What does the presumption of innocence mean in Title IX investigations?

• A. The respondent is presumed not responsible until a finding is made based on the evidence.
• B. The complainant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
• C. The school must find both parties innocent before proceeding.
• D. The investigation must be completed within 30 days.

Answer: (A)

In Title IX investigations, fairness starts with the respondent being treated as not responsible until the evidence leads to a finding otherwise. The school must evaluate all relevant information—statements, documents, and any other evidence—to decide whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred. This places the burden of proof on the institution to establish a finding of responsibility, while protecting the respondent from being presumed guilty at the outset. It doesn’t mean the complainant is guilty or that both parties must be cleared; it simply ensures a neutral starting point and a thorough evidence-based conclusion. The other ideas don’t fit because they misstate who holds the burden, the need to exonerate both parties, or a fixed time limit for the process.