New Student Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct

February 4, 2016

Dear Rutgers Students, Faculty, and Staff:

I am pleased to announce a new University-wide policy that will help to protect our students from sexual violence and which reaffirms our commitment to fostering an environment that is safe, secure, and free from gender-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault and all other forms of sexual misconduct.

The new Student Policy Prohibiting Sexual Harassment, Sexual Violence, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Related Misconduct was created by a standing University-wide Title IX Committee, with representatives from Rutgers University–Newark, Rutgers University–Camden, Rutgers University–New Brunswick, and RBHS. Establishment of this policy complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which requires gender equity in educational institutions that receive federal funds, and with the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which requires prompt, fair and impartial investigation and resolution of allegations of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence. 

Rutgers recognizes its responsibility to increase awareness of sexual misconduct, prevent its occurrence, support victims, deal fairly and firmly with offenders, and diligently investigate reports of misconduct. In addressing issues of sexual misconduct, all members of the University must come together to respect and care for one another in a manner consistent with our deeply held academic and community values.

The new policy (University Policy 10.3.12) applies to student conduct and prohibits a broad range of behaviors focused on sex and/or gender. Sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual exploitation, gender-based harassment, stalking, and relationship violence (including dating and domestic violence) are all forms of misconduct that are prohibited by this policy and will not be tolerated by the University. Please note that a separate policy addressing employee sexual misconduct will be forthcoming.

Under the Policy, all faculty and staff are required to report incidents of sexual violence or harassment to a Title IX Coordinator, unless they are designated as a “confidential resource.”  Confidential resources are limited to advocates, counselors, healthcare providers or clergy and are identified in Appendix A of the Policy.  Students may meet with a Title IX Coordinator, Rutgers University Police, or any confidential resource to ask questions about the University’s process before deciding to make a report.

The Policy also contains a comprehensive definition of “consent,” establishes a uniform investigation and disciplinary process, describes the range of protective measures the University may offer during and after the investigation, and lists on-campus and off-campus resources for reporting complaints, advocacy and crisis counseling.

I want to thank all the individuals across Rutgers who worked together to establish this new policy and who will be instrumental in its implementation.  If you have questions regarding the Policy or Title IX issues, I encourage you to contact any of the Title IX Coordinators.  A complete listing of the Title IX Coordinators is available in the Resources section of the Policy.  

Sincerely,

Robert Barchi
President