Suffolk Law Summer 2019 Student Handbook

Misconduct, including the identities of the Complainant and the Respondent, to the Director of Title IX Compliance. A report to these Responsible Employees constitutes a report which obligates the University to respond with a prompt, reasonable inquiry to determine if there is reasonable cause to believe the Policy has been violated, and take appropriate steps to address the situation including interim measures to protect the Complainant and/or community, and possible sanctions/discipline against the Respondent. If the Complainant does not wish to pursue a complaint and/or requests that their report remain confidential, Title IX nevertheless requires the University to respond and take reasonable action to mitigate the effects of the Sexual Misconduct, taking into account the Complainant’s request for confidentiality. The Complainant will be informed that the University’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident and pursue disciplinary action against the Respondent(s) may be limited. The Director of Title IX Compliance will evaluate whether the Complainant’s request for confidentiality can be honored, taking into consideration the factors and balancing test provided by the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights’ April 4, 2011 Dear Colleague Letter, see Section VI; subsection C. If the Director of Title IX determines that it cannot maintain a Complainant’s confidentiality, the Complainant will be informed prior to the start of any inquiry or Investigation, to the extent possible, and information will be shared with individuals responsible for handling the University’s response. The Complainant will not be required to participate in any Investigation or disciplinary proceeding. Even if the University cannot issue sanctions or take disciplinary action against the accused party because of maintaining the confidentiality of the Complainant, the University reserves the authority to undertake an appropriate inquiry, and implement reasonably necessary interim measures. If requested by the Complainant, the Respondent will be B. Reporting to University Police and Security The University encourages reporting of Sexual Misconduct to the Suffolk University Police and Security Department (SUPD). Complainants have the right to notify or decline to notify law enforcement. A member of the SUPD is on patrol on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is available to provide assistance to members of the Suffolk Community and Third parties. A report of Sexual Misconduct may be made at any time, day or night, by contacting SUPD at (617) 573-8111. University police and security officers are considered Responsible Employees and will report the incident to the Director of Title IX Compliance. informed that the Complainant asked the University not to investigate or seek sanctions/discipline, but that the University made the decision to go forward.

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