Spoo or Not Spoo? Navigating the Complex Gray Areas of Title IX Analysis

January 12, 2026

“Spoo or Not Spoo?” is a fast paced, scenario driven Title IX training that strengthens practical judgment by asking participants to interpret ambiguous conduct, balance intent and impact, and apply the totality of circumstances standard. Through humor, critical thinking, and guided case discussion, faculty, staff, and administrators learn how Title IX functions in the everyday human spaces where policy meets personality. Participants gain a clearer understanding of how conduct is evaluated under the 2020 and 2024 regulations and how to distinguish misconduct from miscommunication while responding with clarity, neutrality, and empathy.

The cost of this two hour training is $250 per participant and includes the live virtual session, guided materials, and access to downloadable resources after the event. Institutional rates are available for groups of ten or more.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Evaluate conduct using context, intent, impact, and proportionality

• Apply the reasonable person and totality of circumstances standards

• Distinguish misconduct from miscommunication or protected expression

• Identify mandatory reporting obligations and supportive response options

• Communicate boundaries and findings with neutrality and compassion

Learning Structure

Part I – What Counts as Spoo? Foundations of Title IX

Participants receive a rapid overview of regulatory requirements, focusing on how conduct is evaluated under Title IX through definitions, jurisdiction, and core procedural obligations. This section also explores how small moments can escalate into significant risk when context is ignored.

Topics include:

• Sexual harassment, hostile environment, and retaliation

• Power imbalances and consent in academic and workplace settings

• How micro incidents create institutional exposure

Exercise: Poll based analysis of sample micro scenarios

Part II – Scenario Labs: Spoo or Not Spoo?

Participants work through six anonymized vignettes drawn from real campus and workplace cases. Each scenario requires participants to decide whether the behavior falls within Title IX responsibility and what steps the institution must take.

Scenario examples include:

• Flirtatious messages circulated publicly

• Jokes from faculty or supervisors that cross boundaries

• Misuse of student images on social media

• Follow up behavior after a complaint

• Consensual relationships and perceived favoritism

• Communication that raises concerns about gender based bias

Facilitators explain how each scenario aligns or does not align with Title IX definitions and institutional obligations.

Exercise: Spoo or Not Spoo decision making with instructor feedback

Part III – Context, Judgment, and Institutional Response

Participants learn how to apply investigative reasoning to ambiguous conduct, using intent, impact, pattern, and institutional responsibility as guiding lenses. This section emphasizes clear documentation, supportive measures, and neutral communication.

Topics include:

• Intent and impact

• Patterns and isolated behaviors

• What falls inside institutional responsibility

• Documentation and supportive response pathways

Exercise: Apply the totality of circumstances analysis to a mock case and map appropriate next steps

Key Takeaways

• Confident evaluation of ambiguous conduct

• Stronger understanding of Title IX standards

• Better communication and documentation skills

• Greater consistency and empathy in institutional response

Cost

• $250 per participant

• Institutional rate: $1500 for groups up to ten participants

Post-Training Access

Attendees receive a downloadable scenario library, a Title IX definitions reference guide, and thirty days of access to digital materials for continued learning. After registering, participants receive an email with session details and a calendar link for easy access.

Note: After you register, we’ll send an email invitation with the session details. This allows us to add the meeting link directly to your calendar for easy access.