IF YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Individuals who have experienced any form of sexual misconduct can report through the university, through the legal system, through both, or not at all. While you can make a report at any time, filing a report immediately after an incident can help preserve important evidence. Examples of evidence include but are not limited to: not showering or washing clothes/linens, pictures, text messages, voicemails, and social media communication.
All employees who witness or receive information on or after January 1, 2020 regarding allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking (involving a current student or employee), are required to promptly report the incident to the university’s Title IX office.
How to Report Your Own Experience
A report of sexual misconduct can be made to any of the following:
Choosing Not to Report
If you choose not to file a complaint with the Title IX Office, you are still able to receive interim measures, support, and safety services including but not limited to: no contact orders, safety escort, and modification of class schedules/housing assignments. The Title IX Office is happy to direct you to the appropriate resources even if you do not wish to file a complaint.
However, even you if choose not to file a complaint, the university may file its own Administrative Complaint in order to assess and respond to any threat to campus safety.
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Confidentiality
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may report an alleged violation of this policy in any manner; however, electing to remain anonymous will limit the university’s ability to collect evidence, take remedial action or otherwise fully address the alleged violation.
The University has an obligation to maintain an environment free of discrimination, harassment and misconduct. Thus many University employees have mandatory reporting and response obligations and may not be able to honor a complainant’s request for confidentiality. Complainants who want to discuss a complaint in confidence may contact a physical or mental health care professional, professional counselor, or pastoral counselor (including those who act in that role under the supervision of these individuals).
Individuals filing a complaint under this policy may also ask that the complaint be considered confidential; however, the circumstances of the complaint will determine whether the request can be honored. the university may need to act to maintain campus safety, and the Title IX Coordinator may elect to move forward with resolving the complaint, regardless of the complainant’s request for confidentiality, the manner in which a complaint is received, or whether a complaint is received at all. However, the complainant is strongly encouraged to file a written complaint. If the Title IX Coordinator determines that a request for confidentiality cannot be granted, the complainant will be notified.
In the course of an investigation into a report or complaint, the university may share information only as necessary with people who have a legitimate need for that information and to fulfill the purposes of this policy and comply with applicable law. To the extent possible, the university will also protect the privacy of all parties involved in a report of sexual misconduct.
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Protection from Retaliation
Title IX makes it unlawful to retaliate against an individual for filing a Title IX complaint or being involved in the investigation process. Members of the university community who retaliate in any way against an individual who has brought a request for resolution or a complaint pursuant to this policy or against an individual who has participated in an investigation of a complaint are subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or dismissal.
If you experience any form of retaliation, you are encouraged to report it to the Title IX Office or the Office of Institutional Compliance so that the matter can be dealt with appropriately. For more information, see HOOP Policy #108, Protection from Retaliation.
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