Title IX is a federal law that prohibits gender-based discrimination. Edison also has a specific policy that prohibits gender-based discrimination. Title IX protections apply to staff and students in our Edison community. Regulations issued by the federal government detail what qualifies as harassment or discrimination and how schools must respond. Gender based discrimination behaviors could include sexual misconduct, dating abuse or violence, and gender identity harassment.

To inform our students, families, and staff of the Edison policy, administrative guidelines, and available resources are provided here.

General Reporting Statement & Title IX Coordinator

Complaints or reports alleging sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, stalking, or gender discrimination, including sexual orientation or gender identity, involving an Edison student,  employee, or person affiliated with Edison should be immediately reported to the Title IX Coordinator.

Complaints or reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report.

The Title IX Coordinator for Edison School of the Arts is Amy Berns, Bernsa@myips.org, 317-442-7854

Get Help Now

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

Call 9-1-1 or the IPS Department (317-226-4644) 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 Edison 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. Edison 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.

How to Help a Friend

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.

Make a Report

The goal at Edison 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, Amy Berns at 317-442-7854 or at bernsa@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. 

Policies and Investigations

Follow the links below to learn more about Edison’s 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 and/or Guardian Resources and Support

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. Visit this site for more information.