After a series of student-led protests on the University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus, advocating for a zero-tolerance Title IX policy, the institution’s Title IX coordinator Dr. Cristin Reynolds addressed possible sanctions related to Title IX hearings and what the university’s current Title IX policy entails.
Students found responsible for Title IX violations can face sanctions ranging from a formal warning to expulsion, depending on the nature of the violation. Reynolds said the severity of each case is determined by mitigating or aggregating and compounding factors.
“Mitigating is the intent of the sexual interaction—whether alcohol, violence, weapons or force was used—and if consent was granted or not,” Reynolds said. “Compounding factors include whether there is a pattern or history of similar behavior.”
For student-related cases, a hearing officer decides on sanctions in consultation with the Dean of Students’ office and outside legal hearing officers. Faculty and staff cases are handled by the university’s human resources department and appropriate supervisors.
Title IX is a federal law that protects students from sex-based discrimination and ensures equal access to education. At USM, the Title IX process centers on three key areas: investigating sexual harassment, addressing gender discrimination, and offering supportive measures for students.
Sexual harassment includes stalking, dating or domestic violence, sexual assault, and any unwanted sexual contact. Gender discrimination refers to students being treated differently based on their sex or gender identity.
Students can file a complaint online, through a third-party source, or by walking into the Title IX office. Reynolds said the initial process, called “intake,” is not an investigation but a conversation about the student’s rights, possible outcomes and available support.
“USM’s Title IX process is institutional—it is not a criminal process—but students do have that option,” Reynolds said.
After the intake, a student can choose to file a formal complaint or pursue an informal resolution. Formal complaints involve a signed statement, an investigation and a hearing. Informal resolutions focus on helping both parties coexist on campus, when appropriate.
Both the complainant and respondent have rights throughout the process. They are allowed an advisor, can present evidence, receive updates, and are guaranteed a fair and unbiased procedure.
Supportive measures vary by individual and may include academic accommodations, campus escorts, housing changes, or no-contact orders. These are available even if a formal complaint is not filed.
Reynolds said the university respects a student’s choice to pursue or not pursue a criminal case. However, if a pattern of behavior emerges that threatens the campus community, the Title IX office may take further action.
“We never want to push a student to file a criminal case,” Reynolds said. “But we do have a responsibility to ensure student safety. If we notice a danger to the campus, we can file a formal complaint and investigate further.”
Reynolds said fear of coming forward can prevent the Title IX office from taking meaningful action, but she wants students to know that their concerns will be taken seriously.
“We have zero tolerance when it comes to sexual harassment on campus,” she said. “We are addressing that behavior, stopping it from continuing, preventing it from recurring and understanding its effects. But we can only do that if students bring complaints to us.”
Reynolds shared that the office does its best to provide a comfortable environment for students to come forward with reports or questions. For more information on the USM’s Title IX policy or to file a complaint, visit the department’s website at https://www.usm.edu/title-ix/index.php. The Title IX office on the Hattiesburg campus is located in Cook Library Room 129 and can be reached via phone at (601) 266- 6804 or (601) 266-4466. The Title IX office on the Gulf Park Campus is located in Hardy Hall Room 332 and can be reached via phone at (228) 214-3363.
