FAQs regarding Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and University Sexual Misconduct Policy

Last updated July 2022

In May of 2020, the U.S. Department of Education issued new regulations mandating how colleges and universities must investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct cases under Title IX, a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex or gender in any federally-funded education program or activity.  Like all educational institutions that receive federal funding, Princeton was required to amend its current policies to implement these new regulations; as a result, the University has issued new policies relating to sexual misconduct. 

  • One policy, the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy, addresses sexual misconduct that falls within the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX regulations.  This policy is specifically limited in its jurisdiction. 
  • A second policy, the University Sexual Misconduct policy, addresses sexual misconduct that does not fall within the scope of the U.S. Department of Education’s Title IX regulations.

These FAQs are intended to provide responses to frequently asked questions related to these policies.  However, the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and the University Sexual Misconduct policy themselves are the best sources of information.  In addition, you are encouraged to visit the Sexual Misconduct & Title IX website and the Sexual Misconduct Investigations website, which provide additional detailed information on topics such as supportive measures, the alternate resolution process, investigations, appeals, and advisers.