sexual misconduct, education abroad and title ix/clery act · 01/05/2014 · sexual misconduct,...

SexualMisconduct,EducationAbroadandTitleIX/CleryAct

TheForumonEducationAbroadStandardsCommitteeTitleIX/CleryActWorkingGroup

UpdatedFebruary2017

WorkingGroupMembers:StephenBrunelle,NorthernVirginiaCommunityCollege

BillBull,CIEEJulieFriend,NorthwesternUniversityTrevorGoddard,MonashUniversity

AnneHaberkern,PortlandCommunityCollegeMarkHayes,AmericanUniversity

JoannaHolvey-BowlesJodiMalmgren,St.OlafCollege(Chair)

StaceyTsantir,DIS


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TableofContents

ANotefromtheWorkingGroupChair(3)

OverviewandAudience(4)

Section1:UnderstandingtheLaw(5-6)

Section2:Pre-compliance(7-8)

Section3:AffiliationsandPartnerships(8-10)

Section4:StudentAdvisingandOrientation(10-12)

Section5:First-ResponderTrainingforFacultyandStaffAbroad(12-14)

Section6:CommunicationwithFamiliesandthePublic(14-16)

Definitions(17-19)

ResourcesandLinks(20-23)

SupplementaryDocuments:

Supplement1:RecentHistoryofTitleIXandtheCleryAct/VAWALegislation(24-27)

Supplement2:TitleIXDistanceInvestigations(28-30)


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ANotefromtheWorkingGroupChair,JodiMalmgrenTheForumStandardsCommitteechargedtheworkinggrouptocreatearesourcetohelptheeducationabroadfieldunderstandU.S.federallawwithregardtosexualmisconductinthecontextoftheCleryActandTitleIXlegislationandevolvingfederalguidance.Workinggroupmembersrepresenttwo-andfour-yearU.S.institutions,providers,andinternationaluniversities;ourdocumentdeliberatelyaddressesallofthesetypesofinstitutions.TheresourcefollowsthestyleofTheForumStandardsbyofferingbulletpointsandqueriesformemberstoprevent,respondto,andreportsexualmisconductabroad.Itincludesanoverviewofthelaw,definitions,resourcelinks,andtwosupplementaryreports.Weareindebtedtotheexpertiseprovidedbythemanyindividualswhoreadandrespondedtoourearlydraftsandofferedhelpfulfeedback.Wehopethatcolleagueswillcontinuetocontributetoandstrengthenthisresource.


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OverviewandAudience

U.S.federallawscreatespecificobligationsforU.S.collegesanduniversitiesregardingtheprevention,reporting,andresponsetocampussexualmisconduct.1ThisresourceaimstoassistTheForumonEducationAbroad(Forum)memberinstitutionstounderstandU.S.federallawwithregardtosexualmisconduct.StatelawintheUnitedStatesandinternationallawsareoutsidethescopeofthisdocument.ForummemberinstitutionshavedifferingobligationswithregardtoU.S.federallaw:

• U.S.homeinstitutionsarerequiredtocomplywiththelawandtoimplementbestpracticestoprevent,report,andrespondtosexualmisconduct.2ThisresourcemayassistU.S.institutionstomeettheirlegalandinstitutionalpolicyobligations,andtoeducatetheireducationabroadpartnersabouttheirexpectations.

• U.S.programprovidersnotbasedataU.S.institution,butwhoprimarilyservestudentsfromU.S.sendinginstitutions,havenolegalobligationtocomplywiththeselaws.ThisresourcemayassistproviderstoimplementinstitutionalpracticesthatsupporttheirU.S.sendinginstitutionsabilitytocomply.

• HostinstitutionsandprogramprovidersbasedoutsidetheU.S.arenotboundtocomplywiththeselawsunlesstheyparticipateinU.S.federalfinancialaidprograms.3ThisresourcemayassistinternationalhostinstitutionsandproviderstounderstandtheU.S.legalcontext,toimplementinstitutionalpracticestosupportU.S.homeinstitutionpartnersandstudents,andtoconveytheirownlegalandinstitutionalobligations.

• OtherForummemberinstitutions(e.g.,insurancecompanies)mayhavenoobligationsunderthelawandarenottheprimaryaudienceofthisdocument,butareencouragedtouseittobetterunderstandU.S.federallawregardingsexualmisconductandtoreviewtheirowninstitutionalpoliciesandprocedurestoassisttheirfellowForummemberinstitutionswherepossible.

AllForummemberinstitutionscanendeavortounderstandtheU.S.legalenvironmentandtoeducatetheirpartnersabouttheirownlegalandpolicyframeworks.Aneffectiveresponsetotheevolvingexpectationsaroundsexualmisconductprevention,reporting,andresponsewillrequireconstructivedialogueamongallmembersoftheeducationabroadfield.Further,allForummemberscanbenefitfromunderstandingthebestpracticesrelatedtotheprevention,

1AlltermsinboldareincludedintheDefinitionssectionofthedocument,followingSection6.2WhenaU.S.homeinstitutionmakesarrangementswithaprogramprovider/hostinstitutiontoserveitsstudents,34CFR106.31(d)ofTitleIXrequirestheU.S.institutionto“developandimplementaproceduredesignedtoassureitselfthatthe…sponsor…takesnoaction…whichthispartwouldprohibitsuchrecipientfromtaking.”3TheU.S.legalframeworkofTitleVII,TitleIX,theCleryAct,andVAWA(describedinmoredetailinSection1)ismetwithcountervailingexpectationsunderinternationallaws,andU.S.homeinstitutionalpoliciesmaycontrastwiththoseestablishedbythehostinstitution.Inparticular,expectationsofconfidentialityanddutyofcarediffersubstantiallyfromcountrytocountryandinstitutiontoinstitution.


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reporting,andresponsetosexualmisconduct,evenwherenotrequiredbythelaws,becausethesepracticeseducateandsupportstudentsstudyingabroad.Section1:UnderstandingtheLawTheU.S.LegalContextU.S.federallawscreatespecificobligationsforU.S.collegesanduniversitiesregardingtheprevention,reporting,andresponsetocampussexualmisconduct:

• TitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964(TitleVII),• TitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(TitleIX),• TheJeanneCleryDisclosureofCampusSecurityPolicyandCampusCrimeStatisticsAct

of1990(theCleryAct),ando TheViolenceAgainstWomenReauthorizationAct(VAWA),signedin2014,

amendedandexpandedcertainrequirementsoftheCleryActastheyrelatetosexualviolence.

ThisForumresourcefocusesonsexualmisconductinhighereducationwhereTitleIXandClery/VAWAlegislationoverlaps.ThereareareasofbothTitleIXandClerythatareoutsidethescopeofthisresource.Forpurposesofthisdocument,“sexualmisconduct”isdefinedtoinclude:

• UnderTitleIXo Sexualharassmentincludingsexualassaultandviolencethatare,ataminimum,

violationsofstateorFederalcriminallaw,butarealsoviolationsofstudents’andemployees’civilrightsandviolationsoftheinstitution’scodeofconductandemployeehandbooks.

o Verbal,nonverbal,andphysicalactsofasexualnaturethatareunwelcomeandcreateahostileenvironmentoncampus.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedtosexistjokes,genderharassment,flashing,groping,catcalls,rape,relationship-basedviolence,stalking,quidproquosexualharassment,andrevengeporn.

• UndertheCleryActasamendedbyVAWAo SexualAssault(examplesincludebutmaynotbelimitedtorape,fondling,incest,

andstatutoryrape),o Domesticviolence,datingviolence,andstalking.

CleryActrequirementswithregardtosexualmisconductaretohavepolicies,proceduresandtrainingrelatedtotheClery-typesexualcrimesandtoreportincidentsofthesespecifictypesofsexualmisconductthatoccuroncertaintypesofproperty.InaCleryAnnualReport4,incidentsarereportedpubliclybycrime,propertytypeandyear.Onlynumbersareprovided.4Seeareporttemplateonpages9-5and9-6oftheCleryhandbook(2014)andnotethattheCleryAnnualReportcanalsobeinnarrativeordescriptiveformat.Also,notetheveryspecificdefinitionsforClerytypecrimesandpropertiesinthelaw.


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TitleIXrequirementsforsexualmisconductaremuchbroaderthanCleryActrequirementsandincludesexualmisconductoutsideoftheClery-typecrimes(seedefinitionofsexualmisconductabove).ThereachofTitleIXisnotlimitedbypropertytypebutinsteadappliestoanysexualmisconductthatcreatesahostileenvironmentoncampus.5TitleIXdoesnotrequireapublicAnnualReportbutdoesrequireinternalinstructionalreportingwithstudentname(s)attached.6TheEducationAbroadContext

Thelaw,atpresent,doesnotspecificallyaddressthemanagementofaTitleIXincidentonauniversity-sponsoredactivityabroad.LimitedofficialguidanceisavailableontheCleryActobligationsoneducationabroad.7Yet,U.S.studentsarenowaggressivelyeducatedontheirrightsandresponsibilitiesathomeregardingsexualmisconduct;studentsmaintaintheseexpectationswhentheygoabroad.Further,manycampusesextendtheirpoliciesonsexualmisconducttotheireducationabroadprograms,evenwherenotnecessarilyrequiredbylawtodoso,especiallyinrelationtoprovidingsupporttoareportingindividual.HowaparticularU.S.collegeoruniversityinterpretsitsTitleIXandCleryActobligations,andhowthoseobligationsplayoutineducationabroadatthatinstitution,ishighlydependentoninstitutionalcontextandthelegalandculturalframeworksinlocationsabroad.InrecognitionofthevarietyofapproachesU.S.collegecampusesaretakingtocomplywiththerequirementsunderbothTitleIXandtheCleryAct(asamendedbyVAWA),thisresourceavoidsaprescriptiveapproachtolegalcomplianceanddoesnotindicatehowtocomplywithTitleIXandClery.8Instead,itpresentssuggestedbestpracticesandqueriesforForummemberstoprovideaframeworkinsidewhicheachorganizationcandefine,communicateandputintopracticeitsownapproach.EducationabroadprofessionalsshouldbemindfulofthescopeoftheirprofessionalexpertiseandworkinpartnershipwithTitleIXandCleryActexpertsandwithlegalcounsel.InternationalLaw

ThisdocumentdoesnotreviewlawsoutsideoftheU.S.thatmayoverlaporconflictwithTitleIXandtheCleryAct.However,itisimportanttonotethatneitherlawhasjurisdictionovernon-U.S.institutionsthatdonotparticipateinU.S.financialaidprograms.Thus,recommendations

5Notethatmanycampuseshavetrainedtheirstafftoreportallcasesofsexualmisconduct,includinganythathaveapotentialtocreateahostileenvironmentoncampustotheappropriatecampusauthoritiessothatadecisioncanbemadeastowhethertheconductcreatesanactualhostileenvironmentoncampus.6Formoreinformationontherecenthistory,specificrequirementsunderbothTitleIXandtheCleryActpleaseseeSupplement1:RecentHistoryofTitleIXandtheCleryActasAmendedbyVAWA.7TheOfficeforCivilRights(OCR)hastakenthepositionthatSection504,withthesamejurisdictionalscopeofTitleIX,doesnotapplyabroad.8OCR,inacomplaintagainstArizonaState(no.08012047)tookthepositionthatVAWAdoesapplyabroad.


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fornon-U.S.institutionsthroughoutthedocumentshouldbereadwithinthecontextofeachinstitution’sownlegalstructureandrequirements.

Section2:Pre-Compliance

Todevelopeffectivepoliciesandprocedureswithregardtosexualmisconductabroad,homeinstitutionsmayfirstneedtocreatemechanismstodocumentparticipationininternationalexperiences,engagewiththeiron-campusexpertsandstakeholders,identifyindividualswhowillneedspecializedtraining,alertparticipantstotheirrightsandresponsibilities,andbeginadialoguewithreceivingpartners.U.S.HomeInstitutions:

• Createmechanismstoknowwhenanystudent–graduateorundergraduate,degree-seekingornon-degreeseeking–istravelingabroadunderuniversitysponsorship,whetheronaneducationabroadprogramoranyotherinternationalexperience(e.g.,independentresearch,internship).Documentthelocation,housing,dates,partners,andotherdetailsforeachinternationalexperience.

• Identifyallfacultyandstaffwhoaccompanystudentsabroadinthecourseoftheirinstitutionalemployment.

• Engagewithon-campusstakeholders,(e.g.,legalcounsel,TitleIXcoordinator,studentlifeadministrators)tocreateinstitutionalpolicyandprocedureforsexualmisconductabroad.9

• RelyonTitleIXexpertsoncampustodeterminewhoisaresponsibleemployeeormandatoryreporterrequiredtodisclosereportsofsexualmisconducttotheTitleIXCoordinator.

• AsktheCleryCoordinatorwhetherornotyouoperate,administerorsponsoreducationabroadprogramsthatfallunderCleryreportingrequirements.Determinewhoisacampussecurityauthority(CSA)whoisresponsibletocollectandsharecertainincidentdatawithcampuspolice.10

• Identifyindividualswhomightbeinapositiontoreceiveadisclosureofsexualmisconductanddeemthemfirstresponders.

• Developstandardreportinglanguageandformat.• ConsultwithTitleIXexpertsaboutthecampusapproachtobystandertrainingand

discusshowitwillbemodifiedtotheinternationalcontext.• Note:Non-residentialinstitutionsthatprovideormanagehousingonlyforprograms

abroadmustconsiderhowaresidentialcomponentmayimpactsexualmisconduct

9Ongoingdialoguehelpson-campusstakeholdersunderstandtheuniquechallengesandcontextofeducationabroadprogramsandensuresthateducationabroadofficelanguage,policies,andprocessesalignwiththecampussexualmisconductpolicy(shapedbyTitleIXandClery).Smallorone-personeducationabroadofficesmayneedevenmoresupportfromtheiron-campuscolleagues.10Notethisdatadoesnotincludepersonallyidentifiableinformation.


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casesanddeterminehowtorespondtoallegationsinwhichboththereportingindividualandrespondentareresidentininstitutionally-controlledhousing.Itmaybeofvaluetoconsultwithcolleaguesatresidentialinstitutionsregardingresidential-life-specificpoliciesandproceduresrelatedtosexualmisconduct.

• Identifyprogramprovidersandhostinstitutionswithwhomyouwillneedtobeginadialogueregardingsexualmisconductabroad.

Queries:1. Howdoyoudocumentinternationalactivitiesofallfaculty,staff,andstudents?2. Isyoureducationabroadstaffconnectedwithon-campusexpertsinTitleIX,theClery

Act,and/orstudentaffairs?3. Whatareyourpoliciesandproceduresforsexualmisconductabroad?Howaresexual

misconductincidentsreportedandinwhatformat?4. Haveyouidentifiedindividualswhomaybecalledupontorespondtoorreportsexual

misconduct?5. Haveyouidentifiedyourprogramproviderandhostinstitutionpartnerstobegina

dialogueregardingsexualmisconduct?

Section3:AffiliationsandPartnerships

Educationabroadreliesoninstitutionalpartnershipstobesuccessful.Inthecontextofsexualmisconduct,itisrecommendedthathomeinstitutionsconsultlegalcounselandtheCleryActandTitleIXexpertswhendevelopingpoliciesandproceduresand/orwhenestablishingaffiliationagreementsorcontractsthatcodifyexpectationswithprogramprovidersand/orhostinstitutions(partners).11HostinstitutionsandprogramproviderscanseektounderstandU.S.homeinstitutionconcernsandrequestsrelatingtotheirsexualmisconductpoliciesandconveytheirowncultural,institutional,andlegalcontexts.ItisimportanttorecognizethatU.S.partnersmaybestrugglingtoformulatetheirinstitutionalresponsetotheserelativelynewlegalexpectations;expectationsmaywellevolveoverthenextfewyearsaslegalobligationsinaninternationalcontextbecomefurtherestablished.

11U.S.institutionsinvolvedinpartnershipsorconsortiawithotherU.S.institutionsshouldconsiderhowtheissuesandqueriesbelowmightapplytothembothasahome(sending)institution,andasaprovider/host(receiving)institution,dependingonthepartner/consortiaarrangements.


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HomeInstitutions:

• Establishcleardefinitionsofsexualmisconductindialoguewithpartnersandincontractnegotiations.

• ConveyinstitutionalpoliciesandlegalobligationsunderTitleIXandtheCleryActwithregardtosexualmisconductabroadtopartners.

• Facilitateopendiscussionswithpartnersaboutthepotentialcultural,organizational,andlegalissuesrelatedtoincidentsofsexualmisconductinthehostcountryandhowtheseissuesmayaffectpoliciesandprocedures,educationalprogrammingforfacultyandstaff,andguidanceprovidedtostudents.

• Establishclearexpectationswithpartnersonresponse,reporting,investigation12andadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductinvolvingtheirstudents.

• Definewhetherpartnerfaculty/staffareconsideredresponsibleemployeesorconfidentialresources.

• Workwithpartnerstodefinestudentrightswhenreportingsexualmisconductwithregardtoconfidentialityandreportingtothehomeinstitution.

• Ensureappropriateeducationalprogrammingforpartnerstaffandfacultyonresponseandreportingofsexualmisconduct.

Workwithpartnerstoconducta“gapanalysis”toidentifyconflictsbetweenlegalobligationsandinstitutionalpolicywithregardtoconfidentialityanddutyofcare.Ifgapscannotberesolvedtobothpartiessatisfaction,eachwillneedtoconsiderifthepartnershipisviable.Queries(forhomeinstitutions):

1. Haveyoudefinedsexualmisconductandconveyedtoyourpartnersyourinstitutionalexpectationsandlegalobligationswithregardtosexualmisconduct?

2. Haveyoulearnedfromyourpartnersabouttheirinstitutionalpolicyandhostcountrylegalandculturalcontexts?

3. Haveyousetclearexpectationswithpartnersforresponse,reporting,investigationandadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductinvolvingstudents?

4. Haveyouidentifiedpartnerresponsibleemployeesorconfidentialresources?5. Howdoyouensurethatstudentsareinformedofpoliciesandprocedures?6. Howdoyouensurethatstaffandfacultyareproperlytrainedonsupportandreporting

requirements?7. Howdoyouidentifyconflictsbetweenhomeandhostcountrylegalobligationsand

institutionalpolicywithregardtosexualmisconductand/orconfidentiality?ProgramProvidersandHostInstitutions:

• Createinstitutionalpoliciesandproceduresforresponsetosexualmisconduct.12FormoreinformationonDistanceTitleIXinvestigation,pleaseseethesupplementarydocumentonpages27-29.


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• Setclearexpectationswithpartnerhomeinstitutionsonhowtohandleresponse,reporting,investigationandadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductandanylimitationsduetoinstitutionalandlegalissuesinthehostcountry.

• Workwithhomeinstitutionstoconducta“gapanalysis”toidentifyconflictsbetweenlegalcontextsandinstitutionalpolicies.Acknowledgeexpectationsandlimitationsoncommunicationstomaintainconfidentialityofstudentincidentsinaccordancewithlocallawsandinstitutionalpolicies.Ifgapscannotberesolvedtobothpartiessatisfaction,eachwillneedtoconsiderifthepartnershipisviable.

• Definewhetherfaculty/staffareconsideredresponsibleemployeesorconfidentialresources.

• Ensureappropriateeducationalprogrammingforstaffandfacultyforagreed-uponcriteriaforreportingandresponse.

Queries(forprogramprovidersandhostinstitutions):

1. Whatareyoursexualmisconductpoliciesandprocedures?2. Haveyousetclearexpectationswithhomeinstitutionsonhowreporting,reporting

individualsupport,investigation,andadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductinvolvingtheirstudentswillbehandled?Howareincidentsreportedandinwhatformat?

3. Whatarethelimitationsorrestrictionsonreportingtothehomeinstitution,duetoconfidentialitylawsinthecountrieswhereyouareoperatingandduetoinstitutionalpolicies?

4. Howdoyoudetermineifsomeoneatyourorganizationcanbeconsideredaresponsibleemployeeforreportingoraconfidentialresourceforahomeinstitutionstudent?

5. Howdoyouensurethatstaffandfacultyareproperlytrainedonsupportandreportingrequirements?

6. ConsiderhowtheabovequerieswouldapplyincaseswhereyouareamemberofaconsortiumorpartnershipofU.S.institutions,andreceive/enrollstudentsfromanotherU.S.institutiononprogramssponsored/managedbyyourinstitution.WhatareyourexpectationsofyourU.S.institutionalpartnersvis-à-visTitleIXincidentsinvolvingoneoftheirstudentsenrollingonaprogramsponsoredbyyourinstitution,andtheirexpectationsofyou?

Section4:StudentAdvisingandOrientation Advisingandorientationareacollaborativeeffortamongsendinghomeinstitutionsandreceivingprogramprovidersand/orhostinstitutions.Pre-departureandon-siteadvisingandorientationshouldexplainstudents’rightsundertheinstitutionalsexualmisconductpoliciesandaddressthecontext(s)inwhichsuchrights,responsibilities,orresourcesmaybelimitedordifferfromtheon-campusTitleIXenvironment.Informationaboutrights,resources,and


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responseforbothreportingindividualsandrespondentsshouldbeprovidedbothverballyandinwriting.

Homeinstitutions:

• WorkwiththeTitleIXCoordinatortodeveloparesourceforeducationabroadparticipantsthatinformsstudentsoftheirsexualmisconductrightsandresponsibilities.13

• Conveytostudentsthatcultural,institutional,andlegalnormsandproceduresforrespondingtoincidentsofsexualmisconductwillvaryfromtheU.S.contextwhileabroadintheirhostcountry,whilecertainrightsremainintactunderyourinstitution’ssexualmisconductpolicy.

o AmericanCitizensServices(ACS)staffatU.S.embassiesorconsulatescanprovideassistanceinunderstandinghowsexualmisconductismanagedbylocallawenforcementandtreatedinthelaw.

o MembersoftheOverseasSecurityAdvisoryCouncil,adivisionoftheBureauofDiplomaticSecurityintheU.S.DepartmentofState,canalsocontactaResearchandInformationSupportAnalystforassistanceinidentifyinglocalresourcesortoliaisewiththenearestembassyorconsulate.

o InadditiontoACSemployees,localfacultyandstaffareexcellentresourcesinhelpingtonavigatetheprosandconsofreportingsexualmisconducttolocallawenforcement.

• Offerstudentspre-departureorientationthatpreparesthemfortherisks14ofsexualmisconductintheirhostcountryandoffersguidanceonhowtominimizetheserisks.

o AskTitleIXexpertsandformerparticipantstoassistinmaterialsdevelopment.Iftherearefacultyorstaffwithapplicableexpertise,suchasingenderstudiesorwithalonghistoryoftheirowntraveltodiverselocationswheretheserisksarepresent,invitethemtobeapartofthisprocess.

• Makestudentsawareofconfidentialresources15thatareavailableintheU.S.incaseofsexualmisconduct.

13Iftheinstitutionlacksthecapacitytodevelopsucharesourcefromscratch,consideraddingrelevantinternationalcontenttoexistinginformationdevelopedforstudentsoncampus.14Shareinformationaboutspecificlocationsthatposedrisktostudentsinthepast.Forexample,“basedonanactofsexualmisconducttwoyearsago,thereareCCTVcamerasinthelobbytomakeitclearthatanyonewhoentersourfacilitieswillhavetheiridentityrecorded.”15Studentsmayreportanassaultthatoccurredathome.Inthiscase,thesameresponsemechanismwouldapplyandfocusonprovidingthestudentanyrequestedmedicalormentalhealthservicesaswellasaccesstouniversityofficialsonthehomecampusshouldtheywishtohavetheperpetratorheldaccountable.Sometimes,studentsdon’twanttotalkaboutsexualmisconductabroaduntiltheyreturntocampus.ManyinstitutionsevenofferspecificservicestosupportreportingindividualsthroughStudentAffairs,CampusHealthServices,oraWomen’sCenter.Adetaileddescriptionofservicesisusuallyavailableontheirwebsites.


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o Phone24/7crisishotlinesinyourcommunitytogaugewillingnessorabilitytorespondtooverseasinquiries.Offertotrainemployeesonsexualmisconductthatoccursintheeducationabroadsetting.

o SeetheLinkssectionforinternationalorganizationsthatprovideresourcesforsurvivorsofsexualmisconduct.

• Explainhowresponse,reporting,investigationandadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductarehandledbythehomeinstitution.

Queries(forhomeinstitutions):

1. Howdoesyourorganizationensurethatstudentsareinformedoftheirrightsandresponsibilitiesunderyoursexualmisconductpolicies?

2. Howdoyouconveythedifferingcultural,institutional,andlegalcontextsabroad?3. Howisinformationregardingtherisksofsexualmisconductincorporatedintoyourpre-

departureinformation?4. Howdoesyourstudentadvisingprocessensurethatstudentsareinformedof

confidentialresourcesandoftheinstitutionalprocessforreporting,investigating,andadjudicatingincidentsofsexualmisconduct?

HostInstitutionsandProgramProviders:

• Offerstudentson-siteorientationthatpreparesthemfortherisksofsexualmisconductinthehostcountryandoffersguidanceonhowtominimizetheserisks.

• Helpstudentstounderstand,inadvanceof(and,asappropriate,againintheeventof)anincidentdisclosure,theculturalnormsarounddatingandsexualityandlegaldefinitionsofsexualmisconductinthehostcountry.

• Makestudentsawareofconfidentialresourcesinthehostprogramlocation,shouldtheyrequiresupportbutnotwishtofileacomplaint.

• Explainhowresponse,reporting,investigation,andadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductarehandled,includingcommunicationwiththestudent’shomeinstitutionand/oremergencycontact.

• Alertstudentswhodon’twantparentstoknowabouttheincidentthatinsuranceclaimsmayautomaticallygotoaparent’shomeaddressformedical/psychologicalservicesadministeredabroad.

Queries(forhostinstitutionsandprogramproviders):

1. Howdoesyouron-siteorientationpresentinformationabouttherisksofsexualmisconduct,advisestudentsabouthowtominimizethoserisks,andprovidestudentswithcontextfortheculturalnorms16andlegaldefinitionsrelatedtodating,sexuality,andsexualmisconduct?

16Commonly,educationabroadparticipantsraisequestionsaboutcertainbehaviorsastheyrelatetosexualmisconductandthehostculture(e.g.,catcalling).Followingsuchaconversation,ifastudentfeelstheyhaveexperiencedharmfulconduct,thenthebehaviorshouldbereportedunderestablishedsexualmisconductreportingproceduresandthestudentshouldbeprovidedsupportresources,evenifsuchbehavioriscommonin


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2. Howdoesyourstudentadvisingprocessensurethatstudentsareinformedofconfidentialresourcesavailabletothem,andoftheinstitutionalprocessforreporting,investigating,andadjudicatingincidentsofsexualmisconduct–includingpoliciesregardingcommunicationwiththestudent’shomeinstitutionandemergencycontact?

Section5:First-ResponderEducationalProgrammingforFacultyandStaffAbroad

U.S.institutions,providers,orhostinstitutionsareurgedtodevelopeffectivepolicies,educationalprogramming,andprotocolsforsexualmisconductincidentfirstresponse.U.S.HomeInstitutions:

• RelyonTitleIX,Cleryandstudentserviceexpertsoncampustodevelopeducationalprogramsandmaterialsspecifictoeducationabroadsexualmisconductfirstresponders.

• Adaptprotocolsthataddresstheroleandbreadthofresponsibilityoftheindividualbeingtrainedasaresponder.TitleIXexpertscanhelpeducationabroadfacultyandstaffunderstandtheirresponsibilitiesandtheirprofessionallimits.Forexample,itisneveradvisedtoengageinacounselingrolewhenoneisneithertrainednorlicensedtodoso.

• Defineandcommunicatetheinstitutionalunderstandingofprivacy.Throughtraining,institutionscanhelpfirstrespondersunderstandthecontextsinwhichtheymustreportsexualmisconductincidentsandtowhom.Materialscanbedevelopedtoprovidelanguageafirstrespondercanusetoexplainthisresponsibilitytoreportaswellastointerruptthedisclosureandre-directastudenttoconfidentialresourcesifthestudentdoesnotwantthereportrecordedbytheinstitution.

• Emphasizethatthemostimportantroleofafacultyorstaffmemberwhoreceivesadisclosureistotakethematterseriously,helpthereportingindividualunderstandhis/heroptions,andreportasrequiredtotheTitleIXCoordinator.Institutionscanmodelappropriateresponsestoadisclosureofsexualmisconductandprovidelanguagethatconveyscompassion,empathyandsupport.HelpingsomeoneknowwhattosayaswellaswhatNOTtosay,isequallyuseful.

• ConsideridentifyingdeputyTitleIXcoordinatorsforprogramswithapermanentoverseaspresence.Permanent,full-time,on-sitestaffmayhaveagreaterroleinprovidingfirstresponseandongoingservicetothereportingindividual,particularlyiftheyareclassifiedasadeputyTitleIXcoordinator.HeorshemaydraftanddistributetheTitleIXletter,explaininstitutionalproceduresrelatedtoaformalcomplaint,and/orassistwithaninvestigation,etc.Educationabroadprogramswithnopermanenton-sitestaffshoulddevelopaprocesstorelyonhomeinstitutionTitleIXstaff.

theculturalcontext.Whilethelocalresourcepersonshouldstrivetohelptheparticipantunderstandtypicalbehaviorintheculture,heorsheshouldalsorecognizethatdifferentstudentswillresponddifferentlytothesamebehavior,takecaretovalidatethestudent’sresponse,anderronthesideofreportingandsupport.


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HomeInstitutions,incollaborationwithanyon-sitestaff,HostInstitutionsorProgramProviders,should

• Learnabouttheriskcultureforsexualmisconductandresourcesforassistanceinthehostcountry.

• Helpfacultyandstafftogainfamiliaritywithcultural,institutionalandlegalissuesrelatedtodealingwithincidentsofsexualmisconductandtheprotectionoftherightsofreportingindividualsandrespondents,includingtheU.S.embassyandconsularservices.Evaluatewhetheritwouldbeappropriatetoincludelocalpolice.

• Developamedicalmanagementplaninconcertwiththeinstitution’sinternationalmedicalassistanceandinsuranceproviderthatissurvivor-centric.Pre-identifymedicalfacilitiesthatspecializeinrespondingtosexualassaultandculturallysensitivecounselingresources.

• Identify,inadvanceofneed,avarietyofresources,inpersonorinprint,tooffersupporttoareportingindividual.Someexamplesincludelocalresources,suchasvictimssupportprograms,hostcampusresources,recommendationsfromyourmedicalorsecurityassistanceprovider,thenearestU.S.embassyorconsulate,andtrustedcolleagues.

HostInstitutionsorProgramProviders• DiscusssexualmisconductpolicyrequirementswithU.S.homeinstitutionpartnersin

ordertounderstandtheirrequirements,towhatextentyoucanorcannotsupporttheirrequirements,andwheretheremaybeconflictsbetweentheschool’spolicyandyourlocal/nationallawsandregulatoryframeworks.

• DevelopeducationalprogrammingforstaffwhointeractwithU.S.studentsthataddressesreportingandfirstresponderissues,andparticularlyaddressesanydifferencesthatmayexistbetweenlocalpolicyandU.S.studentexpectationsaroundissuessuchasprivatevs.confidentialsupports,referringstudentstoconfidentialsupports,andlegal/lawenforcementand/ormedical/counselingreferraloptionsandrequirements.

• Developeducationalprogrammingabouthowtoacceptadisclosurefromastudent,andhowtoletstudentsknowiftheirhomeinstitutionwillbenotifiedincaseofdisclosure.

• Haveaprotocolinplacetoseparateareportingindividualfromtherespondent(e.g.,adjustmentstorespondenthousingorclassschedule)asneededandtothedegreepossibleinthecontextoflocallawsandinstitutionalpolicies.Theprotocolshouldalsoaddressotherinterimmeasuresorsupportsthatmaybenecessaryforoneorbothparties(e.g.,extensionofassignmentdeadlines,postponementofexams,modificationstotravelrequirements).

Queries:

1. Whatprotocolsdoesyourinstitutionhaveinplaceforidentifyingandsupportingfirstresponders?


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2. Whatareyourfacultyandstaffroles(e.g.,firstresponder,deputyTitleIXcoordinator,confidentialresource,mandatoryreporter)?Haveyoutailoredandofferedfirstrespondereducationalprogrammingfortheseindividualswithinthescopeoftheirresponsibilities?

3. Doesyourinstitutionhaveamedicalmanagementandcounselingservicesplanforsexualassaultandhaveyouidentifiedrelevantresourcesinthehostcountryfortreatmentandsupport?

4. Dohomeinstitutionandhostinstitutioneducationalprogramsalignwithoneanother?5. Whatprotocolsexistforseparatingareportingindividualfromtherespondentwhile

theincidentisunderinvestigation?Section6:CommunicatingPoliciesandProcedures

Akeyelementinrespondingtosexualmisconductabroadistransparentlycommunicatingpoliciesandprocedurestoparents/familiesandthebroaderpublic.Priortoanincident,Homeinstitutions,HostInstitutionsorProgramProvidersshould:

• Informthepublic,includingparentsandothercommunitymembers,howtheorganizationhandlesresponse,reporting,investigationandadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconductontheirwebsite.

• IncludeinformationonthewebandinconversationswithinterestedpartiesandthepublicaboutFERPA/HIPAAand/orotherapplicablelocal/nationalprivacylaws17regardinglimitationsoncommunicationsaboutspecificstudentincidentsandeffortstomaintainstudentprivacy.

• Includeinformationonthewebandinconversationswithinterestedpartiesandthepublicabouthowstudentsidentifytheiremergencycontact(s),theorganization'semergencycontactnotificationprocessandinsurancebenefitsforreportingindividuals.

• Explainthatthecultural,institutional,andlegalissuesrelatedtodealingwithincidentsofsexualmisconductvarygreatlyfromcountrytocountryandthattheseissuesmayhaveanimpactonlocalaspectsofresponse,reporting,investigationandadjudicationofanyincidentsofsexualmisconduct.

Asanincidentisunderinvestigation,Homeinstitutions,HostInstitutionsandProgramProvidersshould:

17NotethatFERPA,HIPAA,andstateprivacylawsdonotinherentlyconflictwithaninstitution’srequirementsunderTitleIXandClery.Clerydoesn’tincludethenamesofimpactedindividualsinanypublicreportingsoprivacyisbuiltin.TitleIXhasnopublicreportingrequirementsandoffersarespondentbothconfidentialandnon-confidentialoptions.ThoughTitleIXrequiressomeindividualstoreportspecificinformationaboutastudent,thesereportsarewithintheinstitutionandthuswouldfallundertheFERPAallowanceforinternalinstitutionalcommunicationwiththosewhoneedtoknow.Whereastatelawisimplicated,asageneralrule,federallaws(includingTitleIXandClery)wouldsupersedethestatelaw.Consultyourlegalcounselwithspecificquestionsabouttheoverlapoftheselawsandhowtocomply.


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• Communicateonlywiththestudent(s)involved,thoseexpresslypermittedbythestudent,andessentialsupportandreportingpersonnel.

• Shareprocessandresourceinformationonly(i.e.,nospecificsoftheincident)whencommunicatingwithanyoneotherthanthereportingindividualand/orrespondent

• Establishapointpersonforanyexternalcommunication(e.g.,responsestopressinquiries).

• Commit,aspossiblewithininstitutionalpolicyandlegalframeworks,toinformingsendinginstitutionsofeventsthatimpacttheirstudentsinatimelymanner.

• Followbestpracticeswithinlocallegalcontextsofissuingtimelywarningstothestudentbodyingeneralaboutanythreatintheircommunity.18

Queries1. Howareyourorganization’ssexualmisconductpolicies(forresponse,reporting,

investigation,adjudication,andcommunication)conveyedtoexternalconstituents?2. Howdoesyourorganizationconveycommunicationpolicieswithregardto

confidentialityandprivacytoexternalconstituents?3. Doesyourwebsiteincludeinformationoninsurancebenefitsandotherresources

pertainingtosexualmisconductincidents?4. Howdoyouensurethatfacultyandstaffaretrainedtounderstandtheorganization’s

communicationpoliciesandlimitswithregardtoconfidentiality,privacy,andU.S.orhostcountrylegalrestrictions?

5. Howdoesyourorganizationcollectemergencycontactinformationfromparticipantsandcommunicatewithemergencycontactsifanincidenthasoccurred?

6. Whatareyourorganization’spoliciesforhowtimelywarningsarewrittenandissued?Howarethosepoliciesapplicable(ornotapplicable)inthelocallegalandculturalcontextabroad?

18TimelyWarningsarenotissuedwhentheperpetratorisincustody.Warningsshouldbecraftedinamannerthatshowssensitivitytothereportingindividual.Campuspoliceorsecuritymakegreatefforttocraftappropriatemessages;contactthemforguidance.


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Definitions19AffiliationAgreement-Arrangement,usuallyinwriting,betweenahomeinstitutionandaneducationabroadproviderorhostinstitution.Theaffiliationmaytakemanyforms.Examplesrangefromalooserelationshipgivingtheprovider’sprogramsahigherprofileonthehomecampus,torelationshipsoutliningveryspecificresponsibilitiesandprivilegesonbothparts,toformalmembershipinaconsortium.CampusSecurityAuthority*[CleryAct]:Acollegeoruniversityofficerwhohassignificantresponsibilityforstudentandcampusactivities,isamemberofthecampuspoliceorsecuritydepartment,orhasbeendesignatedbytheinstitutioninitscampussecuritypolicyasanindividualtowhichstudentsandemployeesshouldreportcriminaloffensesand/orsexualharassment.(Note:MostcampuseshaveseveralCSAs,andtheycollectincidentreportsfortheunitsordivisionsthattheyoversee,includinginternationalprograms.Afacultyleaderforashort-termprogrammaybeconsideredaCSA.ApermanentresidentdirectormayalsobeaCSA.InstitutionsthatprovideextensiveinternationalopportunitiesshouldconsiderdesignatinganemployeetoworkwiththeCleryCoordinatortodevelopanefficientprocessforinternationalcompliance).Confidentiality:Asetofrulesorethics,oftenexpressedintheformofapromise,whichrestrictsorlimitsdisclosuresofcertaintypesofinformation.ConfidentialResource*[OfficeforCivilRightsApril2014Q&A]:Aresourcethatisnotobligatedtoreportinformationthatisgiventothem.Thisallowstheclienttoexplorehisorheroptionsinanon-pressureenvironmentinordertomakeinformeddecisions.Theonlyexceptionstothisruleareincasesthatinvolveimminentriskofseriousharm,emergenthospitalization,oracourtorder.Whilespecificinformationmaybekeptconfidential,theseincidentsmaybecountedforstatisticalpurposes,aspertheCleryAct.(Seesource.)Eachcampuswillidentify,bypolicy,whichstaffmembersareconfidentialresourcesbutexamplesmayincludecounselors,clergy,theombudsman,sexualviolencecenterstaff,orwomen’scenterstaff.FERPA/HIPAA:TheFamilyEducationalRightsandprivacyAct(FERPA)protectstheprivacyofstudenteducationalrecordsandtheHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityAct(HIPAA)protectstheprivacyofhealthrecords.FirstResponder:IntheTitleIXcontext,thefirstpersontoreceiveadisclosureofsexualmisconductandtoprovideoraidinthedeliveryofassistance.HomeInstitution(orHomeSchool)-TheeducationalinstitutionintheU.S.whereaneducationabroadstudentisacontinuingstudent,usuallyworkingtowardthecompletionofadegree.HostInstitution(orHostSchool)–Theinstitutionthattheeducationabroadstudentattendswhileabroad.

19Definitionsmarkedwithanasteriskaretakenfromexternallegalsourcessuchaslegislation,DepartmentofEducationmemos,etc.,withthesource(s)ofthedefinitionnotedinbrackets.DefinitionsnotmarkedwithanasteriskarefromTheForum’sGlossary,orweredevelopedbytheworkinggroupforthepurposesofthisdocument.


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Non-confidentialresource*:Aresourceperson,identifiedbyUniversitypolicy,whoisrequiredtoreportincidents/violationsandtakelegal,disciplinaryorotheractionaccordingly.(Seesource.)Non-residentialinstitution:Inthiscontext,aU.S.collegeoruniversitythatdoesnotprovideanyinstitutionally-ownedorinstitutionally-managedhousingforstudents.OverseasSecurityAdvisoryCouncil:(OSAC)itisadivisionoftheBureauofDiplomaticSecurityintheU.S.DepartmentofStatetoprovidesecurityinformationsharingforU.S.-basedentitieswithoperationsorindividuals[traveling]abroad.Whileeachconstituentorganizationcanhaveonlyonepoint-of-contact(POC),thisindividualcanconfermembershiponanunlimitednumberofparticipantswithintheirorganization.OSACsharesinformationinavarietyofways,includingtwicedailyemailssummarizingsecurityincidentsworldwideandupcomingOSAC-sponsoredeventsorinformationalproducts.MemberscanalsocontactaResearchandInformationSupportCenter(RISC)regionalanalysttodiscussspecificsafetyorsecurityconcerns.OSACalsosponsorsanumberofregionalandsector-specificlistservs,suchastheAWG,whichfacilitatescollaboration,networkingandbenchmarkingonsafety,securityandhealthissuesregardingcollegeoruniversity-sponsoredinternationaltravel.FormoreinformationaboutOSAC,includinginstructionsonhowtojoin,visittheirwebsite.Privacy:Aperson'srighttocontrolaccesstohisorherpersonalinformation.ProgramProvider(orsimplyProvider)–Aninstitutionororganizationthatofferseducationabroadprogramservicestostudentsfromavarietyofinstitutions.Aprogramprovidermaybeacollegeoruniversity,anonprofitorganization,afor-profitbusiness,oraconsortium.ReportingIndividual:Inthiscontext,thepersonwhoclaimstobethevictimofsexualmisconductandreportsthecrimetothepoliceorofficialsresponsibleforinvestigatingthecrime.Respondent:Inthiscontext,thepersonallegedtobetheperpetratorofsexualmisconduct.ResponsibleEmployee*[OfficeforCivilRightsApril2014Q&A](Note:Someinstitutionsmayinsteadusethetermmandatoryreporter):Anyemployeewhohastheauthoritytotakeactiontoredresssexualviolence;whohasbeengiventhedutyofreportingincidentsofsexualviolenceoranyothermisconductbystudentstotheTitleIXcoordinatororotherappropriateschooldesignee;orwhomastudentcouldreasonablybelievehasthisauthorityorduty.Asaresult,facultyandstaffconsideredresponsibleemployeesmustalsobeinstructedonhowtorespondtothedisclosureofasexualassault,andinparticular,wheretoreferreportingindividualsforsupportservices,includingmedicalcare.Theseinstructionsmustalsoincludetechniquestohelptheemployeeinterruptadisclosureandallowthestudenttobere-directedtoaconfidentialresourceifthereportingindividualdoesnotwishtoinvolvetheinstitutionintherecoveryprocess.SexualMisconduct:“SexualMisconduct”isfrequentlyusedasanumbrellatermusedbycollegesanduniversitiesinrelationtoTitleIX.Forpurposesofthisdocument,“sexualmisconduct”willbeusedbroadlytoinclude:

• TitleIXo Sexualharassmentincludingsexualassaultandviolencethatareatminimum,

violationsofstateorFederalcriminallaw,butarealsoviolationsofstudents’and


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employees’civilrightsandviolationsoftheinstitution’scodeofconductandemployeehandbooks.

o Involvesverbal,nonverbalandphysicalactsofasexualnaturethatareunwelcomeandcreateahostileenvironmentoncampus.Examplesincludebutarenotlimitedtosexistjokes,genderharassment,flashing,groping,catcalls,rape,relationship-basedviolence,stalking,andrevengeporn.

• Cleryo SexualAssault(examplesincludebutmaynotbelimitedtorape,fondling,incest,

andstatutoryrape),o domesticviolence,o datingviolence,andstalking.

TimelyWarning:TheCleryActincludesaprovisionfordifferenttypesofemergencynotificationsbasedonthetypeandseverityofthreatstomembersofthecommunity.CertainCleryreportablethreats–suchasahomicide,sexoffenseorrobberywheretheperpetratorisatlarge–triggeraTimelyWarning.Othertypesofemergencynotificationshavebroaderparameters,suchastheoutbreakofaninfectiousdisease,impendingsevereweather,orplannedfiredrills.Suchnotificationscanbebroad-basedortailoredtospecificpopulations.TitleIX(orDeputyTitleIX)Coordinator:ATitleIXCoordinatoroverseesaninstitution’scompliancewithTitleIX,includingcoordinatingtheinvestigationofandresponsetosexdiscriminationcomplaints,respondingtoinquiriesconcerningTitleIX,trackingincidentsandtrendsinvolvingsexualmisconduct,coordinatingequityinathleticscompliance,publicizinginstitutionalpolicies,andprovidingtrainingonpreventingsexdiscrimination,sexualharassment,andsexualviolence.LargerinstitutionsmayhaveoneormoreDeputyTitleIXCoordinatorsorTitleIXLiaisonswhoprovidesimilarservicestodistinctpopulations,suchasathletes,internationalstudents,graduatestudents,studyabroadparticipants,etc.Suchindividualsarenotconsideredaconfidentialsourceofsupport.TitleIXinvestigator:Acollegeoruniversityemployeechargedwithassistingintheresolutionofcomplaintsinvolvingsexualmisconduct,sexualharassment,gender-relatedviolence,includingstalkingandintimatepartnerviolenceandprotectedclassdiscriminationandharassmentinvolvingundergraduateandgraduatestudents.(Seesource.)AdditionalResourcesforDefinitions:WashingtonCoalitionofSexualAssaultProgramshttp://www.wcsap.org/glossary-legal-termsMinnesotaCoalitionAgainstSexualAssaulthttp://mncasa.org/glossary-of-termsDuhaime’sLawDictionaryhttp://www.duhaime.org/LegalDictionary.aspx


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ResourcesandLinks

BystanderInterventionTrainings

BringingIntheBystanderhttp://cola.unh.edu/prevention-innovations-research-center/bringing-bystander%C2%AE-person-prevention-programEveryChoicehttp://www.every-choice-bystander.com/MentorsinViolencePreventionhttp://www.mvpnational.org/STEPUP!http://stepupprogram.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUj2OHLAG3wWhereDoYouStand?http://www.mencanstoprape.org/Strength-Media-Portfolio/preview-of-new-bystander-intervention-campaign.htmlEducationAbroadTitleIXResourcesTheForumonEducationAbroadStandardsToolboxhttps://forumea.org/resources/standards-of-good-practice/NAFSASupportingStudyAbroadResourceshttp://www.nafsa.org/Find_Resources/Supporting_Study_Abroad/RiskmanagementConsiderationsRegardingtheCleryAct,VAWAandTitleIXWhenStudentsStudyAbroadinURMIAGovernmentandRegulatoryAffairsBLASThttps://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/URMIA/9c74ddba-4acc-4dcd-ba3a-d6cd4c945342/UploadedImages/documents/grac/GRABlast_Clery_Act_VAWA_TitleIX_20160124.pdf


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LegislationLinksTheJeanneCleryDisclosureofCampusSecurityPolicyandCampusCrimeStatisticsActof1990(“CleryAct”)http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-104/pdf/STATUTE-104-Pg2381.pdfTheHandbookforCampusSafetyandSecurityReporting:2016Editionhttps://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/handbook.pdfTheViolenceAgainstWomenReauthorizationAct(“VAWA”),signedin2014,amendedandexpandedcertainrequirementsoftheCleryActastheyrelatetosexualviolence.https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s47/textTitleVIIoftheCivilRightsActof1964(“TitleVII”).http://www.eeoc.gov/laws/statutes/titlevii.cfmTitleIXoftheEducationAmendmentsof1972(“TitleIX”),http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/cor/coord/titleixstat.php

MediaResources/Articles

Cosmopolitanmagazinehttp://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/news/a33996/sexual-assault-abroad/GoOverseashttp://www.gooverseas.com/blog/sexual-harassment-and-study-abroadProfessionalOrganizationsAssociationofTitleIXAdministratorshttps://atixa.org/NationalAssociationofCollegeandUniversityAttorneys(NACUA)TitleIXTraininghttp://www.nacua.org/http://www.nacua.org/onlinecourses/title_ix_coordinator_training_2014/index.aspUniversityRiskManagementandInsuranceAssociation(URMIA)http://www.urmia.org/home


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ResourcesforInformation,Help,andSupport

InternationalDirectoryofDomesticViolenceAgencieshttp://www.hotpeachpages.net/ItHappenedToAlexahttp://ithappenedtoalexa.org/

KnowYourIXhttp://knowyourix.org/title-ix/title-ix-the-basics/NotAlone:TogetherAgainstSexualAssaulthttps://www.notalone.gov/OverseasSecurityAdvisoryCouncilhttps://www.osac.gov/Pages/Home.aspxRape,Abuse,andIncestNationalNetworkhttps://rainn.org/SexualAssaultSupportandHelpforAmericansAbroadhttps://sashaa.org/U.S.DepartmentofStateBureauofConsularAffairshttps://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en.html

U.S.DepartmentofStateResourcesforU.S.citizenvictimsofcrimeabroadhttps://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/emergencies/victims.html

U.S.EmbassiesandConsulatesAbroadhttp://www.usembassy.gov/TitleIXUniversityResourcesAppalachianStateUniversity,ResourceGuideforRespondingtoSexualAssaulthttp://sexualassault.appstate.edu/sites/sexualassault.appstate.edu/files/University-Resource-Guide.docCaliforniaPolytechnic,SanLuisObispoFacultyHandbookforCalPolyGlobalProgramshttp://www.international.calpoly.edu/files/travel/faculty_handbook_2015.pdfC


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CityUniversityofNewYork,TitleIXComplianceGuidelinesforCUNYEmployeesTravelingAbroadwithStudentshttp://www1.cuny.edu/sites/title-ix/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/page-assets/resources/Title-IX-Abroad-Employee-Guide.pdfNorthwesternUniversityInformationandOptionsforSurvivorsofSexualMisconductAbroadhttp://www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/guide/health-and-safety/emergencies/information-and-options-for-survivors-of-sexual-misconduct-abroad.htmlSt.OlafCollegeTitleIX:BeSafeStudyingOff-Campushttp://wp.stolaf.edu/title-ix/be-safe-when-studying-off-campus/UniversityofMinnesotaInternationalResourcesforSexualAssaultandHarassmenthttp://global.umn.edu/travel/assault/index.html#/!


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Supplement1:RecentHistoryofTitleIXandtheCleryAct/VAWALegislationSexualmisconductisaseriousissueonUScollegecampuses;reportedincidentsdonotrepresenttheentiretyoftheproblem.Widelyacceptedstatisticsindicatethat1in4to5U.S.collegewomenaresurvivorsofsexualassaultorattemptedsexualassault.20Overthelastseveralyears,increasingpublicscrutiny–bythemedia,byadvocacyorganizations,byreportingindividualsandtheirfamilies–hasfocusedonthewayinwhichU.S.collegesanduniversitiesrespondtocampussexualmisconduct,includingwhatkindofpreventionandeducationalprogramstheyprovideforemployeesandstudents;whatkindofdataismadepubliclyavailableaboutincidentsofcampussexualmisconduct;howinstitutionsrespondtoandhandleaccusationsanddisciplinaryproceduresrelatedtocampussexualmisconduct;andwhatkindsofsupportandresourcesareprovidedtosurvivorsofcampussexualmisconduct.InApril2011,theU.S.DepartmentofEducation’sOfficeforCivilRights(OCR)issueda“DearColleagueLetter”addressingtheTitleIXimplicationsofcampussexualmisconduct.Whilethe“DearColleagueLetter”isnotlaw,itgivesinsightsintowhatOCRwillconsiderwheninvestigatinganinstitution,whichwillincludeareviewoftraining,compliance,reporting,andproceduresrelatingtocampussexualmisconduct.AnOCRinvestigationthatresultsinanegativejudgmentagainstacollegeoruniversitycan,intheory,resultinthelossoffederalfunding.However,insteadOCRusuallynegotiatesaVoluntaryResolutionAgreementwiththeinstitution.InMarch2014,theViolenceAgainstWomenReauthorizationAct(“VAWA”),includingchangestotheCleryAct,wassignedintolaw.TheVAWAamendmentsadded,amongotherthings,domesticviolence,datingviolenceandstalkingtothelistofClerycrimetypes,whichalreadyincludedsexualassault.InApril2014,twoadditionalresourceswerereleased.First,OCRpublishedanadditionalguidancedocument,“QuestionsandAnswersonSexualViolence.”Then,additionalsuggestionswerereleasedintheWhiteHouseTaskForce“NotAlone”document.NeitherhastheforceoflawbuttheOCRdocumenttellsuswhatOCRmightbelookingforinareviewandtheWhiteHousedocumentstellsustheObamaadministration’sapproachontheissues.OnMay1,2014,theU.S.DepartmentofEducation'sOfficeforCivilRights(OCR)releasedalistofthehighereducationinstitutionsunderinvestigationforpossibleviolationsoffederallawoverthehandlingofsexualviolenceandharassmentcomplaints.InSeptember2014,theWhiteHouseTaskForceupdatedthe“Notalone”websitewiththeirsuggestions,whichagain,havenoforceoflaw.Thefollowingmonth,inOctober2014,theDepartmentofEducationreleasedfinalregulationsregardingtheobligationsofcollegesanduniversitiesundertheCleryActamendments.20TheNationalInstituteofJustice,2001.


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LegalDefinitionsandRequirementsoftheLaw:theCleryActThepurposeoftheVAWAamendments,asstatedbythepreambletothelaw,is“toimproveeducationandpreventionrelatedtocampussexualviolence,domesticviolence,datingviolence,andstalking.”VAWAexpandedClerycrimereportingrequirementsinthreekeyways:1. AnnualSecurityReport

• Domesticviolence,datingviolenceandstalkingarenowaddedtothelistofCleryreportablecrimesand

• NationaloriginandgenderidentityareaddedtotheexistingCleryhatecrimeprejudicecategories.

2.SexualViolencePolicyandProcedureRequirements3.SexualViolencePreventionandTrainingRequirementsTherequirementsforpolicy,procedureandtrainingaretoolargeanddetailedforthescopeofthisdocument.However,notably,thelawrequiresthatboththereportingindividualandrespondentbenotified,inwriting,ofspecificoptionsandprocesses.Forexample,areportingindividualmustbegiventheoptiontonotifylawenforcement,receivecampusassistanceinnotifyinglawenforcementortodeclinetonotifylawenforcement.Similarly,thelawrequiresthatrespondentsunderstandtheiroptionsandthattheUniversityprocessprovideforfairnessanddueprocessprotections.Inregardstotraining,thelawnowrequiresbothprimaryandongoingpreventionandawarenessprogramsfornewstudentsandnewemployees.Trainingmustaddressbystanderinterventionand“riskreductiontorecognizewarningsigns…andavoidpotentialattacks.”TheCleryActisenforcedbytheCleryComplianceDivisionoftheDepartmentofEducation.Eachviolationcarriesthepossibleofa$35,000fineandbecausethismultipliesbythenumberofviolationsidentified,sixfigurefinesareroutineintheCleryspace.LegalDefinitionsandRequirementsoftheLaw:TitleIXTitleIXprotectsstudents,employeesandthepublicfromsexrelateddiscriminationunderanyeducationprogramoractivityreceivingFederalfinancialassistance.TitleIXprotectionsarebroaderthanCleryandprotectfromanysexualmisconductincludingsexualharassment,sexualassaultandanyverbal,nonverbalorphysicalactsofasexualnaturethatareunwelcomeandcreateahostileenvironmentoncampus.TitleIXrequiresthatinstitutionshaveaprocessforresolvingcomplaintsofsexualmisconductthatincludespromptstepstostoptheharassment,preventitsreoccurrence,remedytheeffectandpreventretaliation.Aspartofthisprocess,eachcampusmustidentifyaTitleIXCoordinatorwhowilloverseetheinstitutionalcompliancewiththelaw.TheinstitutionmustalsodefinewhoisaresponsibleemployeeontheircampusandassurethatallresponsibleemployeesimmediatelynotifytheTitleIXCoordinatoriftheybecomeawareofapossibleTitle


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IXviolation.TheTitleIXCoordinatorthenhasadditionalveryspecificstepstheymustassurearetakenbytheinstitutionincludinginformingthereportingindividualinwritingaboutavailablesupportsandservices,thegrievanceprocedureoncampus,andavailableinterimremediesbeforeaninvestigationorhearingtakesplace.TitleIXisenforcedbytheOfficeforCivilRights(OCR)oftheDepartmentofEducationandanauditistriggeredbyacomplaintfileddirectlywithOCR.Enforcementoptionsincludethelossofaninstitution’sfederalfinancialaidprogram,however,generallyVoluntaryResolutionAgreementsarenegotiatedinwhichtheinstitutionagreestomakechangesandimprovementstoaddressviolations.OCRhasveryaggressivelybeenenforcingTitleIXinrecentyears.Notably,TitleIXalsograntsaprivaterightofactionsoanindividualcanbringasuitagainsttheirinstitutiondirectlyandseekdamagesforfailingtocomplywithTitleIX.ContextfortheChangesandtheU.S.HigherEducationCommunity’sReactionManyhighereducationprofessionalsintheU.S.havevoicedconcernsaboutpossibleunintendedconsequencesofthelawandguidance,includingpotentialimpactsonstudentconfidentiality,dueprocessfortherespondent,andthefiscalburdencreatedbyreportingandtrainingexpectations.Atthesametime,thereisabroadunderstandingof,andsupportfor,thegoalsofthesechangesandamendmentstothelaw–namely,tocreateamoresurvivor-centeredreportingandresponseprocess,toensurethatsurvivorsofcampussexualmisconducthaveaccesstoresourcesandsupport,andultimatelytoreduceincidenceofsexualmisconductoncampus.Whiletherearemanycompetingstatisticsregardingtheamountofcampussexualmisconduct,therealityisthatmanyofourstudentsaresurvivorsofsexualmisconduct.

• 1in4to5U.S.collegewomenexperiencesexualassaultorattemptedsexualassault.(TheNationalInstituteofJustice,2001)

• 90%ofcollegerapesurvivorsknowtheirattacker.(TheNationalInstituteofJustice,2001)

• Womenages20-24areatthegreatestriskfordomesticviolence.Overall,1in4womenwillexperiencedomesticviolenceinherlifetime.(SafeHaven2012)

• 52%ofU.S.collegewomenreportknowingafriendwhohasexperiencedviolentandabusivedatingbehaviors.(CollegeDatingViolenceandAbusePoll,2011)

• Thehighestriskofstalkingisseeninages18-24(theStalkingResourceCenter)ItisfairtosaythatmanyifnotmostcollegesanduniversitiesintheU.S.taketheseissuesveryseriouslyandarecurrentlyengagedineffortstodeterminehowbesttobalancecompliancewiththelaw,meetingtheresourceneedscreatedbythelaw,andsupportingreportingindividuals.Notably,educationabroadaddsacomplicatingfactorontopofanalreadycomplicatedsituationonU.S.collegecampuses.InadditiontoalltheriskfactorsonU.S.collegecampuses,studentsabroadfacelanguagebarriersandculturalbarriers,andmaymakedecisionsandtakeactionsabroadthattheymightnottakewhileathome.


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Ontheotherhand,recentlawsuitsandnewsreportshavealsoillustratedtheinterestoftherespondentinsexualviolencecases,whofeeltheyhavebeenwrongedbyaUniversityconductsystemfocusedmoreonsupportingthereportingindividualthanprotectingtherightsoftherespondent.21Thus,itisimportantthatweareallthoughtfulabouteffortstobothpreventandrespondtoincidentsofsexualmisconductnotonlywhererequiredtodosounderlaw,butalsobecauseitisinthebestinterestofourstudents.

21See,forexample:“AccusedCollegeRapistsHaveRights,Too,”https://newrepublic.com/article/119778/college-sexual-assault-rules-trample-rights-accused-campus-rapists


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Supplement2:TitleIXDistanceInvestigations

Ifcampus-basedinvestigationsofTitleIXcomplaintsareconsideredcomplicated,itisevenmoresoabroad.AhomeinstitutionTitleIXinvestigationabroadisseparatefrominvestigationbylocallawenforcementorthehostinstitution,ifapplicable,andislimitedbythelevelofownershiporcontroltheinstitutionhasoverthelearningenvironment.Beyondhomeinstitutionsexualmisconductpolicies,locallawsand/orhostinstitutionpoliciesalsogovernthereportingindividual’sandrespondent’srights,addingtothelegalcomplexity.Further,theremaybecircumstanceswhereitmightnotbepossible,ornecessary,foraninvestigationtotakeplaceon-site.Whereaprogramisrelativelyshortorthemisconductoccurstowardtheendoftheprogram,itmightbethatmostoralloftheinvestigationand/orhearinghappenwhenthestudent(s)returntothehomeinstitution.MostU.S.collegesanduniversitieshavelimitedornoexperienceformallyinvestigatingaclaimofsexualassaultabroad,andshouldnotproceedwithoutengagingwiththerightindividualsandresources.Distanceinvestigationsareextremelycomplicated,butmustbecarriedoutwiththesamedegreeofaccountabilityandprofessionalismasiftheywereoccurringoncampus.HomeinstitutionsshouldreviewthescopeofthecampussecurityauthoritystaffresponsibilitiesanddegreeoftrainingtodetermineiftheymaybeabletoassistwithsomeaspectsoftheprocessandalsoconsidercarefullytheroleofeducationabroadfacultyorstaffinTitleIXinvestigations.HomeinstitutionscaneitheremployorcontractwithtrainedTitleIXinvestigators.Thefollowingquestionsaredesignedtohelphomeinstitutionsconsider,inadvanceofneed,whattoexpectfromaTitleIXdistanceinvestigationandhowtoadaptinstitutionalpoliciesforadistanceinvestigation.EvidenceCollectionandAnalysisTheinterplaybetweenlocallawenforcement,campussecurity,and/orprivatesecurity(ifapplicable)iscomplicated.Everyeffortshouldbemadetodetermineeachparty’sroleandresponsibilitiesintheeventofaTitleIXinvestigation,particularlywhenitcomestothecollectionofevidence.ASexualAssaultNurseExaminer(SANE)isaregisterednursewhohasreceivedspecialtrainingsothats/hecanprovidecomprehensivecaretosexualassaultreportingindividualswithintheU.S.context.Inaddition,s/heisabletoconductaforensicexamandmayprovideexperttestimonyifacasegoestotrial.However,SANEnurses,ortheirequivalent,areoftennotavailableabroad.Eachcountryhasitsownlawsandregulationssurroundingthecollectionofevidenceandmaymandatethatonlyagovernmentcertifiedclinicianbepermittedtocollectevidenceandhaveitbelegallyadmissibleincourt.


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• Willtheinstitutiontakeintopossessionevidencethatisnotbeingprocessedbylawenforcementagencies(e.g.,becauseofreportingindividualunwillingnesstoproceedcriminally)?Howwillallevidencebestored,transferred,anddocumented?

• Willtheinstitutiontakeevidencethatmustbeobtainedthroughcomputerforensicanalysis?

• Whowillprocessthedata?Howwillitbestored?Howwillitbeshared?Whatforensicevidenceisadmissible?

• Willtheinstitutionallowpolygraphtest/resultsfromrespondentorreportingindividual?Orotherprofessionalevidence?Physician’stestimonyonnatureandextentofinjuries.Ifsowilltheinstitutionallowtheoppositepartytopresentevidencetothecontraryintheresults?

• Doestheinstitutionrequiretapingofproceedingsorstatements?Willtheinstitutionallowtapingoftheproceedingsbyreportingindividual,respondent,orwitnesses?

• Willevidencenotuncoveredbyinvestigationbeallowedtobesubmittedbyeitherrespondentorreportingindividualduringhearing?

• Intheeventofatrial,willthestudentrequirelegalrepresentationandifsowhowillberesponsibleforthosecosts?

Translators(ifapplicable)• Willtheinstitutionprovidetranslatorsforthewitnesses,reportingindividual,or

respondent?Ifnot,whowillprovidethetranslators?• Willthetranslatorcountastheadvisor?• Howwillthetranslatorbecredentialed?• Howwilldocumentaryevidencebetranslatedforthereport?• Willrespondentorreportingindividualbeabletoprovideconflictingtranslations?• Willtranslatorsbeallowedduringhearing?

DistanceInterviews• Doestheinstitutionallowforremoteinterviewtechnologies(Skype,telephone)inthe

investigation?Note:somecountriesdonotallowSkype.• Howwillyoucredentialwitnessestoensureequitableinterviewsandinvestigationsand

toknowwhoyou’reinterviewingisthepersontheysaytheyare?• Whatareyourinstitution’salternatives?Willyourinstitutionconductasimilar

investigationandhearingprocessfordistanceinvestigations?OrwillyourinstitutionsonlyprovideaccommodationsfordistanceTitleIXincidents?

Timeframe• Doesyourinstitutionfollowaninvestigatorytimeline?• Willyourinstitutionmakeexceptionsoraccommodationstothattimelinefordistance

investigations?Isitincludedwithinyourinstitutionalpolicies?HearingPanel

• Willyouallowdistancecommunicationsinyourhearingsandappealsforrespondents,reportingindividuals,andwitnesses?

• Oncetheinvestigatoryreportiscompleted,willsupplementalreportsbeallowedorgeneratedafterfinalizationpriortothehearing?Forexample,ifwitnesseswhodidnot


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respondtorequestforcommentsareavailableafterfinalizationofreportandbecomeavailableforhearingprocess.

Redaction• Whowillhavetheauthoritytoredactthefinalizedreport?• Whatistheinstitution’sprocessforredaction?

InformationSharing• Howwillsensitiveinformation(evidence),whichcannotbeemailed,beprovidedto

hearingpanelmembers,respondents,andreportingindividuals?• Howwillcontrolbekeptoversuchdocumentationbytheinstitution?• Whowillhaveauthoritytoredactevidence?Dotheinstitutionalpoliciesallowforthis?• Whatifoneorbothofthoseinvolvedarenotenrolledat/affiliatedwiththeinstitution

outsideoftheprogramabroad?Whatmechanismsareinplacetoshareinformation/resourceswithanotherU.S.universityifthereisoneinvolvedinthepicture?