Title IX at TXST covers gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sex-based bullying—robbery and domestic violence aren’t covered

Outline at a glance

• Set the stage: Title IX on a Texas State campus is about fairness in education, not every crime.

• The core question and answer: Title IX does not protect against robbery and domestic violence.

• What Title IX does cover: gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sex-based bullying.

• Why there’s a separation: criminal law handles many offenses, while Title IX focuses on education and equity.

• How TXST keeps you safe: reporting channels, the difference between campus processes and police actions, and what resources exist.

• Practical takeaways: where to turn for help, how to navigate the system, and what to expect.

• Friendly closing: you’re not alone—protecting your education and your safety is a campus-wide effort.

Title IX and TXST: what’s in scope, what’s not

Let me lay it out plainly. On a Texas State campus, Title IX is a federal law that guides how schools handle issues tied to sex in education. The aim is simple: make sure no student is excluded from participation, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any school program or activity because of sex. That means schools focus on preventing gender discrimination, addressing sexual harassment, and stopping sex-based bullying in classrooms, dorms, clubs, and other places tied to school life.

Now, here’s the critical part you’re asking about: which violations fall outside the Title IX umbrella? The correct answer, in the context of a TXST setting, is Robbery and domestic violence. Why is that? Because those offenses are typically addressed through criminal law and campus safety procedures rather than the education-focused protections of Title IX. They’re serious crimes, no doubt, but they don’t sit inside Title IX’s scope of ensuring equitable access to education and protection from sex-based discrimination and harassment.

Let’s break down what that means in a more practical sense.

What Title IX does cover on campus

• Gender discrimination: If a student is treated unfairly just because of their sex, gender identity, or gender expression, Title IX steps in to promote fair treatment in academics, activities, and access to resources.

• Sexual harassment: This includes unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a student’s education or creates a hostile environment. It can involve a wide range of behaviors, from comments to more serious actions.

• Sex-based bullying: Repeated, harmful actions that target someone because of their sex. It’s the kind of pattern that can erode someone’s sense of safety and belonging in school life.

These protections focus on preserving the student’s right to learn in a respectful, non-discriminatory environment. They’re about the classroom, the campus community, and the structural fairness of school programs.

Where criminal law and campus safety fit in

Robbery and domestic violence aren’t covered by Title IX because they fall under criminal law. They’re crimes that universities coordinate with local law enforcement to address. At TXST, you’ll hear about:

• Reporting routes: If someone’s safety is at risk or a crime has occurred, you can contact campus police or local police. The aim is to ensure immediate safety and start a formal investigation when appropriate.

• Clery Act context: Colleges publish annual security reports that detail crime on and near campus and outline safety resources. This is separate from how Title IX handles discrimination and harassment, but the two systems often intersect in how they respond to student safety.

• Parallel protections: Even though a crime like robbery or domestic violence isn’t a Title IX issue, it still matters a lot. Schools have procedures to help students and may offer support services, accommodations, and safety planning in collaboration with law enforcement.

So, what should you do if you’re navigating a situation?

First, prioritize safety. If anyone is in immediate danger, call campus police or local emergency services right away. After safety is secured, you have options:

• Report the concern to the Title IX Office or the appropriate campus office. That path is about addressing discrimination, harassment, or bullying within the educational setting. It can lead to supportive measures, investigations, and steps to prevent retaliation.

• File a police report if a crime has occurred. This is the route that handles criminal charges, investigations, and legal actions outside the education-focused process.

• Seek support resources. Counseling services, academic accommodations, and victim advocacy groups are there to help you cope, recover, and stay engaged with your studies.

Let me explain with a quick metaphor. Think of Title IX as the rules of a classroom game designed to ensure everyone plays fairly and safely within the educational arena. Criminal law, on the other hand, is the broader safety net that covers crimes and public safety beyond the classroom’s boundaries. Both are essential, but they cover different ground.

A friendly, practical guide to on-campus steps

• Know the pathways: On most TXST campuses, you’ll find a Title IX Office, a campus police department, and a broader safety and student services network. Each has a role, and they often collaborate to support students.

• Document what happened: If you can, write down details of what occurred, when, who was involved, and who witnessed it. This helps any investigation, whether it starts under Title IX or with campus safety.

• Decide how you want to proceed: Some students prefer a formal process through Title IX investigations; others may lean toward police involvement or a combination of both. You’re not locked into one path. You can seek accommodations, safety measures, or confidential support as you decide.

• Seek confidential support: Counseling centers, victim advocacy services, and health services can offer confidential advice and emotional support as you navigate reporting and decisions.

• Stay informed: Campus policies evolve, especially around safety, reporting timelines, and resources. Keeping up with official TXST communications helps you stay aware of your options.

The value of understanding the distinction

Grasping what Title IX protects helps you assess your options without getting overwhelmed by the jargon. It’s about recognizing that while Title IX safeguards your right to learn in a non-discriminatory, respectful environment, crimes like robbery and domestic violence require the involvement of law enforcement and criminal justice processes. That distinction isn’t a loophole; it’s a practical framework that makes campus life safer and clearer.

Digressing for a moment—ever notice how campuses blend safety, learning, and community life?

Think about the campus as a small city with its own rules, a place where you’re surrounded by peers, mentors, and staff who want you to thrive. The Title IX framework ensures you’re not sidelined or silenced due to sex-based harm or discrimination in classrooms and programs. The police department and safety offices ensure you’re protected from physical harm and criminal activity around the campus. When you understand both roles, you can navigate tricky situations with a calmer sense of direction.

Real-world resources you’ll likely encounter

• Title IX Office: This is your go-to for issues tied to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sex-based bullying within school settings. They guide investigations, accommodations, and supportive measures related to education and campus life.

• Campus police and local law enforcement: They handle immediate safety, criminal investigations, and ongoing safety concerns that fall outside the Title IX scope.

• Counseling services: Mental health support is vital during stressful times. They help with coping strategies, resilience, and emotional health.

• Victim advocacy and student services: These teams coordinate accommodations, academic adjustments, and supportive planning for students who experience harm.

• Clery Act resources: Public safety reports and crime statistics help you understand safety trends around campus and the surrounding area.

Clear, calm language for tough moments

If you’re ever faced with a scary or confusing situation, a few phrases can help you navigate the moment with clarity: “Who can I talk to first for safety?” “What resources are available to me right now?” “What are my rights and options under campus policies?” You don’t have to guess; there are trained people ready to walk you through the steps.

A quick recap you can hold onto

• Title IX protects against gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sex-based bullying in educational settings.

• Robbery and domestic violence are not Title IX issues; they’re primarily dealt with under criminal law and campus safety procedures.

• On TXST campuses, you have multiple paths for reporting and support, depending on the situation and your needs.

• Understanding the distinction helps you access the right help quickly and protects your educational journey.

Final thought: you’re part of a community that values both safety and learning

Campus life is a balancing act: you study, you grow, you belong. The ideas behind Title IX are about ensuring every member can pursue education free from discrimination and unwanted gender-based harm. The broader safety framework, including crime reporting and police responses, keeps people physically safe and secure. Both are essential threads in the fabric of campus life.

If you’re ever unsure where to start, a simple step is to reach out to the campus Title IX Office or the campus police with a question or concern. They’ll point you toward the right resource, explain your options clearly, and help you decide the path that feels right for you. You don’t have to figure it all out in one moment. Small steps—knowing where to turn, who to talk to, and what to expect—make a real difference over time.

Bottom line: Title IX is about education equity and protection from sex-based harm within learning environments. Robbery and domestic violence sit outside that specific scope, but they’re equally important concerns that the campus safety network treats with seriousness and care. You deserve a campus where you can learn, grow, and move forward with confidence—and that’s exactly what TXST aims to provide.