Understanding Context: The Importance of Communication in Title IX

A “harmless” text or joke can become a Title IX issue when the context changes.

As graduation season approaches, especially for students moving from high school to college, this is a conversation worth having before they enter new social environments.

In this clip from Title IX Insider Season 1, Episode 13, Lanie Bandell discusses how texts, jokes, or comments that may have felt harmless in one context can be interpreted very differently when shared with someone new.

That matters.

Students are entering spaces where people do not know their humor, their intent, their history, or the relationship behind a message. A text that felt casual to one person can feel uncomfortable, inappropriate, or harmful to someone else.

This is not about telling students to be afraid of every interaction. It is about helping them understand that context matters, boundaries matter, and intent does not always determine impact.

For parents, guardians, and educators, graduation season is a key moment to talk with students about communication, respect, and knowing where the line is before a situation becomes serious.

Prevention starts before orientation.

Listen to Title IX Insider Season 1, Episode 13.
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