Confidentiality and Privacy for cases of Sexual Harassment and Sex-based Misconduct

TAMUK is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals, and will work closely with students who wish to obtain confidential assistance regarding an incident of sexual misconduct.

1. The university cannot guarantee complete confidentiality, but it will do everything possible to maintain privacy, and will only share information as needed to address the issue.
2. Licensed professional counselors at Student Health and Wellness are the only individuals on campus who can provide confidentiality to a complainant(s). Student Health and Wellness can be reached at 361-593-3991.
3. Requests to withhold any name, or a request not to investigate or seek action against the alleged violator, will be considered in the context of the university’s duty to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory work, educational or campus living environment. This may require that the University take actions when the reporter requests no action, such as when violence is involved, when the threat of violence exists, or when required by law, as in the case of elderly, disabled, or child abuse. (08.01.01, 2.5)
4. A request to withhold information or not to investigate the alleged misconduct may limit the university’s ability to (08.01.01, 2.5)
5. Additionally, the university will maintain all related records in accordance with the requirements of FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974), and will be accomplished without the inclusion of identifying information about the complainant(s), to the extent permissible by law.
6. The complainant(s) may revoke a request not to investigate or seek action against the alleged violator and proceed with a formal complaint against the alleged violator.
7. An employee’s or student’s complaint alleging discrimination should be reported as soon as possible after the action that caused the complaint. (08.01.01, 4.1.4)