Response to Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking

Texas Tech University proactively addresses dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking incidents, and other forms of gender discrimination or Sexual Misconduct. Violence and the fear of violence can disrupt the working and learning processes of the University community.

The university is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. Texas Tech prohibits discrimination based on sex and other types of Sexual Misconduct. Sexual Misconduct includes Title IX Sexual Misconduct, sexual harassment, nonconsensual sexual contact, nonconsensual sexual intercourse, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, public indecency, interpersonal violence (dating and domestic violence), sexual violence, and any other misconduct based on sex. Discriminatory behavior is prohibited regardless of the manner in which it is exhibited, whether verbally, in writing, by actions, or electronically displayed or conveyed. Texas Tech University prohibits the offenses of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking (as defined by the Clery Act) and reaffirms its commitment to maintaining a campus environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of all members of the University community.

While the university strongly urges students, faculty, staff and third parties to report incidents of prohibited conduct note that Responsible Employees of the University are required to promptly report incidents of prohibited conduct as provided in this policy. The University will respond to all reports of prohibited conduct, and will conduct a prompt, fair, and impartial investigation and resolution for complaints and, where appropriate, issue remedial measures and/or sanctions. The standard of evidence that will be used in investigating and resolving complaints made under this policy is the "preponderance of the evidence" standard. This standard is met if the allegation is deemed more likely to have occurred than not.

In an effort to reduce the risk of these incidents occurring among its students, the University utilizes initiatives to promote awareness, education, risk reduction and prevention. Texas Tech offers programming every year to identify and prevent sexual assault (including stranger and known-offender assaults), dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. Educational programs are offered to raise awareness for all incoming students and employees. They are often conducted within the residence halls, and offered to all students, including registered student organizations. Both awareness and primary prevention programs offered throughout the year include strong messages regarding topics such as bystander intervention and Consent. All programs discuss institutional policies on Sexual Misconduct, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking; the Grievance Process associated with these incidents; and the Supportive Measures available to parties should they need them. Programs also share information on risk reduction, how to recognize warning signals, and how to avoid potential attacks.

Texas Tech revised its Title IX Sexual Misconduct policy after the approval of the new Title IX regulations that went into effect on August 14, 2020. The policy that governs Title IX and Non-Title IX Grievance Process is Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.06.A and Texas Tech University System Regulation 07.06.B.

Additional Information

• Definitions
• Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct Definitions
• Clery Act Definitions of Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking
• Texas Criminal Laws