What is a formal complaint under Title IX?

• A. A rumor circulated among students
• B. A document filed by a complainant or by the Title IX Coordinator alleging sexual harassment against a respondent and requesting an investigation
• C. A casual hallway conversation
• D. A public notice posted on the bulletin board

Answer: (B)

A formal complaint is the formal, written document that starts Title IX’s grievance process. It is filed by the person alleging harassment (the complainant) or by the Title IX Coordinator on the complainant’s behalf, and it states that sexual harassment has occurred and requests that the school investigate. This is not a rumor, casual hallway chatter, or a public notice—those are informal communications that do not trigger the formal investigation or the school’s procedural protections. Once a formal complaint is filed, the school must initiate its formal investigation, notify the respondent, and apply the rights, timelines, and interim measures laid out in policy to protect both parties.