Since joining Case Western Reserve University in June 2021, Rachel Lutner has made it her mission to help students get to know the Office of Equity.
Lutner says what she enjoys most about being part of Case Western Reserve is working with students on the different causes and initiatives that are important to them—most recently helping a group of student from Greek life create a handbook for handling incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Lutner also meets regularly with the Undergraduate Student Government administration to help familiarize them with the work of the Office of Equity and make sure students are aware of its resources.
“One of the most important functions of my role is to make sure that students who are experiencing discrimination or harassment get all the support the university can provide,” explained Lutner. “As the Title IX coordinator, I try to do most of the initial outreach to students, employees and visitors to campus, communicate the process and make sure they feel comfortable coming to us.”
Most recently, Lutner led the effort to finalize and publish the university’s updated sexual harassment policy, following the creation of an Interim sexual harassment policy in 2020—the result of an effort by a Policy Review Committee of students, faculty and staff.
“Title IX changed a lot last summer, so all schools had to update their sexual harassment policies,” explained Lutner. In addition to giving those involved in a sexual harassment matter the choice of whether to participate or not, the new policy provides equal access to information, the right to have questions answered promptly and respectful treatment for all parties.
Lutner added that, just like the interim sexual harassment policy, the new policy aims to help ensure the university keeps complaints as private as possible, and gives the individuals involved the assistance and support of an advisor at meetings, investigations and during resolution proceedings.
Students, faculty and staff who have questions about the Title IX policy and process, or the resources and training available through the Office of Equity, can contact the office at 216.368.3066 or titleix@case.edu.