Trinity’s Title IX Policy Reverted Back to 2020 Regulations Under Federal Mandate

Olivia Silvey ’25

Editor-in-Chief

On Feb. 24, 2025, Interim Title IX Coordinator Adrienne Martinez announced to the campus community that the Title IX regulations (implemented in August 2024) would be reverted back to the 2020 regulations. Martinez stated in her email that these changes were implemented after a federal judge issued an order vacating the 2024 regulations on Jan. 9, 2025. Martinez provided further information on the specific changes from the former policy to now. 

Regarding scope of the policy: the current policy narrows the scope to conduct only in the United States, whether on-campus, off-campus or online. Previously, the policy applied to programs and activities outside of the U.S., now changing students’ protection while studying abroad, for example.

Regarding the definition of “hostile environment” sexual harassment: the current and former policies differ slightly, with changes to certain words. The former policy stated that a hostile environment was defined by “sexual harassment as conduct that was objectively offensive and so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the College’s education program or activity.” The current policy only uses “denies” in the second half of that statement, limiting the definition. 

Regarding formal resolution process adjudication procedures: previously, determinations of responsibility for actions were found by individual meetings with witnesses and parties by an administrative panel. Currently, individual meetings have been replaced by a live hearing with all parties present, with the possibility of cross-examinations. 

In her report to the Tripod, Martinez stated that “Under the Current Policy, reports of harassment that do not meet the federal requirements, including acts of sex discrimination and off-campus misconduct, are addressed in other policies and procedures that govern the conduct of students, faculty and staff.”

In her February email, Martinez clarified that even with the changes, many of the current practices by the Title IX Office will continue, along with Title IX education, reporting options and resources. Employees are still directed to report misconduct to the Office as well. 

Martinez encouraged those with further questions or concerns to reach her at the Title IX coordinator email titleixcoordinator@trincoll.edu.