Fairness: Examining Support and Resources Available to Respondents in Title IX Cases

Author

• Emanuel Jerome Oliver, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Sherilyn Poole

Committee Member

Ronnie Hunter

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

adjudication process, colleges, complainant, fair treatment, findings, higher education institutions, interviews, phenomenological study, practices, resources, respondents, semi structured interviews, support, Title IX, Title IX Coordinator, universities, university support offices

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored how higher education institutions develop Title IX procedures to ensure respondents receive fair treatment from the outset of the adjudication process. It also examined how colleges and universities provide resources and support to respondents throughout the Title IX process. The study used semi structured interviews with Title IX Coordinators at various higher education institutions to understand how they have developed practices to support respondents.

Findings revealed that higher education institutions have developed various methods to support respondents in the Title IX process. The goal of the Title IX process is to ensure that respondents receive the same types of support as the complainant. Participants emphasized the importance of respondents engaging in the Title IX process, advocating for their needs, and connecting with university support offices. Additionally, participants described challenges posed by changes to the overall Title IX process that affect their work supporting respondents.

The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a deep understanding of how institutions of higher education have developed resources and support for respondents. These findings could serve as a roadmap for future studies examining the experiences of respondents who may need additional support, such as the complainant, to navigate the Title IX process.

NSUWorks Citation

Emanuel Jerome Oliver. 2026. Fairness: Examining Support and Resources Available to Respondents in Title IX Cases. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (1226)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/1226.