Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal anti-discrimination law that protects individuals from sex-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance.  

This Policy governs reports of alleged Sexual Harassment under Title IX. In addition to the conduct addressed under this Policy, the College prohibits all forms of sexual misconduct as set forth in the Student Code of Community Standards, Faculty Handbook, and Employee Handbook.

The College’s primary concern is the health, safety, and well-being of the members of our college community. If you or someone you know may be the victim of Sexual Harassment, as defined below, or any sexual misconduct, please seek assistance from our confidential resource advisor or Title IX coordinator as soon as you are able.  

You can view the full text of Bowdoin College's Title IX policy for detailed information about the process, dismissal of formal complaint, formal resolution, appeals, alternative resolution, records and training materials, and policy interpretation and amendments.  

Report an Incident

There are two primary ways to report an incident of sexual harassment, interpersonal violence, or concerns regarding violations of Title IX:

1) Contact the Campus Title IX Coordinator

To make a report or to understand the reporting process, contact the Campus Title IX Coordinator in person, over the phone, or by email.

Melissa Martin, Campus Title VI and Title IX Coordinator 

38 College St. Room 102
(207) 721-5509
titleix@bowdoin.edu

Rachel Reinke, Resources Specialist and Confidential Resource Advisor (CRA)
(207) 725-3037 or to rreinke@bowdoin.edu 

Conversations with the CRA are privileged and confidential. A person making a report through the CRA must affirmatively request the CRA to make a report on their behalf. 

2) Make a Report Online

You may also choose to report the incident using the Sexual Misconduct and Gender-Based Violence Report Form. Reporters may remain anonymous through this online form.

Required Reporting by College Employees

College employees* must report possible sexual harassment to Melissa Martin, the campus Title IX coordinator, to make sure that the impacted individual is offered appropriate resources and necessary protection. Responsible employees should not disclose information to local law enforcement.

*The Confidential Resource Advisor, and practitioners in Bowdoin's Health and Wellness department can keep the information disclosed to them privileged and confidential. Additionally, Bowdoin has non-reporting staff members who are not required to notify the Title IX Office of reports of possible sexual harassment.

Resources

Emergency Resources

Assistance from the following resources can be obtained twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, regardless of whether Bowdoin is in session:

• Bowdoin Office of Safety and Security: x3500 or (207) 725-3500

  Safety and Security can provide students transportation to and from any of the Brunswick-area, off-campus resources listed below.

  Brunswick Police Department: 911 or (207) 725-6620  

  Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine (SASSMM): (800) 871-7741

  Through These Doors: (866) 834-4357

  Mid Coast Hospital: 911 or (207) 729-0181

Both Sexual Assault Support Services of Midcoast Maine and Through These Doors staff 24/7 free, confidential helplines with local Maine, trained Maine advocates.

Campus Resources

Confidential and Privileged Campus Resources

Certain College employees are confidential and privileged resources, meaning these staff members are not legally permitted to release any information shared with them except under limited circumstances that pose an imminent danger to the individual or others or as otherwise required by law, such as disclosure of sexual abuse of a minor.

• Rachel Reinke, Resources Specialist and Confidential Resource Advisor rreinke@bowdoin.edu (207) 725-3037 
• Clinicians in Counseling Services: 207-725-3145
• Clinicians in Health Services: 207-725-3770

Non-Reporting Resources on Campus

There are currently three Bowdoin staff members to whom reports of Sexual Harassment may be made and who will not disclose identifying details of such reports to the Campus Title IX Coordinator. Bowdoin refers to these individuals as "Non-Reporting Resources." Although these staff members do not have statutory privilege, they will hold information in confidence and not release any information shared with them except (1) by permission of the person making the report; or (2) under limited circumstances that pose an imminent danger to the individual or others or as otherwise required by law. (Please note: these individuals do not have legal privilege.

• Natalie Turrin, Ph.D., director of the Center for Sexuality, Women, and Gender (SWAG)
• Maddy Magnuson, Associate Director of Gender Based Violence Prevention 
• Julie Barnes, Director of the Rachel Lord Center for Religious and Spiritual Life 

Incidents of discrimination, sexual harassment, or other concerns related to possible violations of Title IX are handled by Melissa Martin, Bowdoin's campus Title IX coordinator. Upon receipt of a report, the Title IX Office will take all reasonable steps to ensure the support and safety of those involved, as well as that of the campus community. This usually involves reaching out to the individual who may have experienced of the misconduct to offer campus resources and any necessary protection.

After reporting an incident:

• You will have an initial meeting with the campus Title IX coordinator or a deputy Title IX coordinator to discuss concerns;
• you will be connected to potential resources; and
• you will be treated with respect and dignity as you think through how you would like to proceed.

The College encourages reporting discrimination, sexual harassment, or other concerns related to possible violations of Title IX in all cases. Impacted individuals who report misconduct will generally not be held responsible for actions that might otherwise constitute a violation of the College Policy (e.g., underage drinking), as long as their actions did not put another student or the community at risk.

Bystanders are witnesses to incidents of sexual assault or gender-based violence. They have the opportunity to intervene and make a difference on campus. Active bystanders may choose to:

• Check in with the people involved, if it is safe to do so.
• Create a distraction to keep a situation from escalating.
• Reach out for additional help (e.g., call 911, Bowdoin Security, or contact (Melissa Martin).

Bowdoin College is committed to protecting members of our campus community from sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment and sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The following are data, reports, and training materials relating to sexual and other misconduct.

Title IX Coordinator Training (2022)

Title IX Investigator and Adjudicator Training (2020)

Clery Reports