the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX, constitutes retaliation. However, charging an
individual with a student or housing code of conduct violation for making a materially false statement in bad faith in
the course of a grievance proceeding does not constitute retaliation, provided, however, that a determination regarding
responsibility, alone, is not sufficient to conclude that any party made a materially false statement in bad faith.
VICTIM RIGHTS IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS
If victims of Sexual Misconduct decide to initiate criminal proceedings, Chapter 960 of the Florida Statutes is intended to
establish guidelines for fair treatment of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice system. Victims, including the next of
kin of a homicide victim, have the right to be informed, to be present, and to be heard when relevant at all crucial stages
of a criminal proceeding, to the extent that this right does not interfere with the constitutional rights of the accused. The
implementation of Chapter 960 is the cornerstone of ensuring that these rights for victims are met.
FLORIDA SEXUAL OFFENDERS AND PREDATORS
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (“FDLE”) maintains an active list of sexual offenders (which includes sexual
predators) in the State of Florida. FDLE provides a variety of ways to search their database to acquire information a
pertaining to sex offenders in their neighborhood or on college and university campuses. To learn more about sexual
offenders in our state, please visit the FDLE website at: https://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/.
In addition, FDLE has also established the following toll-free number for public access to FDLE’s Missing Persons and
Offender Registration: 1-888-FL-PREDATOR (1-888-357-7332). By contacting FDLE at this number, the public can request
information about Sexual Offenders living in their communities and around the state. Requests may be made using this
toll-free number on business days, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (EST), Monday through Friday.
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