Title IX

Follow the links below to learn more about IPS’ policies and procedures regarding sexual misconduct, dating violence, stalking and retaliation. If warranted, the Title IX team will conduct an investigation into the matter. This process, as well as how it is determined whether an investigation will take place, can be found in these policies. Also within these documents, you can find important definitions and resources.

Student Policies

• BP 5518: Title IX Policy Forbidding Sex Discrimination, Harassment, and Teen Dating Abuse

If your friend has experienced sexual misconduct, dating violence or stalking, she/he may not be able to or ready to officially report it, but you can still help. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when talking to a friend about their experience:

• DON’T decide what’s best for them. When someone is abused or violated, they often feel victimized and need time to decide what to do.
• DON’T judge them or doubt their story. If a friend is confiding in you about being assaulted or harmed, it is important to not victim blame. For example, don’t say things like, “I told you to break up with him. Why didn’t you listen?”
• DON’T minimize what happened. Sometimes in an effort to make someone feel better, it’s easy to try and say that they will feel better soon or that it’s “no big deal.” These statements may make them feel bad about certain feelings they are having.
• DO let them know they are believed and supported. It is very common for victims of abuse to think that nobody will believe them. If they are confiding in you, they trust that you will be supportive.
• DO ask what they need. People cope and respond differently to being abused. Some like to talk about their feelings. Others like to be alone. Don’t assume you know what they may want or need.
• DO encourage them to seek help. It can be scary to tell an adult or the police about what happened. Remind them that there are people at school who can help. Also, it is very important to encourage them to seek medical help after an assault.
• DO continue to be supportive. After the initial shock of what happened, it can be easy to assume they are ok. Be sure to check in on them even if they seem to be “back to normal.”
• DO take care of yourself. It can be difficult and overwhelming to be present for a friend in need. Remember to take care of yourself and seek out help if needed.

Local Resources

National Resources

While there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility of dating violence or sexual assault, there are ways to help protect yourself and others to reduce the risk. 

The goal at IPS is to make reporting sexual misconduct, dating violence, stalking or retaliation as easy and comfortable as possible.

We have several options for students and/or guardians:

• You can report directly to the Title IX Coordinator, Kim Kennedy, at 317-226-4644 or titleixcoordinator@myips.org. 
• You can call IPS Police Department at 317-226-4633. 
• You can tell a Principal, Social Worker, Counselor, Teen Dating Advocate or any other school employee, either verbally or in writing. All employees at IPS are “mandatory reporters,” which means that all employees are required to report these instances to the Title IX Coordinator, and in some cases, the Department of Child Protective Services. 

If You Are a Student Who Has Experienced Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Stalking or Harassment

Call 9-1-1 or the IPS Police Department @ 317-226-4633 If you are in danger or need immediate medical care.

Sexual Misconduct

If you have experienced sexual misconduct, dating violence, stalking or harassment, it is important to talk to an adult that you trust. This could be a family member, teacher, social worker or anyone else you feel comfortable with. If this behavior is affecting your education or an educational activity please report it to IPS so we can help. 

Sexual Assault

By going to the hospital you can receive a Forensic Medical Exam (often referred to as a “rape kit”) which will help in the collection and preservation of physical evidence as a result of the assault. Many hospitals throughout the state have nurses who are specially trained to provide care and administer the Forensic Medical Exam. You can call a hospital to see if it has a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) available. Indiana has a number of hospitals with specialized programs within them called The Center of Hope. The Center of Hope is dedicated to caring for victims of sexual assault and family violence.

Harassment & Stalking

Teen dating harassment or stalking can take place in person or electronically, such as repeated texting or posting sexual pictures of a partner online without consent. Unhealthy relationships can start early and last a lifetime. Teens often think some behaviors, like teasing and name calling, are a “normal” part of a relationship, but these behaviors can become abusive and develop into serious forms of violence. Many teens do not report these behaviors because they are afraid to tell family and friends. It is important to tell someone you trust so that you can get help. 

Support

It is also important to get continued help if you have experienced sexual misconduct or dating violence. IPS can connect you with a youth advocate and/or counselor to guide you and provide information and emotional support. Counseling can help begin the healing process. Your school can help put measures in place to protect you such as class schedule changes, locker reassignments, no contact orders, bus assignment changes and more.

If You Are a Student Who Has Been Accused of Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Stalking or Harassment

Support

If you or someone you know is accused of sexual misconduct, dating violence, or stalking, IPS has resources available for you. It is normal to feel worried, confused, or overwhelmed. It is important to seek out support to help you, especially in cases of a formal investigation by IPS, the Department of Child Protective Services, and/or the police. Please contact an adult you trust at school such as a social worker, counselor, or principal. They can help you through the process.

Kim Kennedy, Title IX Coordinator & Paralegal

As the IPS Title IX Coordinator, Kim is responsible for coordinating efforts to comply with Title IX, which includes leading the efforts to prevent discrimination and harassment based on gender and remedy its effects when it does occur. She is a trained Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Facilitator and can provide D2L Stewards sessions at schools.

Azure Swinford, Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Azure is the primary contact for Informal Resolutions and the secondary investigator related to Title IX matters. She assists the Title IX Coordinator with prevention and education efforts at IPS. She is a trained Darkness to Light Stewards of Children Facilitator and can provide D2L Stewards sessions at schools.

Troy Harris, Employee Relations Investigation Specialist

Troy is the primary investigator for Title IX related matters.

Ken Pack, General Counsel

Ken is our IPS General Counsel, providing legal guidance to the district.

Tijana Davis, Director of Equitable School Supports 

Tijana serves as the Title IX Decision Maker for all Title IX related Formal Grievances.

IPS offers training for all staff on CPS and Title IX reporting, sexual harassment, healthy relationships for students, IPS Policy and more. 

If you are interested in scheduling any of these trainings for your school or department, please complete this form and someone will reach out. 

CPS/Title IX Yearly Training. (IPS)

Schools are required to train staff annually on CPS and Title IX mandatory reporting. This training can be modified to fit your needs and can be done at your school.

Healthy Relationship Program (DVN)

One highly recommended workshop for middle (6-8) and high school students available through the Domestic Violence Network (DVN) is The Change Project. This 4-6 session program teaches middle and high school students about healthy relationships, and is focused on changing the culture. This free program focuses on kindness, shared values, the protective factors of healthy relationships, warning signs of unhealthy and abusive relationships, emotional intelligence, empathy, consent, inclusivity, identity, intersectionality, advocacy, allyship and empowerment.

Darkness to Light Stewards of Children (D2L National) 

This training is intended for your school based safety teams, not all staff, to identify sexual abuse in schools and help in prevention efforts. IPS staff are trained facilitators of this program. The program and all materials will be provided and free for this 2 hour course. Participants receive certifications from the national D2L organization. 

Child Abuse 101: Indicators of Abuse & Neglect (PCA IN)

A facilitator from Prevent Child Abuse IN will present a one and half hour program to staff to understand the indicators of child maltreatment, the risk factors, and reporting laws and responsibilities. 

Report an Incident

If you are an IPS employee and need to make a report, follow the links below:

Forms

• Mandatory Reporting Procedure Instruction

Employee Policies

• BP 3122: Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Equal Employment Opportunity
• AG 3122: Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Equal Employment Opportunity
• BP 4122: Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Equal Employment Opportunity
• AG 4122: Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Equal Employment Opportunity