Statement from President Lash on Title IX
Last week, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that the Department of Education will seek public comment and college and university expertise to develop new federal Title IX policies. I have asked our Title IX Coordinator Dianna Williams to keep us informed about opportunities for Hampshire to have input into the new federal regulations of campus sexual assault policies.
In this moment of uncertainty around what changes may be implemented, I want to reaffirm Hampshire’s commitment to addressing and preventing sexual violence, including sexual assault and harassment, and providing a fair and impartial process for anyone involved in a sexual misconduct case. Title IX remains in effect, as do the College’s policies, state and federal laws, and federal regulations regarding sexual misconduct that were in force before the announcement. I hope you will take this opportunity to review once more Hampshire’s Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, and Stalking Policy. Our policies and procedures are robust, thorough, and surpass current Title IX requirements and federal guidance. Hampshire proactively reviews and modifies its policies and procedures, including as federal guidelines are updated.
Sexual assault continues to be a serious problem on college campuses, and we will continue in earnest the work we are doing to address and prevent it. Last fall, I charged a Sexual Misconduct and Campus Safety Advisory Council to assess the measures currently in place to address sexual violence and identify areas for improvement. The council, comprised of faculty, staff, and students, received input from a wide range of community members through a survey and by meeting with small groups and individuals across campus. Last week, the council provided its recommendations which include an annual plan for training, education and communication around preventing and addressing sexual violence, including sexual assault and harassment. Currently, we are discussing components of that plan with Title IX Coordinator Dianna Williams and Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Gloria Lopez. Thank you to the students, faculty, and staff who served on the advisory council for your dedication and commitment to this work over the last year.
If you have any questions about Title IX, or to report an incident of sexual violence, please contact a member of our Title IX team listed below.
- Dianna Williams, Title IX Coordinator, Cole Science 109, 413.559.5442, dwilliams@hampshire.edu
- Charity O’Connor, Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Students & Violence Prevention Education, Dean of Students Office, Merrill Student Life Center, 413.559.6262, coconnor@hampshire.edu
- Amy Hunter, Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Employees – Interim Director of Human Resources, Blair Hall, 413.559.5605, ahHR@hampshire.edu
- Amanda Surgen, Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Athletics –Assistant Director of OPRA, Robert Crown Center, 413.559.5754, aksOP@hampshire.edu
- Gregory Narleski, Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Student Conduct - Director of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities, Prescott Area Office, 413.559.6205 ganSA@hampshire.edu
The Title IX team works intentionally and proactively to encourage community members to report sexual misconduct so that the College can respond appropriately, and support those who report. There are multiple channels for reporting. Please see the College’s Know Your Options handout, intended to raise awareness of the various reporting and confidential disclosure options available so you can make informed choices about where to turn.
Jonathan
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