Suffolk Law Student Handbook 2019-2020

the University can provide reasonable protective measures, resources and interim support to provide a safe educational and work environment and to prevent additional acts of prohibited conduct.

A. Confidentiality

Different employees on campus have different abilities to maintain an individual’s confidentiality. Some are required to maintain complete confidentiality, see Section VI. Most employees are considered Responsible Employees and are required to report the prohibited conduct, including the identities of the Complainant and the Respondent, to the Office of Title IX. 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 prohibited conduct, 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 a balancing test of factors. 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 informed that the Complainant asked the University not to investigate or seek sanctions/discipline, but that the University made the decision to go forward.

B. Reporting to University Police and Security

The University encourages reporting of prohibited conduct 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, relationship violence and stalking 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.

C. Reporting to the University’s Director of Title IX Compliance

The University has designated the Director of Title Compliance as the Title IX Coordinator. A report of sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking can be made directly to the Director of Title IX Compliance. All Responsible Employees must inform the Director of Title IX Compliance if they receive a report, and complete the Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking Report Form. The University’s Director of Title IX Compliance is:

Sheila M. Calkins, BSN, JD Director of Title IX and Clery Act Compliance 13th floor, 73 Tremont Street 617-573-8027 title9@suffolk.edu

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