EarlhamCollege
PolicyonSex/GenderHarassment,DiscriminationandMisconduct
Introduction
EarlhamCollegeiscommittedtothevaluesclearlystatedinourPrinciplesand
Practicesdocument:respectforpersons,integrity,peaceandjustice,simplicityand
community.TheseprinciplesundergirdourPolicyonSex/GenderHarassment,
DiscriminationandMisconductandguidetheCollegedisciplinaryprocess.
PrinciplesandPracticesnotonlytellsusunambiguouslythatsex/gender
harassment,discriminationandmisconductisintolerablebehavior,butencourages
usasacommunitytoworkactivelytowardcreatinganenvironmentinwhichany
inclinationtowardthesebehaviorsisunthinkable.
EarlhamCollegedoesnottoleratesex/genderharassment,discriminationor
misconduct.AllmembersoftheCollegecommunity,guestsandvisitorshavethe
righttobefreefromallformsofsex/genderharassment,discriminationand
misconduct,examplesofwhichcanincludeactsofsexualviolence,sexual
harassment,domesticviolence,datingviolence,andstalking.Anymemberofour
community,guestsorvisitorsmaybeavictimoforperpetratorofunacceptable
behaviorandthereforethispolicyisgenderneutral.Allmembersofthecampus
community,guestsandvisitorsareexpectedtoconductthemselvesinamannerthat
doesnotinfringeupontherightsofothers.Werespondtoandinvestigateall
reportsofsex/genderharassment,discriminationandmisconductbothin
Richmondandinoff-campusprograms(subjecttothelawsandpoliciesofparticular
countriesandhostinstitutions),andwillreportcrimestolocallawenforcement
consistentwiththewishesofthevictimandincompliancewiththelaw.
TheCollegebelievesinzerotoleranceforsex/gender-basedmisconduct.Zero
tolerancemeansthatwhenanallegationofsex/gendermisconductisbroughttoan
appropriateadministrator’sattention(i.e.“notice”),protectiveandotherremedial
measureswillbeusedtoreasonablyensurethatsuchconductends,isnotrepeated,
andtheeffectsonthevictimandcommunityareremedied,includingserious
sanctionswhenarespondingpartyisfoundtohaveviolatedthispolicy.Thispolicy
isnotgenderbinaryandiscreatedtoreaffirmthevaluesofEarlhamCollegeandthe
principlesofequityandfairnessandtoproviderecourseforthoseindividuals
whoserightshavebeenviolated.
TheCollege’ssex/genderharassment,discriminationandmisconductpoliciesare
notmeanttoinhibitorprohibiteducationalcontentordiscussionsinsideoroutside
oftheclassroomthatincludecontroversialorsensitivesubjectmattersprotectedby
academicfreedom.Academicfreedomextendstotopicsthatarepedagogically
appropriateandgermanetothesubjectmatterofcoursesorthattouchonacademic
explorationofmattersofpublicconcern.
TheCollegeusesthepreponderanceoftheevidence(alsoknownas“morelikely
thannot”)asastandardforproofofwhetheraviolationoccurred.Incampus
resolutionproceedings,legaltermslike“guilt,“innocence”and“burdensofproof”
arenotapplicable,buttheCollegeneverautomaticallyassumesarespondingparty
isinviolationofCollegepolicy.Campusresolutionproceedingsareconductedto
takeintoaccountthetotalityofallevidenceavailable,fromallrelevantsources.The
Collegewilladdressallcomplaints/noticeofsex/genderharassment,discrimination
ormisconductthatviolatethispolicy,eveniftheyarenotcriminalmattersforlaw
enforcement.
Allcomplaints/noticewillbeaddressedaccordingtothepracticeoftheCollege
accountabilityprocesses,dependingonthestatusoftheaccused:forstudents
throughtheStudentConductCouncilandforfaculty/staffthroughtheprocess
establishedbytheGrievanceProcedure.Further,basedonfederallawandCollege
policyallformsofretaliationagainstthosereportingprohibitedconductor
providingwitnessinformationisprohibited.Retaliationisdefinedasanyadverse
actiontakenagainstapersonparticipatinginaprotectedactivitybecauseoftheir
participationinthatprotectedactivity.Retaliationagainstanindividualforan
allegation,forsupportingareportingpartyorforassistinginprovidinginformation
relevanttoanallegationisaseriousviolationofCollegepolicy.
CollegeAssistanceAndTheRoleOfTheTitleIXCoordinator
EarlhamCollegesupportsanymemberofourcommunitywhobecomesavictimof
sex/gender-basedmisconduct(“ReportingParty”).Weofferimmediatehelpand
referralstoappropriatepersonsandorganizations,oftenincludingbutnotlimited
to,localpolice,hospitals,advocacygroupsandcounselingandcrisiscenters.The
Collegeprovidesahandoutofresourcesandreportinginformationtoallemployees
andtooff-campusprogramsthatidentifiesindividualsandlocationsforreporting
andformedicalandconfidentialsupport.TheCollegewillprovideimmediate
assistanceandremedialsupporttoanyindividualwhoexperiencessex/gender
harassment,discriminationorsexualmisconduct,includingliving,workingand
academicarrangementsasappropriate.
TheCollege’sTitleIXCoordinatoroverseescompliancewithallaspectsofthe
Sex/GenderHarassment,DiscriminationandMisconductPolicy.TheCoordinator
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reportstotheVicePresidentofFinanceandAdministration,andishousedinthe
officeofHumanResources.Questionsaboutthispolicyshouldbedirectedtothe
TitleIXCoordinator.Anyonewishingtomakeareportrelatingtodiscriminationor
harassmentmaydosobyreportingtheconcerntotheCollegeTitleIXCoordinator:
DanaNorth
DirectorofHumanResources/TitleIXCoordinator
008CarpenterHall
765-983-1628
northda.Earlham.edu
TrainedmembersoftheInvestigativeTeam:
AngelaHobkirk,AssistantDirectorofResidenceLife
SalinaHoque,AssistantDirectorofHumanResources
TomKearns,DirectorofPublicSafety
ShanePeters,AssociateDeanofStudentLife
Individualsexperiencingharassmentordiscriminationalsoalwayshavetherightto
fileaformalgrievancewithgovernmentauthorities:
OfficeforCivilRights(OCR)
U.S.DepartmentofEducation
CitigroupCenter
500W.MadisonStreet,
Suite1475
Chicago,IL60661-4544
Telephone:(312)730-1560
Facsimile:(312)730-1576
Email:[email protected]
SEX/GENDERHARASSMENT,DISCRIMINATIONANDMISCONDUCTOFFENSES
INCLUDE,BUTARENOTLIMITEDTO:
1. SexualHarassment
2. Sex/GenderDiscrimination
3. Non-ConsensualSexualContact(orattemptstocommitsame)
4. Non-ConsensualSexualIntercourse(orattemptstocommitsame)
5. SexualExploitation
1. SEXUALHARASSMENT
Sexualharassmentis:
3
•
•
unwelcome,
sexual,sex-basedand/orgender-basedverbal,written,onlineand/or
physicalconduct.1
AnyoneexperiencingsexualharassmentinanyCollegeprogramisencouragedto
reportitimmediatelytotheTitleIXCoordinatororateammember.Remedies,
educationand/ortrainingwillbeprovidedinresponse.
2.SEX/GENDERDISCRIMINATION
Sex/GenderDiscriminationis:
Sexualharassmentbecomesdiscriminatoryandmaybedisciplinedwhenittakes
theformofquidproquoharassment,retaliatoryharassmentand/orcreatesa
hostileenvironment.
HostileEnvironmentHarassmentis:
Ahostileenvironmentiscreatedwhensexualharassmentis:
• sufficientlysevere,or
• persistentorpervasive,and
• objectivelyoffensivethatit:
o unreasonablyinterfereswith,deniesorlimitssomeone’sabilityto
participateinorbenefitfromtheCollege’seducationaland/or
employment,socialand/orresidentialprogram.
QuidProQuoHarassmentis:
• Unwelcomesexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavors,andotherverbalor
physicalconductofasexualnature
• Byapersonhavingpowerorauthorityoveranotherconstitutessexual
harassmentwhen
o Submissiontosuchsexualconductismadeeitherexplicitlyorimplicitlya
termorconditionofratingorevaluatinganindividual’seducational[or
employment]progress,development,orperformance.
o Thisincludeswhensubmissiontosuchconductwouldbeaconditionfor
accesstoreceivingthebenefitsofanyeducational[oremployment]program.
Examplesinclude:anattempttocoerceanunwillingpersonintoasexual
relationship;torepeatedlysubjectapersontoegregious,unwelcomesexual
attention;topunisharefusaltocomplywithasexualbasedrequest;tocondition
abenefitonsubmittingtosexualadvances;sexualviolence;intimatepartner
1
Purpose or intent is not an element of sexual harassment.
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violence,stalking;gender-basedbullying.2
SomeexamplesofpossibleDiscriminatoryHarassmentinclude:
• Aprofessorinsiststhatastudenthavesexwithhim/herinexchangefora
goodgrade.Thisisharassmentregardlessofwhetherthestudentaccedesto
therequest.
• Astudentrepeatedlysendssexuallyorientedjokesaroundonanemaillist
s/hecreated,evenwhenaskedtostop,causingonerecipienttoavoidthe
senderoncampusandintheresidencehallinwhichtheybothlive.
• Explicitsexualpicturesaredisplayedinaprofessor’sofficeorontheexterior
ofaresidencehalldoor.
• Twosupervisorsfrequently‘rate’severalemployees’bodiesandsexappeal,
commentingsuggestivelyabouttheirclothingandappearance.
• Aprofessorengagesstudentsinherclassindiscussionsabouttheirpast
sexualexperiences,yettheconversationisnotinanywaygermanetothe
subjectmatteroftheclass.Sheprobesforexplicitdetails,anddemandsthat
studentsanswerher,thoughtheyareclearlyuncomfortableandhesitant.
• Anex-girlfriendwidelyspreadsfalsestoriesabouthersexlifewithher
formerboyfriendtothecleardiscomfortoftheboyfriend,turninghimintoa
socialpariahoncampus.
• Astudentgrabbedanotherstudentbythehair,thengrabbedherbreastand
puthismouthonit.Whilethisissexualharassment,itisalsoaformof
sexualviolence.
3.NON-CONSENSUALSEXUALCONTACT
Non-ConsensualSexualContactis:
• anyintentionalsexualtouching,
• howeverslight,
• withanyobject,
• byapersonuponanotherperson,
•thatiswithoutconsentand/orbyforce3.
SexualContactincludes:
2
These offenses are referenced and incorporated within sexual harassment, but also broken-out
as stand-alone offenses, below.
3
The use of force is not “worse” than the subjective experience of violation of someone who has
sex without consent. However, the use of physical force constitutes a stand-alone non-sexual
offense as well, as it is our expectation that those who use physical force (restrict, battery, etc.)
would face not just the sexual misconduct charge, but charges under the code for the additional
assaultive behavior.
5
o
o
Intentional contact with the breasts, buttock, groin, or genitals, or
touchinganotherwithanyofthesebodyparts,ormakinganothertouch
youorthemselveswithoronanyofthesebodyparts;or
Anyotherintentionalbodilycontactinasexualmanner.
2. NON-CONSENSUALSEXUALINTERCOURSE
Non-ConsensualSexualIntercourseis:
• anysexualintercourse
• howeverslight,
• withanyobject,
• byapersonuponanotherperson,
• thatiswithoutconsentand/orbyforce4.
Intercourseincludes:
o vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, object, tongue or finger, and oral
copulation (mouth to genital contact), no matter how slight the
penetrationorcontact.
4. SEXUALEXPLOITATION
Occurswhenonepersontakesnon-consensualorabusivesexualadvantageof
anotherforhis/herownadvantageorbenefit,ortobenefitoradvantageanyone
otherthantheonebeingexploited,andthatbehaviordoesnototherwiseconstitute
oneofothersexualmisconductoffenses.Examplesofsexualexploitationinclude,
butarenotlimitedto:
• Invasionofsexualprivacy;
• Prostitutinganotherperson;
• Non-consensualdigital,videooraudiorecordingofnudityorsexualactivity;
• Unauthorizedsharingordistributionofdigital,videooraudiorecordingof
nudityorsexualactivity;
• Engaginginvoyeurism;
• Goingbeyondtheboundariesofconsent(suchaslettingyourfriendhidein
theclosettowatchyouhavingconsensualsex);
• KnowinglyexposingsomeonetoortransmittinganSTI,STDorHIVto
anotherperson;
• Intentionallyorrecklesslyexposingone’sgenitalsinnon-consensual
circumstances;inducinganothertoexposetheirgenitals;
• Sexually-basedstalkingand/orbullyingmayalsobeformsofsexual
exploitation
4
Id.
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OTHERMISCONDUCTOFFENSES(WILLFALLUNDERTITLEIXWHENSEXOR
GENDER-BASED)
1. Threateningorcausingphysicalharm,extremeverbalabuse,orother
conductwhichthreatensorendangersthehealthorsafetyofanyperson;
2. Intimidation,definedasimpliedthreatsoractsthatcauseanunreasonable
fearofharminanother;
3. Hazing,definedasactslikelytocausephysicalorpsychologicalharmor
socialostracismtoanypersonwithintheCollegecommunity,whenrelated
totheadmission,initiation,pledging,joining,oranyothergroup-affiliation
activity(asdefinedfurtherintheHazingPolicy);
4. Bullying,definedas
a. Repeatedand/orsevere;
b. Aggressivebehavior;
c. Likelytointimidateorintentionallyhurt,controlordiminishanother
person,physicallyormentally;
d. Thatisnotspeechorconductotherwiseprotectedbythe1st
Amendment.
5. IntimatePartnerViolence,definedasviolenceorabusebetweenthosein
anintimaterelationshiptoeachother5;
6. Stalking
a. Stalking1:
i. Acourseofconduct
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Indiana Domestic Violence Laws: Indiana law seeks to protect spouses, cohabitating partners,
and children from family violence, or domestic violence. When someone attacks a loved one,
even if the Indiana domestic violence criminal laws don’t apply, other Indiana laws that make the
conduct illegal against a stranger can apply in a dating or intimate partnership situation. Overview
of Domestic Violence Laws It’s illegal in Indiana to beat or abuse your spouse. This crime is
called "domestic battery." Domestic battery is to intentionally touch your spouse, partner, or coparent in a rude or angry way that results in bodily injury. If domestic battery doesn't apply due to
the relationship of the individuals (for example, teens in a dating relationship), regular battery or
aggravated battery may apply. General battery is intentionally touching another in a rude or angry
manner. Aggravated battery is creating a substantial risk of death or causing serious permanent
disfigurement, impairment of bodily function, or loss of a fetus. Sometimes abusers will stalk their
former romantic partners, which is illegal. Indiana's criminal stalking statute outlaws repeated
harassment of another that would cause a reasonable person to feel intimidated or threatened
and causes the victim to feel threatened or terrorized. Abusers can also be charged with a myriad
of other crimes for their conduct done to terrorize their victims, including: Criminal confinement intentionally confining a person without his or her consent Kidnapping - removing a person by
fraud, force, or threat to another place Rape – having oral, anal, or vaginal sex by force, threat, or
while the victim was incapacitated. Aggravating factors include using deadly force or weapon,
causing serious bodily injury, or using date rape drugs.
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ii. Directedataspecificperson
iii. Onthebasisofactualorperceivedmembershipinaprotected
class
iv. Thatisunwelcome,AND
v. Wouldcauseareasonablepersontofeelfear
b. Stalking2:
i. RepetitiveandMenacing
ii. Pursuit,following,harassingand/orinterferingwiththepeace
and/orsafetyofanother
7. AnyotherCollegepoliciesmayfallwithinthissectionwhenaviolationis
a. motivatedbytheactualorperceivedmembershipofthereporting
party’ssexorgender.
b. Sexualinnature
AdditionalPolicyProvisions
a. AttemptedViolations
Inmostcircumstances,Collegewilltreatattemptstocommitanyofthe
violationslistedintheGender-MisconductPolicyasifthoseattemptshadbeen
completed.
b. FalseReports
Collegewillnottolerateintentionalfalsereportingofincidents.Itisaviolation
oftheStudentCodeofConducttomakeanintentionallyfalsereportofanypolicy
violation,anditmayalsoviolatestatecriminalstatutesandcivildefamation
laws.
c. AmnestyforVictimsandWitnesses
TheCollegestronglyencouragesthereportingofmisconductandcrimesby
victimsandwitnesses.Sometimes,victimsorwitnessesarehesitanttoreportto
Collegeofficialsorparticipateinresolutionprocessesbecausetheyfearthatthey
themselvesmaybeaccusedofpolicyviolations,suchasunderagedrinkingatthe
timeoftheincident.Itisinthebestinterestsofthiscommunitythatasmany
victimsofsexualmisconductaspossiblechoosetoreporttoCollegeofficials,and
thatwitnessescomeforwardtosharewhattheyknow.Toencouragereporting,
theCollegepursuesapolicyofofferingvictimsofmisconductandwitnesses
amnestyfromminorpolicyviolationsrelatedtotheincident.Specifically,the
Collegedoesnotchargewitnessesorpartiesdirectlyinvolvedwithasexual
misconductcasewithminoralcoholoffenses,suchasunderageconsumption.
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Additionally,studentsarehesitanttoofferassistancetoothersforfearthatthey
maygetthemselvesintrouble(forexample,astudentwhohasbeendrinking
underagemighthesitatetohelptakeasexualmisconductvictimtothePublic
Safety).PeritsGoodSamaritanstatementonalcohol,theCollegepursuesa
policyofamnestyforstudentswhoofferhelptoothersinneed.Whilepolicy
violationscannotbeoverlooked,theCollegewillprovideeducationaloptions,
ratherthanpunishment,tothosewhooffertheirassistancetoothersinneed.
d. ParentalNotification
TheCollegereservestherighttonotifyparents/guardiansofdependent
studentsregardinganyhealthorsafetyrisk,changeinstudentstatusorconduct
situation,particularlyalcoholandotherdrugviolations.TheCollegemayalso
notifyparents/guardiansofnon-dependentstudentswhoareunderage21of
alcoholand/ordrugpolicyviolations.Whereastudentisnon-dependent,the
Collegewillcontactparents/guardianstoinformthemofsituationsinwhich
thereisasignificantandarticulablehealthand/orsafetyrisk.TheCollegealso
reservestherighttodesignatewhichCollegeofficialshaveaneedtoknowabout
individualconductreportspursuanttotheFamilyEducationalRightsand
PrivacyAct.
SANCTIONS
Thefollowingsanctionsmaybeimposeduponanymemberofthecommunityfound
tohaveviolatedtheSex/GenderHarassment,DiscriminationandMisconductPolicy.
FactorsconsideredinsanctioningaredefinedinStudentHandbook,Faculty
Handbook,StaffHandbook.Thefollowingarethesanctionsthatmaybeimposed
uponstudentsororganizationssinglyorincombination:
StudentSanctions(listedbelowanddefinedinStudentHandbook)
• Warning
• Probation
• Suspension
• Expulsion
• WithholdingDiploma
• RevocationofDegree
• TranscriptNotation
• OrganizationalSanctions
• OtherActions
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EmployeeSanctions(listedbelowanddefinedinEmployeeHandbook)
• Warning–WrittenorVerbal
• PerformanceImprovementPlan
• RequiredCounseling
• RequiredTrainingorEducation
• Demotion
• LossofAnnualPayIncrease
• SuspensionwithoutPay
• SuspensionwithPay
• RevocationofTenure
• Termination
SanctioningforSexualMisconduct
• AnypersonfoundresponsibleforviolatingtheNon-ConsensualSexualContact
policy(wherenointercoursehasoccurred)willlikelyreceiveasanction
rangingfromprobationtoexpulsion,dependingontheseverityoftheincident,
andtakingintoaccountanypreviousdisciplinaryviolations.*
• AnypersonfoundresponsibleforviolatingtheNon-ConsensualSexual
Intercoursepolicywilllikelyfacearecommendedsanctionofsuspensionor
expulsion(student)orsuspensionortermination(employee).*
• AnypersonfoundresponsibleforviolatingtheSexualExploitationorSexual
Harassmentpolicieswilllikelyreceivearecommendedsanctionrangingfrom
warningtoexpulsionortermination,dependingontheseverityoftheincident,
andtakingintoaccountanypreviousdisciplinaryviolations.*
*Thedecision-makingbodyreservestherighttobroadenorlessenanyrangeof
recommendedsanctionsinthecaseofseriousmitigatingcircumstancesor
egregiouslyoffensivebehavior.Neithertheinitialhearingofficersnoranyappeals
bodyorofficerwilldeviatefromtherangeofrecommendedsanctionsunless
compellingjustificationexiststodoso.
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APPENDIX
APPLICABLEDEFINITIONS:
• Consent6:
o Consentis
§ clear,and
§ knowing,and
§ voluntary[oraffirmative,consciousandvoluntary],
§ wordsoractions,
§ thatgivepermissionforspecificsexualactivity.
o Consentisactive,notpassive.
o Silence,inandofitself,cannotbeinterpretedasconsent.
o Consentcanbegivenbywordsoractions,aslongasthosewordsor
actionscreatemutuallyunderstandablepermissionregarding
willingnesstoengagein(andtheconditionsof)sexualactivity.
o Consenttoanyoneformofsexualactivitycannotautomaticallyimply
consenttoanyotherformsofsexualactivity.
o Previousrelationshipsorpriorconsentcannotimplyconsentto
futuresexualacts.
o Consentcanbewithdrawnoncegiven,aslongasthatwithdrawalis
clearlycommunicated.
o Inordertogiveconsent,onemustbeoflegalage.
o Sexualactivitywithsomeoneyouknowtobeorshouldknowtobe
incapacitatedconstitutesaviolationofthispolicy.
§ Incapacitationcanoccurmentallyorphysically,from
developmentaldisability,byalcoholorotherdruguse,or
blackout.7
6
Indiana’s legal definition of consent: Non-consensual sexual contact, whether rape or
sexually touching an adult or child, is a crime in Indiana. Criminal penalties vary based on the
violence, threat of force, weapons used, or other "aggravating" factors involved and the age of the
victim and defendant. Aggravating circumstances increase penalties because of their serious or
malicious nature. The age of consent in Indiana is 16. However, Indiana has a "Romeo and Juliet
law" that permits 14 and 15 year olds to engage in non-forced sexual activity with peers who are
no more than 4 years older.
7
Blackout, as it is used in scholarly literature, refers to a period where memory formation is
blocked. A period of consistent memory loss is termed a blackout, whereas periods where
memory is both lost and formed intermittently can be referred to in the literature as a brownout.
Neither state of blackout nor brownout automatically indicates incapacitation, but factual context
can establish that a blackout or a brownout is occurring in an individual who is incapacitated
(where incapacity is defined as an inability to make rational, reasonable decisions or judgments).
It is a mistake to automatically associate memory loss with incapacitation; they are often coupled,
but not always. (see e.g.: Mundt & Wetherill – 2012; NIH 2004)
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Thequestionofwhattherespondingpartyshouldhaveknownisobjectivelybased
onwhatareasonablepersonintheplaceoftherespondingparty:
§ Soberandexercisinggoodjudgment,wouldhaveknownaboutthe
conditionofthereportingparty.
§ Incapacitationisastatewheresomeonecannotmakerational,
reasonabledecisionsbecausetheylackthecapacitytogiveknowing
consent(e.g.,tounderstandthe“who,what,when,where,whyor
how”oftheirsexualinteraction).
§ Thispolicyalsocoversapersonwhoseincapacityresultsfrom
mentaldisability,sleep,unconsciousness,involuntaryphysical
restraint,orfromthetakingofrapedrugs.[Possession,useand/or
distributionofanyofthesesubstances,includingRohypnol,
Ketomine,GHB,Burundanga,etc.isprohibited,andadministering
oneofthesedrugstoanotherstudentisaviolationofthispolicy.
Moreinformationonthesedrugscanbefoundat
http://www.911rape.org/].
• Force:Forceistheuseofphysicalviolenceand/orimposingonsomeone
physicallytogainsexualaccess.Forcealsoincludesthreats,intimidation
(impliedthreats)andcoercionthatovercomesfreewillorresistanceorthat
producesconsent(“HavesexwithmeorI’llhityou.”“Okay,don’thitme,I’ll
dowhatyouwant.”).
o Coercionisunreasonablepressureforsexualactivity.Whensomeone
makescleartoyouthattheydonotwantsex,thattheywanttostop,
orthattheydonotwanttogopastacertainpointofsexual
interaction,continuedpressurebeyondthatpointcanbecoercive.
o NOTE:Thereisnorequirementforapartytoresistthesexual
advanceorrequest,butresistanceisacleardemonstrationofnonconsent.Thepresenceofforceisnotdemonstratedbytheabsenceof
resistance.Sexualactivitythatisforcedisbydefinitionnonconsensual,butnon-consensualsexualactivityisnotbydefinition
forced.
• Useofalcoholorotherdrugswillneverfunctiontoexcuseanybehaviorthat
violatesthispolicy.
• Thispolicyisapplicableregardlessofthesexualorientationand/orgender
identityofindividualsengaginginsexualactivity.
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OVERVIEWOFPOLICYEXPECTATIONSWITHRESPECTTOPHYSICALSEXUAL
MISCONDUCT
Theexpectationsofourcommunityregardingsexualmisconductcanbe
summarizedasfollows:Inorderforindividualstoengageinsexualactivityofany
typewitheachother,theremustbeclear,knowingandvoluntaryconsentpriorto
andduringsexualactivity.Consentissexualpermission.Consentcanbegivenby
wordoraction,butnon-verbalconsentisnotasclearastalkingaboutwhatyou
wantsexuallyandwhatyoudon’t.Consenttosomeformofsexualactivitycannot
beautomaticallytakenasconsenttoanyotherformofsexualactivity.Previous
consentdoesnotimplyconsenttosexualactivityinthefuture.Silenceorpassivity--
withoutactionsdemonstratingpermission--cannotbeassumedtoshowconsent.
Consent,oncegiven,canbewithdrawnatanytime.Theremustbeaclearindication
thatconsentisbeingwithdrawn.
Additionally,thereisadifferencebetweenseductionandcoercion.Coercing
someoneintosexualactivityviolatesthispolicyinthesamewayasphysically
forcingsomeoneintosex.Coercionhappenswhensomeoneispressured
unreasonablyforsex.
Becausealcoholorotherdrugusecanplacethecapacitytoconsentinquestion,
sobersexislesslikelytoraisesuchquestions.Whenalcoholorotherdrugsare
beingused,apersonwillbeconsideredunabletogivevalidconsentiftheycannot
fullyunderstandthedetailsofasexualinteraction(who,what,when,where,why,or
how)becausetheylackthecapacitytoreasonablyunderstandthesituation.
Individualswhoconsenttosexmustbeabletounderstandwhattheyaredoing.
Underthispolicy,“No”alwaysmeans“No,”and“Yes”maynotalwaysmean“Yes.”
Anythingbutaclear,knowingandvoluntaryconsenttoanysexualactivityis
equivalenttoa“no.”
OVERVIEWOFPOLICYEXPECTATIONSWITHRESPECTTOCONSENSUAL
RELATIONSHIPS
Thereareinherentrisksinanyromanticorsexualrelationshipbetweenindividuals
inunequalpositions(suchasteacherandstudent,supervisorandemployee).These
relationshipsmaybelessconsensualthanperceivedbytheindividualwhose
positionconferspower.Therelationshipalsomaybeviewedindifferentwaysby
eachoftheparties,particularlyinretrospect.Furthermore,circumstancesmay
change,andconductthatwaspreviouslywelcomemaybecomeunwelcome.Even
whenbothpartieshaveconsentedattheoutsettoaromanticorsexualinvolvement,
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thispastconsentmaynotremovegroundsforalaterchargeofaviolationof
applicablesectionsofthefaculty/staffhandbooks.TheCollegedoesnotwishto
interferewithprivatechoicesregardingpersonalrelationshipswhenthese
relationshipsdonotinterferewiththegoalsandpoliciesoftheCollege.Forthe
personalprotectionofmembersofthiscommunity,relationshipsinwhichpower
differentialsareinherent(faculty-student,staff-student,administrator-student,
supervisor-supervisee)arediscouraged.
Consensualromanticorsexualrelationshipsinwhichonepartymaintainsadirect
supervisoryorevaluativeroleovertheotherpartyareunethical.Therefore,
personswithdirectsupervisoryorevaluativeresponsibilitieswhoareinvolvedin
suchrelationshipsmustbringthoserelationshipstothetimelyattentionoftheir
supervisor,andwilllikelyresultinthenecessitytoremovetheemployeefromthe
supervisoryorevaluativeresponsibilities,orshiftthestudentoutofbeing
supervisedorevaluatedbysomeonewithwhomtheyhaveestablishedaconsensual
relationship.ThisincludesResidentAdvisors(RAs)andstudentsoverwhomthey
havedirectresponsibility.Whilenorelationshipsareprohibitedbythispolicy
(therearepoliciesinplacethatdoprohibitthis),failuretoself-reportsuch
relationshipstoasupervisorasrequiredcanresultindisciplinaryactionforan
employee8.
SEXUALVIOLENCE--RISKREDUCTIONTIPS
Riskreductiontipscanoftentakeavictim-blamingtone,evenunintentionally.Only
thosewhocommitsexualviolenceareresponsibleforthoseactions.Weofferthe
tipsbelowwithnointentiontovictim-blame,withrecognitionthatthese
suggestionsmayneverthelesshelpyoutoreduceyourriskofexperiencinganonconsensualsexualact.Below,suggestionstoavoidcommittinganon-consensual
sexualactarealsooffered:
• Ifyouhavelimits,makethemknownasearlyaspossible.
• Tellasexualaggressor“NO”clearlyandfirmly.
• Trytoremoveyourselffromthephysicalpresenceofasexualaggressor.
• Findsomeonenearbyandaskforhelp.
8
When a consensual relationship gives rise to quid pro quo harassment allegations, those
allegations are to be resolved in accord with the College’s policies on Title IX. When an
employee fails to timely notify their supervisor under this policy, but no allegations of harassment
are present, the resolution falls under the policy on “Failure to comply” in the employee/faculty
handbook, and should be resolved as such.
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•
•
•
Takeaffirmativeresponsibilityforyouralcoholintake/druguseand
acknowledgethatalcohol/druguselowersyoursexualinhibitionsandmay
makeyouvulnerabletosomeonewhoviewsadrunkorhighpersonasa
sexualopportunity.
Givethoughttosharingyourintimatecontent,pictures,imagesandvideos
withothers,eventhoseyoumaytrust.Ifyoudochoosetoshare,clarifyyour
expectationsastohoworifthoseimagesmaybeused,sharedor
disseminated.
Takecareofyourfriendsandaskthattheytakecareofyou.Arealfriendwill
challengeyouifyouareabouttomakeamistake.Respectthemwhenthey
do.
Ifyoufindyourselfinthepositionofbeingtheinitiatorofsexualbehavior,youowe
sexualrespecttoyourpotentialpartner.Thesesuggestionsmayhelpyoutoreduce
yourriskforbeingaccusedofsexualmisconduct:
• Clearlycommunicateyourintentionstoyoursexualpartnerandgivethema
chancetoclearlyrelatetheirintentionstoyou.
• Understandandrespectpersonalboundaries.
• DON’TMAKEASSUMPTIONSaboutconsent;aboutsomeone’ssexual
availability;aboutwhethertheyareattractedtoyou;abouthowfaryoucan
gooraboutwhethertheyarephysicallyand/ormentallyabletoconsent.
Yourpartner’sconsentshouldbeaffirmativeandcontinuous.Ifthereareany
questionsorambiguitythenyouDONOThaveconsent.
• Mixedmessagesfromyourpartnerareaclearindicationthatyoushould
stop,defuseanysexualtensionandcommunicatebetter.Youmaybe
misreadingthem.Theymaynothavefiguredouthowfartheywanttogo
withyouyet.Youmustrespectthetimelineforsexualbehaviorswithwhich
theyarecomfortable.
• Don’ttakeadvantageofsomeone’sdrunkennessoralteredstate,evenifthey
willinglyconsumedalcoholorsubstances.
• Realizethatyourpotentialpartnercouldfeelintimidatedorcoercedbyyou.
Youmayhaveapoweradvantagesimplybecauseofyourgenderorphysical
presence.Don’tabusethatpower.
• Donotshareintimatecontent,pictures,imagesandvideosthatareshared
withyou.
• Understandthatconsenttosomeformofsexualbehaviordoesnot
automaticallyimplyconsenttoanyotherformsofsexualbehavior.
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•
Silence,passivity,ornon-responsivenesscannotbeinterpretedasan
indicationofconsent.Readyourpotentialpartnercarefully,payingattention
toverbalandnon-verbalcommunicationandbodylanguage.
CONFIDENTIALITY,PRIVACYANDREPORTINGPOLICY
ConfidentialityandReportingofOffensesUnderThisPolicy
AllCollegeemployees(faculty,staff,andadministrators)areexpectedto
immediatelyreportactualorsuspecteddiscriminationorharassmentto
appropriateofficials,thoughtherearesomelimitedexceptions.Inordertomake
informedchoices,itisimportanttobeawareofconfidentialityandmandatory
reportingrequirementswhenconsultingcampusresources.Oncampus,some
resourcesmaymaintainconfidentiality–meaningtheyarenotrequiredtoreport
actualorsuspecteddiscriminationorharassmenttoappropriateCollegeofficials-
therebyofferingoptionsandadvicewithoutanyobligationtoinformanoutside
agencyorindividualunlessavictimhasrequestedinformationtobeshared.Other
resourcesexistforavictimtoreportcrimesandpolicyviolationsandthese
resourceswilltakeactionwhenanincidentisreportedtothem.Thefollowing
describesthetworeportingoptionsatCollege:
ConfidentialReporting
Ifareportingpartywouldlikethedetailsofanincidenttobekeptconfidential,the
reportingpartymayspeakwith:
• On-campuslicensedprofessionalcounselors
• On-campushealthserviceproviders
• On-campusmembersoftheclergy/chaplainsworkingwithinthescopeof
theirrecording,licensureorordination
• Off-campus:
o Licensedprofessionalcounselors
o Localrapecrisiscounselors
o Domesticviolenceresources,
o Localorstateassistanceagencies,
o Clergy/Chaplains
Alloftheaboveemployeeswillmaintainconfidentialityexceptinextremecasesof
immediatethreatordanger,orabuseofaminor.Campuscounselors[and/orthe
EmployeeAssistanceProgram]areavailabletohelpfreeofchargeandcanbeseen
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onanemergencybasisduringnormalbusinesshours.Theseemployeeswillsubmit
timelyanonymous,aggregatestatisticalinformationforCleryActpurposesunless
theybelieveitwouldbeharmfultoaspecificclient,patientorparishioner.
FormalReportingOptions
AllCollegeemployeeshaveadutytoreport,unlesstheyfallunderthe“Confidential
Reporting”sectionabove.Reportingpartiesmaywanttoconsidercarefullywhether
theysharepersonallyidentifiabledetailswithnon-confidentialemployees,asthose
detailsmustbesharedbytheemployeewiththeTitleIXCoordinatorand/orteam
member.Employeesmustsharealldetailsofthereportstheyreceive.Generally,
climatesurveys,classroomwritingassignments,humansubjectsresearch,orevents
suchasTakeBacktheNightmarchesorspeak-outsdonotprovidenoticethatmust
bereportedtotheCoordinatorbyemployees.Remedialactionsmayresultwithout
formalCollegeaction.
Ifavictimdoesnotwishfortheirnametobeshared,doesnotwishforan
investigationtotakeplace,ordoesnotwantaformalresolutiontobepursued,the
victimmaymakesucharequesttotheTitleIXCoordinatororateammember,who
willevaluatethatrequestinlightofthedutytoensurethesafetyofthecampusand
complywithfederallaw.Incasesindicatingpattern,predation,threat,weapons
and/orviolence,theCollegewilllikelybeunabletohonorarequestfor
confidentiality.Incaseswherethevictimrequestsconfidentialityandthe
circumstancesallowtheCollegetohonorthatrequest,theCollegewillofferinterim
supportsandremediestothevictimandthecommunity,butwillnototherwise
pursueformalaction.Areportingpartyhastheright,andcanexpect,tohave
reportstakenseriouslybytheCollegewhenformallyreported,andtohavethose
incidentsinvestigatedandproperlyresolvedthroughtheseprocedures.
Formalreportingstillaffordsprivacytothereporter,andonlyasmallgroupof
officialswhoneedtoknowwillbetold,includingbutnotlimitedto:Divisionof
StudentLife,CollegePublicSafety,andtheTitleIXCoordinator.Informationwillbe
sharedasnecessarywithinvestigators,witnessesandtherespondingparty.The
circleofpeoplewiththisknowledgewillbekeptastightaspossibletopreservea
reportingparty’srightsandprivacy.Additionally,anonymousreportscanbemade
byvictimsand/orthirdpartiesusingtheonlinereportingformpostedat
http://earlham.edu/public-safety/anonymous-tipinformation/.Notethatthese
anonymousreportsmaypromptaneedfortheinstitutiontoinvestigate.
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ReportstotheTitleIXCoordinatorcanbemadeviaemail,phoneorinpersonatthe
contactinformationbelow:
DanaNorth
DirectorofHumanResources/TitleIXCoordinator
008CarpenterHall
765-983-1628
northda.Earlham.edu
Failureofanon-confidentialemployee,asdescribedinthissection,toreportan
incidentorincidentsofsexorgenderharassmentordiscriminationofwhichthey
becomeaware,isaviolationofCollegepolicyandcanbesubjecttodisciplinary
actionforfailuretocomplywithCollegepolicies.
FederalStatisticalReportingObligations
Certaincampusofficials–thosedeemedCampusSafetyAuthorities-haveadutyto
reportsexualassault,domesticviolence,datingviolenceandstalkingforfederal
statisticalreportingpurposes(CleryAct).Allpersonallyidentifiableinformationis
keptconfidential,butstatisticalinformationmustbepassedalongtocampuspublic
safetyregardingthetypeofincidentanditsgenerallocation(onoroff-campus,in
thesurroundingarea,butnoaddressesaregiven)forpublicationintheAnnual
SecurityReport.Thisreporthelpstoprovidethecommunitywithaclearpictureof
theextentandnatureofcampuscrime,toensuregreatercommunitysafety.
Mandatedfederalreportersinclude:student/conductaffairs,campuspublicsafety,
localpolice,coaches,athleticdirectors,residencelifestaff,studentactivitiesstaff,
humanresourcesstaff,advisorstostudentorganizationsandanyotherofficialwith
significantresponsibilityforstudentandcampusactivities.Theinformationtobe
sharedincludesthedate,thelocationoftheincident(usingClerylocation
categories)andtheClerycrimecategory.Thisreportingprotectstheidentityofthe
victimandmaybedoneanonymously.
FederalTimelyWarningReportingObligations
VictimsofsexualmisconductshouldalsobeawarethatCollegeadministratorsmust
issueimmediatetimelywarningsforincidentsreportedtothemthatareconfirmed
toposeasubstantialthreatofbodilyharmordangertomembersofthecampus
community.ThedeterminationtoissueaTimelyWarningismadebytheDirector
ofPublicSafety,accordingtofederalguidelines.TheCollegewillensurethata
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victim’snameandotheridentifyinginformationisnotdisclosed,whilestill
providingenoughinformationforcommunitymemberstomakesafetydecisionsin
lightofthedanger.
QUESTIONSANDANSWERS
HerearesomeofthemostcommonlyaskedquestionsregardingtheCollege’ssexual
misconductpolicyandprocedures.
Doesinformationaboutareportremainprivate?
Theprivacyofallpartiestoareportofsexualmisconductmustberespected,
exceptinsofarasitinterfereswiththeCollege’sobligationtofullyinvestigate
allegationsofsexualmisconduct.Whereprivacyisnotstrictlykept,itwill
stillbetightlycontrolledonaneed-to-knowbasis.TheCollegewillnot
disseminateinformationand/orwrittenmaterialstopersonsnotinvolvedin
theresolutionprocesswithouttheconsentofbothparties.Witnessesare
alsorequiredtomaintaintheprivacyofinformationsharedwiththemduring
interviewsand/orhearings.Violationsoftheprivacyofthereportingparty
ortherespondingpartymayleadtoconductactionbytheCollege,though
bothpartiesareallowedtosharetheirperspectivesandexperiences.All
parties,includingwitnesses,involvedinanallegationarestrongly
encouragedtomaintaintheprivacyofinformationand/orwrittenmaterials.
Inallresolutionsofsexualmisconduct,allpartieswillbeinformedofthe
outcome.Inanyinstancesforwhichtheadministrationmayalsochooseto
makeabriefpublicannouncementofthenatureofaviolationand/orany
actiontaken,carewillbetakentoavoidtheuseofthenameoridentifiable
informationoftheallegedvictim.CertainCollegeadministratorsare
informedoftheoutcomewithintheboundsofstudentprivacy(e.g.,the
PresidentoftheCollege,DeanofStudents,DirectorofPublicSafety).Ifthere
isareportofanactofallegedsexualmisconducttoaconductofficer,the
institutionmuststatisticallyreporttheoccurrenceoncampusofmajor
violentcrimes,includingcertainsexoffenses,inan“AnnualSecurityReport”
ofcampuscrimestatistics.Thisstatisticalreportdoesnotincludepersonally
identifiableinformation.
Willmyparentsbetold?
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No,notunlessyoutellthem.Whetheryouarethereportingpartyorthe
respondingparty,theCollege’sprimaryrelationshipistothestudentandnot
totheparent.However,intheeventofmajormedical,disciplinary,or
academicjeopardy,studentsarestronglyencouragedtoinformtheirparents.
Collegeofficialswilldirectlyinformparentswhenrequestedtodosobya
student,inalife-threateningsituation,orifanindividualhassignedthe
permissionformatregistrationwhichallowssuchcommunication.
Willtherespondingpartyknowmyidentity?
Yes,iftheCollegedeterminesthereisreasonablecausetobelieveaviolation
hasoccurredandinvestigatesthematter.Therespondingpartyhastheright
toknowtheidentityofthereportingparty.Ifthereisahearing,theCollege
doesprovideoptionsforquestioningwithoutconfrontation,including
closed-circuittestimony,Skype,usingaroomdividerorusingseparate
hearingrooms.
DoIhavetonametherespondingparty?
Yes,ifyouwantformaldisciplinaryactiontobetakenagainsttheresponding
party.Youcanreporttheincidentwithouttheidentityoftheresponding
party,butdoingsomaylimittheinstitution’sabilitytorespond
comprehensively.
WhatdoIdoifIamaccusedofsexualmisconduct?
DONOTcontactthereportingparty.Youmayimmediatelywanttocontact
someonewhocanactasyouradvisor;anyonemayserveasyouradvisor.You
mayalsocontacttheStudentLifeOffice,whichcanexplaintheCollege’s
proceduresforaddressingsexualmisconductreports.Youmayalsowantto
talktoaconfidentialcounseloratthecounselingcenterorseekother
communityassistance.Seebelowregardinglegalrepresentation.
WillI(asavictim)havetopayforcounseling/ormedicalcare?
Nottypically,iftheinstitutionprovidestheseservicesalready.Ifavictimis
accessingcommunityandnon-institutionalservices,paymentforthesewillbe
subjecttostate/locallaws,insurancerequirements,etc.
Whataboutlegaladvice?
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Victimsofcriminalsexualassaultneednotretainaprivateattorneytopursue
criminalprosecutionbecauserepresentationwillbehandledbytheDistrict
Attorney’s[Prosecutor’s]office.Youmaywanttoretainanattorneyifyouare
consideringfilingacivilactionoraretherespondingparty.Theresponding
partymayretaincounselattheirownexpenseiftheydeterminethatthey
needlegaladviceaboutcriminalprosecutionand/orthecampusconduct
proceeding.Boththerespondingpartyandthereportingpartymayalsouse
anattorneyastheiradvisorduringthecampus’resolutionprocess.Attorneys
aresubjecttothesamerestrictionsasotheradvisors[intheprocessas
describedhere
Howisareportofsexualmisconductdecided?
TheCollegeinvestigatesallegationsofsex/genderbasedharassment,
discriminationormisconducttodeterminewhetherthereisevidencetoindicate
apolicyviolationis“morelikelythannot.”Thisstandard,calledthe
preponderanceoftheevidence,correspondentstoanamountofevidence
indicatingapolicyviolationismorethan50%likely.
Whataboutchangingresidencehallrooms?
Youmayrequestaroomchangeifyouwanttomove.Roomchangesunder
thesecircumstancesareconsideredemergencies.Itistypicallyinstitutional
policythatinemergencyroomchanges,thestudentismovedtothefirst
availablesuitableroom.Ifyoupreferthattherespondingpartybemovedto
anotherresidencehall,thatrequestwillbeevaluatedbytheTitleIX
CoordinatoralongwithappropriatemembersoftheInvestigativeTeamto
determineifitcanbehonored.Otherassistanceandmodificationsavailable
toyoumightinclude:
• AssistancefromCollegesupportstaffincompletingaroomrelocation;
• Arrangingtodissolveahousingcontract;
• Assistancewithorreschedulinganacademicassignment(paper,
exams,etc.)orotherwiseimplementingacademicassistance;
• Takinganincompleteinaclass; • Assistancewithtransferringclasssections;
• Temporarywithdrawal;
• Assistancewithalternativecoursecompletionoptions;
• Onoroff-campuscounselingassistance;
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•
Otheraccommodationsforsafetyasnecessary.
WhatshouldIdoaboutpreservingevidenceofasexualassault?
Policeareinthebestpositiontosecureevidenceofacrime.Physical
evidenceofacriminalsexualassaultmustbecollectedfromthealleged
victim’spersonwithin120hours,thoughevidencecanoftenbeobtained
fromtowels,sheets,clothes,etc.formuchlongerperiodsoftime.Ifyou
believeyouhavebeenavictimofacriminalsexualassault,youshouldgoto
theReidHospitalEmergencyRoom,beforewashingyourselforyour
clothing.9AStudentLifeprofessionalfromtheCollegecanalsomeetyouto
theHospitalandPublicSafetycanassistwithcontactingtaxiservicefor
transportation.Ifavictimgoestothehospital,localpolicewillbecalled,but
s/heisnotobligatedtotalktothepoliceortopursueprosecution.Having
theevidencecollectedinthismannerwillhelptokeepalloptionsavailableto
avictim,butwillnotobligatehimorhertoanycourseofaction.Collecting
evidencecanassisttheauthoritiesinpursuingcriminalcharges,shouldthe
victimdecidelatertoexerciseit.
FortheVictim:thehospitalstaffwillcollectevidence,checkforinjuries,
addresspregnancyconcernsandaddressthepossibilityofexposureto
sexuallytransmittedinfections.Ifyouhavechangedclothingsincethe
assault,bringtheclothingyouhadonatthetimeoftheassaultwithyouto
thehospitalinaclean,sanitarycontainersuchasacleanpapergrocerybag
orwrappedinacleansheet(plasticcontainersdonotbreathe,andmay
renderevidenceuseless).Ifyouhavenotchangedclothes,bringachangeof
clotheswithyoutothehospital,ifpossible,astheywilllikelykeepthe
clothesyouarewearingasevidence.Youcantakeasupportpersonwithyou
tothehospital,andtheycanaccompanyyouthroughtheexam,ifyouwant.
Donotdisturbthecrimescene—leaveallsheets,towels,etc.thatmaybear
evidenceforthepolicetocollect.
Willavictimbesanctionedwhenreportingasexualmisconductpolicyviolationif
he/shehasillegallyuseddrugsoralcohol?
No.TheseriousnessofsexualmisconductisamajorconcernandtheCollege
doesnotwantanyofthecircumstances(e.g.,drugoralcoholuse)toinhibit
9
Reid Health Emergency Department has medical personnel available to assist.
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thereportingofsexualmisconduct.TheCollegeprovidesamnestyfromany
consequencesforminorpolicyviolationsthatoccurduringorcometolightas
theresultofavictim’sreportofsexualmisconduct.
Willtheuseofdrugsoralcoholaffecttheoutcomeofasexualmisconductconduct
resolution?
Theuseofalcoholand/ordrugsbyeitherpartywillnotdiminishthe
respondingparty’sresponsibility.Ontheotherhand,alcoholand/ordruguse
islikelytoaffectthereportingparty’smemoryand,therefore,mayaffectthe
resolutionofthereportedmisconduct.Areportingpartymusteither
remembertheallegedincidentorhavesufficientcircumstantialevidence,
physicalevidenceand/orwitnessestoprovethatpolicywasviolated.Ifthe
reportingpartydoesnotrememberthecircumstancesoftheallegedincident,
itmaynotbepossibletoimposesanctionsontherespondingpartywithout
furthercorroboratinginformation.Useofalcoholand/orotherdrugswill
neverexcuseaviolationbyarespondingparty.
Willeitherparty’sprioruseofdrugsand/oralcoholbeafactorwhenreportingsexual
misconduct?
Notunlessthereisacompellingreasontobelievethatprioruseorabuseis
relevanttothepresentmatter.
WhatshouldIdoifIamuncertainaboutwhathappened?
Ifyoubelievethatyouhaveexperiencedsexualmisconduct,butareunsureof
whetheritwasaviolationoftheinstitution’ssexualmisconductpolicy,you
shouldcontacttheinstitution’sTitleIXCoordinator(notconfidential)or
CounselingServices(confidential).
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