Reporting misconduct remains one of the toughest challenges for Title IX offices. Even as professionals work tirelessly to create safer, more supportive environments, many students, faculty, and staff hesitate to come forward. Understanding and addressing Title IX barriers to reporting is essential to building a culture of trust and accountability. In our September TIXS IN 20 Q&A session, Executive Director Adrienne Mathis and Lead Investigator & Advisor Susanna Murphy, J.D. addressed real questions from coordinators, educators, and students nationwide. Their insights highlight practical ways campuses can build trust, strengthen policies, and reduce Title IX barriers to reporting.
Prefer to watch instead? Check out our new TIXS IN 20 video on Barriers to Reporting — a 20-minute session with practical solutions. [Watch the full session here]
Creating a More Transparent Process
Uncertainty about what happens after a report is one of the most common Title IX barriers to reporting; Adrienne emphasized that visibility and clarity are key. Every community member should know who the Title IX coordinator is and what their responsibilities include. Beyond online trainings, coordinators can build trust by having face time with students and employees through orientations, residence hall visits, student government meetings, or club events. Policies should also be easy to find—a quick search for “Title IX Coordinator” or “Title IX Policy” on the institution’s main website should immediately lead to the right information. Finally, responding promptly to reports and clearly explaining the process helps ensure that neutrality coexists with compassion.
“If something happens, students should be able to say, ‘I know who the Title IX coordinator is, I know where my report is going, and I’ve been told what happens after I file.’”
— Adrienne Mathis
Ensuring Privacy & Non-Retaliation
Fear of retaliation and doubts about confidentiality remain persistent barriers to reporting Title IX concerns. Susanna underscored that training and reinforcement are essential. Title IX offices should set expectations early by explaining that confidentiality is valued and retaliation will not be tolerated. These protections should be reiterated at every stage of the process, from intake meetings to investigator interviews, and reinforced through outreach communications. While parties cannot be prohibited from sharing their own experiences, it is important to keep the circle of knowledge as small as possible. Just as important is the follow-through: if concerns about retaliation arise, institutions must respond seriously, sometimes even opening a separate investigation, so that the broader community understands that such behavior will not be ignored.
“The greater community needs to understand that retaliation will not be tolerated, and that concerns are pursued seriously, not just brushed aside.”
— Susanna Murphy, J.D.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Students
For LGBTQ+ students, reporting can feel especially daunting, and Susanna highlighted the importance of proactive outreach and inclusive training. Title IX education should acknowledge that specific groups—whether LGBTQ+, racial, or religious—may face unique barriers, and should explicitly communicate that their concerns matter. Meeting directly with smaller student organizations and speaking to their needs reinforces that Title IX is not a catchall but a system that recognizes and addresses individual experiences. Even when a concern does not fall neatly under Title IX, coordinators can help connect students to the right resources or processes, ensuring they know they will be supported regardless of where their concern is handled. This is a critical step in breaking down Title IX barriers to reporting for marginalized students.
Building Trust with Students and Staff
Trust is not automatic; it must be cultivated over time. Adrienne emphasized the importance of coordinators being visible and present on campus, whether through office hours, printed resources, or participation in events. Partnerships with student leaders are especially valuable, since peers often serve as the first point of disclosure. When student government representatives, Greek life leaders, or athletic captains understand the reporting process, they can act as informed allies who extend trust and awareness across the student body. Clarifying the distinction between filing a report and submitting a formal complaint also helps remove unnecessary fear, giving students confidence that they can come forward without automatically triggering a full investigation. Consistent follow-up is equally critical. Even when a student is not ready to engage, respectful outreach demonstrates that their voice has been heard and that supportive measures are available if and when they are needed.
“Trust grows when coordinators are present and responsive, and when student leaders can reinforce those messages peer-to-peer.”
— Adrienne Mathis
Understanding and Overcoming Barriers
Understanding how a Title IX office is perceived requires intentional effort. Adrienne and Susanna encouraged institutions to actively seek feedback rather than making assumptions. Campus climate surveys can provide a broad view, while targeted conversations with individuals who have been through the process may reveal specific gaps. Anonymous feedback channels such as a dedicated email address can also surface valuable insights. Although feedback may not always be positive—given the challenges of the process itself—it can highlight opportunities to improve communication, policy implementation, and accessibility. Reflecting on the additional barriers that may exist for students with disabilities or limited English proficiency is another important step in ensuring that every member of the community feels safe coming forward. By addressing these challenges directly, institutions can take meaningful strides in overcoming Title IX barriers to reporting.
Supporting Your Campus with TIXS
Barriers to reporting are complex, but addressing them is about more than compliance — it’s about building trust, ensuring transparency, and supporting every member of the campus community. Title IX offices that remain visible, responsive, and proactive are best positioned to encourage reporting and provide meaningful support.
At Title IX Solutions (TIXS), we know this work is challenging. That’s why we offer a range of resources to support your office, from on-demand trainings through the IX Institute to tailored consulting and advisory services for institutions of all sizes.
Want the complete discussion? You can watch the full TIXS IN 20 session on Barriers to Reporting in just 20 minutes. [Watch now]
Please Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. We recommend seeking independent legal advice concerning the issues presented in evaluating a particular incident.
ONE-ON-ONE EXPRESS CONSULTING
Need a Quick Consult on a Title IX Case?
For a limited time, we’re offering One-on-One Express Consulting—a one-hour consultation for $250—to help Title IX professionals get case-specific analysis and recommendations without the need for a long-term contract.
Get clarity on your cases—fast. Book a one-hour session with Title IX expert, Susanna Murphy, and get actionable insights to navigate your case with confidence.