Under Title IX, a kiss isn’t always just a kiss

Article here. Excerpt:

'Under Baylor’s Title IX guidelines, even a stolen kiss could trigger a process in which the accused may be presumed guilty from the start, a local defense attorney says.

Title IX, which is at the center of the sexual assault scandal that engulfed Baylor’s football program earlier this year, is part of a more than 40-year-old law aimed at ensuring equal rights for those participating in educational programs that receive federal financial assistance.

It applies to all facets of a school's environment.

It has been interpreted to mean that sexual harassment of students including sexual violence interferes with the right to receive an education free from discrimination, and requires schools to take immediate action to end harassment and sexual violence.

Under Baylor’s policy, even kissing could be considered “non-consensual sexual contact.”

The university said in March it is spending $5 million to prevent and respond to acts of interpersonal violence.'