In Title IX proceedings, how should privacy and disclosure for investigations be handled?

• A. Disclosures should never be made under any circumstance.
• B. Schools should balance disclosure for investigation with privacy rights.
• C. Privacy rights allow disclosure to the public.
• D. Confidentiality requires disclosing to all students.

Answer: (B)

Privacy in these investigations means sharing information only with people who need to know to conduct the inquiry and respond, while keeping details as private as possible. The best approach is to balance disclosure for the investigation with privacy rights. This means confirming information is shared only with those with a legitimate need to know—such as investigators, the campus officials handling the process, the parties involved, and, if required, outside authorities—rather than with the public or broadly with all students. Keep specifics limited to what is necessary for the investigation and protective measures, and store records securely. This approach supports a fair, thorough process while safeguarding individuals’ privacy and complying with applicable laws and policies.