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
A non bias investigation must occur. Specifically from the department of education:
OCR’s Enforcement of Title IX
OCR vigorously enforces Title IX to ensure that institutions that receive federal financial assistance from the Department comply with the law. OCR evaluates, investigates, and resolves complaints alleging sex discrimination. OCR also conducts proactive investigations, through directed investigations or compliance reviews, to examine potential systemic violations based on sources of information other than complaints.
"In addition to its enforcement activities, OCR provides information and guidance to schools, universities and other educational institutions and agencies to assist them in voluntarily complying with the law.
To learn more about filing a complaint with OCR, please visit
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html. For assistance related to Title IX or other civil rights laws, please contact OCR at OCR@ed.gov or 800-421-3481, TDD 800-877-8339.
"On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille or large print. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternate Format Center at 202-260-0818 or via e-mail at alternateformatcenter@ed.gov. If you have difficulty understanding English, you may request language assistance services for Department information that is available to the public. These language assistance services are available free of charge. If you need more information about interpretation or translation services, please call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800- 872-5327) (TTY: 1-800-877-8339), email us at Ed.Language.Assistance@ed.gov, or write to U.S. Department of Education, Information Resource Center, 400 Maryland Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20202."
