1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men are victims of sexual assault during college, yet only 12% of rape survivors report the crime to authorities (MSNBC).

To shine light on sexual violence and harassment on college campuses, the Obama Administration established the White House Task Force to Protect Students from Sexual Assault in January 2014.  The centerpiece of its efforts is the website NotAlone.gov which provides sexual violence resources and helps students understand their rights under Title IX. In addition, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) of the Department of Education, now with stepped up investigation and enforcement authority, has published a list of 55 schools that have gone through, or are currently undergoing, one of its investigations. It is important to note that just being on this list doesn’t mean they violated the law.

Reactions to these government efforts have been fast and sometimes furious.  Higher education leaders are scrambling, trying to navigate the requirements of Title IX and other federal laws, students are organizing protests and alumni are threatening to curb or even stop donations.

 

How should you respond to the Title IX fury?

  • Act quickly but not rashly.  Just as the White House Task Force moved full steam ahead, schools will need to follow suit.  However, don’t “shoot” first and then “ready, aim.”  It’s critical to start with an integrated plan.
  • Review and revise policies – both student as well as faculty and staff.  While the primary focus of NotAlone is student-on-student violence, your institution also needs crystal clear policies regarding any sexual contact between a student and a faculty or staff member.
  • Revisit and publicize all reporting mechanisms.  With only 12% of sexual assaults being reported (MSNBC), colleges can’t fix what they don’t know about, and victims who remain silent can’t get help.  Confidential reporting mechanisms are essential.
  • Conduct a student climate survey.  The White House is now strongly advocating student climate surveys, and there are plans afoot to make them mandatory.  Get a head start by surveying your students first thing this fall.  Their feedback should help inform your plan and your revisions to policies.
  • Conduct a faculty and staff survey.  Title IX covers student contact with faculty and staff, too.  Be proactive and make sure your plan includes feedback from faculty and staff.
  • Conduct training.  There are a variety of trainings warranted under the current circumstances.  They include training:
    • Students about their rights and the reporting mechanisms
    • Campus first responders on how to best respond and react when dealing with a victim
    • Administrators and staff who will be involved in the investigation how to conduct a thorough, unbiased inquiry that protects the rights of both the accuser and the accused
    • Faculty and staff about their responsibilities and boundaries when it comes to interactions with students, including behavior that could lead to even a perception of impropriety

 

It’s a long list, but failing to act is simply not an option.  Among other benefits, this integrated response, especially the climate surveys, will become a vital tool in your institution’s overall risk management program.

 


Eileen Edmunds Profile PhotoAttorney converted into Advocate for proactive people strategies to improve performance and reduce risk. Dynamic, strategic-thinking author and featured speaker on topics including Managing Service Organizations, Converting Employee Engagement Theory into Action, How to Be a Great Place to Work in Good Times and in Bad, and Implementing a Balanced Scorecard to Create a Sustainable Competitive Advantage.


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