat the complainant and respondent equally and will facilitate Title IX complaints through a structured, equitable process. If the complainant refuses supportive measures or if these measures prove to be ineffective, the  filing of a formal complaint, signed by the complainant and the Title IX Coordinator is the first step of the formal grievance procedure. The Title IX Coordinator will notify both the complainant or the individual who reported the conduct, as well as the respondent, of the grievance procedures and the informal resolution process. Additionally, both parties will be reminded that retaliation in any form is prohibited. 

 

 

The filing of a complaint that is signed by the complainant and the Title IX Coordinator  is the first step of the formal grievance procedure. The Title IX Coordinator will communicate the grievance procedure steps to the complainant and respondent. The process must treat complaints and respond equally. The Title IX Team will initiate the grievance procedure below:
 

 

The informal resolution process provides both parties with an opportunity to engage in direct dialogue to understand each other’s perspectives through mediated discussions when appropriate and agreed upon, involving allegations that may fall under Title IX discrimination. The objective is to reach a mutually agreeable settlement without proceeding to more formal grievance steps. However, should any party choose to withdraw from the informal process at any time, they retain the right to resume the formal grievance procedures.

 

The role of the Informal Resolution Facilitator is crucial in this process, and is distinct from the investigator or decision maker of the case, ensuring an unbiased, impartial facilitation of discussions between the involved parties. 

 

 

NFA has adopted a Bifurcated Investigation Model to separate the role of the investigator and decision maker. The process involves interviews with all parties involved, including witnesses. Both parties, the complainant and respondent will be given equal opportunities to respond to the evidence collected.

 

 

The Title IX Decision Maker Determination process is a comprehensive and structured approach to handling complaints of sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment. The decision maker evaluates credibility based on witness information, corroborative evidence, and motives to falsify. Using the preponderance of evidence standard (more than not responsible , more likely true than untrue), the decision maker determines whether discrimination occurred. Based on this evaluation, the decision maker either substantiated or unsubstantiated the accusation  The final decision is communicated in writing to all parties, providing rationale and outlining appeal procedures.