August 1, 2024

Interim Title IX Policy and Procedure

This message was emailed to students, faculty, and staff on Aug. 1, 2024.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In April, the U.S. Department of Education issued amendments to the regulations implementing Title IX. Those changes are effective today. To comply with the new regulations, the College is releasing an Interim Title IX Policy and Procedure, effective today and applicable to conduct allegedly occurring on or after Aug. 1, 2024. This Interim Policy and Procedure will be vetted through our normal governance channels immediately at the start of the fall semester in order to ensure that our community has a meaningful opportunity to provide feedback regarding the portions of the Interim Policy and Procedure over which the Title IX regulations give the College discretion.

The Interim Policy and Procedure reflects the changes in the Title IX regulations that become effective today including but not limited to: 

  • Offering supportive measures to every alleged victim of sexual harassment; 
  • Providing complainants and respondents clear procedural rights in a transparent grievance process designed to reach reliable outcomes; 
  • Articulating the circumstances in which the College must respond to allegations of sexual harassment; 
  • Revising the education programs and activities in which the College is responsible for responding to allegations of sexual harassment; 
  • Revising the grievance procedure to incorporate due process principles set forth in the amended regulations; and 
  • Incorporating protections for pregnant students. 

While many of these elements were included in our prior policy, the revision process has allowed the College to develop an interim policy focused solely on our Title IX obligations and inclusive of new requirements. This revision process was conducted in consultation with the College’s General Counsel, Tim Cedrone. 

Though the amended regulations require changes to the College’s policies and procedures, what remains constant is our dedication to a process that respects the equal dignity of all members of the Lafayette community. We respect the rights of those who experience sexual harassment to proceed in the way that is best for them and their healing. We respect their right to choose to bring a report forward for a formal resolution or to seek a response from the College that is primarily centered on supportive measures and resources available from the College and/or the larger community. Fair process is a priority, as is repairing harm and facilitating healing and safety for all members of the community irrespective of race, sex, gender identity/expression, age, ability, religion, socio-economic status, and the other qualities and identities that we value as a diverse community. 

As a reminder, reports of sexual harassment can be made through One Pard. There is no time limit on the reporting of offenses to the College. If you have questions about the process or wish to talk to someone about your options to report or seek support as a Complainant or Respondent, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Amanda Hanincik, Director of Educational Equity