111 / 154
105
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
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 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.
C. Reporting to the University’s Director of Title IX Compliance
The University has designated the Director of Title IX and Clery Act Compliance [Director of
Title IX] as the Title IX Coordinator. A report of Sexual Misconduct can be made directly to the
Director of Title IX. All Responsible Employees must inform the Director of Title IX if they