Title IX

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments was passed by the U.S. Congress in June 1972, and signed into law on July 1, 1972. Though most notable for advancing equity in girls and women's sports, Title IX provides federal civil rights that prohibits sex discrimination in education programs and activities such as:

Admissions or financial aid
Housing and facilities
Courses, academic research and other educational activities
Career guidance, counseling or other educational support services
Athletics (scholastic, intercollegiate, club, or intramural) Employment, training for employment or advancement in employment

What does Title IX protect?

The protections of Title IX also extend to sexual harassment and sexual assault or violence that impairs or interferes with access to equitable educational and employment opportunities. Title IX is applicable to all members of the campus community, individuals doing business with the campus, those utilizing campus facilities, those who engage in volunteer activities or work activities in connection with or for SUNY Downstate.

Every school must designate a Title IX coordinator to review, update and implement current Title IX policies, to coordinate appropriate training and resources, and ensure effective and timely responses to complaints of sexual violence, misconduct, discrimination or harassment.

Title IX Coordinator

Who is the Title IX Coordinator?

The Title IX Coordinator is Bolaji Olasokan, Esq. The office is located in the Basic Science Building in Room 5-95. You may contact the office at 718-270-1738 or AskODI@Downstate.edu.

What is the Title IX Coordinators role?

To oversee the processes that address reported concerns or claims of sex or gender based harassment, discrimination, misconduct or violence. This includes working closely with other offices such as Student Affairs and to provide educational programming for the campus community, investigate claims of sexual discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, violence or misconduct to identify the appropriate responses or resolutions as may be prescribed by policy and law. The Title IX coordinator will also work with the complainant(s) to assist them in accessing any appropriate internal and external support services.

Is my complaint confidential?

We understand how difficult it can be to file a complaint or concern of this nature. We want members of the campus community to feel comfortable and confident in discussing these issues with us. Downstate will make every effort to keep the complaints and concerns brought to us confidential. Downstate must balance the safety of all members of campus community. There may be times, such as a threat of imminent harm to an individual or the campus at large, when information may need to be shared and then only with appropriate individuals.

What if I choose to make a complaint off campus?

Downstate takes its responsibility to investigate Title IX complaints very seriously and will take appropriate steps to address them. However, no process on campus (including complaints to the Title IX Coordinator) precludes a student or staff member from pursuing assistance from an enforcement agency off campus. SUNY Downstate may continue our investigation as long as it does not interfere with the jurisdiction of an external agency such as the Kings County District Attorney's Office, United States Department of Educations' Office of Civil Rights or the New York State Police Department. The Title IX Coordinator can provide you with more information on how to access these external agencies should you choose to do so.

Are there any other resources on campus?

There are other resources on and off campus that you may choose to utilize. The Title IX Coordinator has information on available internal and external resources, here is a list of some of the resources available to you:

Internal

Student Health: (718) 270-1995
Student Counseling: (718) 270-1408
Employee Health: (718) 270-1995
Employee Assistance Program: (718) 270-1489
Department of Police and Public Safety: (718) 270-2626
Office of Employee and Labor Relations: (718) 270-3019

External

Kings County District Attorney Victim Services Unit: (718) 250-3820
NYC Police Department Sex Crimes Reporting Unit: (212) 267-7273 (RAPE)
NYC Safe Horizon Hotline: (212) 577-7777
Kings County Rape Crisis Program Coordinator: (718) 613-8113

For more information about reporting and resources please see the Sexual Assault Survivor Bill of Rights.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN RAPED OR SEXUALLY ASSAULTED OR ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL UNIVERSITY POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFTEY AT (718) 270-2626.

* Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty

The health and safety of every student at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is of utmost importance. Downstate recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Downstate strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to SUNY Downstate officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a reporting individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s officials or law enforcement will not be subject to SUNY Downstate Health Science University's Rules of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

I am concerned about retaliation

Retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes any retaliation against a person who has filed a complaint of sexual harassment or misconduct as well as anyone who assists in an investigation or in good faith provides information on behalf of a party. Retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith or participates in the investigative process is prohibited and may be viewed as harassment itself and may be subject to sanctions as determined by the University.

Title IX Policies

SUNY Downstate is in full compliance with current regulations issued by the United States Department of Education related to Title IX. The United States Department of Education has issued new Title IX regulations which becomes effective on August 1, 2024. For the most up to date regulations, and any changes to our policies which may be impacted by these changes, visit the Student Policies Page web site, where the most up to date policies are located.

Student Policies Page

The Title IX Coordinator and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion is available to provide information and support. We hope to raise awareness and provide guidance that will help our campus community safe. If you have any questions about Title IX, Title VII or help understanding the resources available contact us at (718) 270-1738.