University compliance with Title IX requirements under review

Wed, 17 Aug 2016 18:45:02 -0400
community

On August 16, 2016, UMBC’s Office of Human Relations shared a message with the UMBC community regarding a review of university compliance with Title IX requirements:

UMBC has been notified by the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education that the university is being investigated regarding compliance with Title IX requirements following a complaint filed by a student. The investigation requires a thorough review of our policies and procedures related to cases of sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other non-consensual sexual conduct.

UMBC is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and safe learning community for all students. Sexual assault incidents are a deeply troubling challenge for colleges and universities throughout the country, including UMBC, and we are committed to both preventing sexual assault and responding effectively to allegations of misconduct. We welcome this opportunity to take an even closer look at our current processes.

Providing a safe, supportive learning community has always been our priority. This ethic of care for students has guided both UMBC policies and procedures that address the reporting and investigation of sexual misconduct and the education and support we provide around issues like consent. We have consistently updated our policies, procedures, and resources to reflect our campus culture, University System of Maryland guidelines, and national best practices. These updates have been in accordance with guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Education in 2011 and most recently in 2014.

UMBC cannot comment on the specifics of individual cases of reported sexual misconduct. Office for Civil Rights investigations also are confidential and typically take several years to complete, at which point public findings are issued.

To report a sexual assault, contact University Police at 410-455-5555 at any time to make a report to the police. You can also call the UMBC Title IX Coordinator Bobbie L. Hoye at 410-455-1606 to make a report with the university.

For more information about the Title IX investigation process, please visit this FAQ.

For more information about UMBC’s sexual misconduct policies and resources for individuals, please visit the UMBC Amended Policy on Prohibited Sexual Misconduct.

Image: UMBC campus. Photo by Marlayna Demond ’11 for UMBC.