There are protections in place for faculty and students alike. These laws also provide course for issues that arise from off campus. Under these laws, it becomes our responsibility to ensure a reporter gets access to due process. It is our duty to be cognizant of Title IX and VAWA, and how your particular institution runs it's program. The most important and often most difficult in my opinion, is finding a way to remain unbiased between both parties. Showing a bias can create distrust amongst the student body.
In the event of a student being raped on campus, it is beneficial to all involved to have the local authorities work with campus officials. This ensures that the evidence will be shared and that the victim will not have to relive the occurrence multiple times.
Even if the alleged perpetrator has been cleared by the legal system, the institutional grievance process may still reach a guilty verdict.
TIX coordinator has a big responsibility
It’s nice to know that even off-campus sex-based harassment can be investigated, as appropriate. I like when examples are given that can help us better understand these outliers, like the cyberstalking and how it was added to VAWA.
Comment on Sheila Heinert's post: nice
This module has reinforced the significance of a thoughtful, empathetic approach to investigations and the need for institutions to remain vigilant and responsive in their policies regarding sexual harassment and violence. I'm eager to apply this knowledge to foster a safer and more supportive environment on campus.
All Title IX/VAWA are required to be investigated!
A timely and very thorough process. It gives all parties due process and protections.
This was very informative, I learned that the termination of a criminal investigation without an arrest or a conviction does not affect the institution’s Title IX obligation.
All information should taken seriously, whether doubted or not.
Just because a criminal case is dismissed does not mean that a Title IX and VAWA doesn't exist, and I like how this is reiterated throughout this section of content.
I learned that the VAWA jurisdiction is more limited than Title IX which is important to know regarding reporting. I also learned that because a criminal investigation is dropped the Title IX/VAWA investigation will still continue.
No matter where an offense occurs of sexual harassment or sexual violence, it must be investigated per Title IX or VAWA policy to determine if it falls under the guidelines established. An investigation by the Title IX coordinator does not transfer to a criminal investigation.
I like knowing that off campus crimes are still reported and investigated, since they can still have a significant impact on the lives and learning abilities of the students.
Comment on Carlton Ellis's post: Good point. What measures are put in place to keep the victim safe after the investigation? And vice versa. What happens if the accuser is found to be innocent?
Students should be encouraged to report their findings in the civil process. If they choose not to, the campus must follow up with its own investigation.
Notifying the police should be highly encouraged for several reasons, it allows for criminal proceedings to be initiated and helps the campus remain a safe environment for both students and staff.
Any type of threatening behavior towards another person should be investigated and documented with the victim feeling supported
