The federal government’s release of new interim guidance regarding sexual misconduct has prompted questions regarding its effects on Case Western Reserve’s policy and practices.
While the university will continue to evaluate potential implications of the information released, officials have reviewed the education department’s materials and do not anticipate changes at this time. Case Western Reserve’s efforts to create a campus environment free from discrimination, harassment and assault continue—as does the university’s commitment to fair and timely resolution of cases filed with its Title IX office.
Prevention continues to be a top priority; Green Dot, a nationally renowned bystander intervention program, is just one of several initiatives launched last year that is gaining momentum this fall. Case Western Reserve’s Title IX website offers extensive information regarding individual rights, on- and off-campus resources, and processes involved in sexual misconduct cases. The university also has increased and enhanced the training provided to staff and hearing panel members, and also provides training opportunities to those who want to learn more about policies and prevention efforts.
The U.S. Department of Education’s interim guidance gives institutions the option to revise specific aspects of their processes, but does not require action. The university’s current practices comply fully with all of the notification and due process criteria the U.S. Department of Education articulated last week, as well as other statutory requirements of the federal Clery reporting act and state law. The university will closely follow the education department’s new proposed processes involving Title IX policies, and will participate in providing feedback when appropriate. Our national higher education organizations will remain engaged in the rule-making process as well.
Those who have additional questions regarding the university’s practices involving sexual misconduct investigations or the implications of the new interim guidance are encouraged to contact the university’s Title IX office by visiting case.edu/title-ix/contact/.