Policy
Understanding Campus Sexual Assault Policies
Having a campus sexual assault policy is important to the safety and well-being of students. The policy should include clear definitions of sexual assault and steps to take if a student has been assaulted. The policy should provide information such as support services, methods of reporting the assault, and information on judiciary action.
Sexual Assault Policy Analysis Tools
Policy Accessibility – Click here for an instructional tool adapted from Karjane et al. that can be used to assess your campus’s online policy accessibility.
Policy Comprehensiveness – Click here for a document provided by Safer Campus that includes the components of a clear sexual assault policy and questions to assist individuals in evaluating and improving their campus policy.
Dear Colleague Letter (DCL)
Released in April 2011, the DCL outlines campus duties under Title IX, the federal civil rights law banning sexual discrimination, harassment and violence.
OCR offers technical assistance to help schools achieve compliance with these civil rights laws.
The OCR enforcement office serving Indiana is located in Chicago, IL. Find contact information here.
DCL Documents
Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE Act)
The Campus SaVE Act (H.R. 6461) is a bill introduced in the 2nd session of the 111th Congress by Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA 5th) and a bi-partisan group of 5 co-sponsors from across the country.
If passed, the act will amend the federal Jeanne Clery Act to update sexual assault policy requirements for institutions of higher education. The act requires campuses to address a broader scope of intimate partner violence including stalking, dating violence, sexual violence and domestic violence offenses. The act also requires the enhancement of existing prevention education and victims’ rights provisions.
It would take effect in 2012, and be enforced by the U.S. Dept. of Education.