Under Title IX procedures, what must schools do after initiating an investigation?

• A. Notify involved parties
• B. Publish the findings publicly
• C. Delay notification
• D. Dismiss the case

Answer: (A)

When a Title IX investigation begins, the essential next step is to notify the parties involved. This written notice communicates what is being investigated, the alleged conduct, the identities of the parties as appropriate, the process and timeline, and what supports or accommodations are available. Providing this notice ensures everyone can participate fairly: the complainant and the respondent can prepare their statements, gather evidence, and understand how the investigation will proceed. It also upholds due process and safety by making expectations and rights clear from the outset.

Publicly publishing findings is not the standard practice and can raise privacy and due process concerns. Delaying notification would undermine the parties’ ability to respond and protect their rights, and dismissing the case before completion ends the process prematurely without proper consideration of the facts. Therefore, notifying involved parties after initiating an investigation is the correct and appropriate step.