Letters to the Editor

Chancellor’s Task Force Encourages Participation in OCR Visit

To our campus community members:

This week, Syracuse University will host representatives from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) for campus community meetings and individual appointments to discuss Title IX, sexual and relationship violence and sexual harassment issues.  This process is part of their protocol when assessing how institutions respond to Title IX complaints — of which they are reviewing about 300, including one at SU.

During their time on campus, the OCR staff will explain the role of the OCR, outline Title IX processes, and provide campus community members with opportunities to discuss how the University responds to sexual and relationship violence.  On behalf of the members of Chancellor (Kent) Syverud’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, we encourage students, faculty and staff to take part in these meetings. By participating in these sessions, campus community members will support our continued efforts to address sexual and relationship violence.

The community meetings are Tuesday from 2:30 to 4 p.m., and Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m., in Schine Student Center, Room 228B. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be available. Individual appointments are also available with OCR staff on Tuesday from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., and Wednesday from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., in Schine Student Center, Room 233.

Members of the Sexual and Relationship Violence (SRVR) Team will also be available for students needing support during these meetings. Students impacted by sexual and relationship violence can receive 24/7 confidential support, advocacy, and discussion of reporting options by contacting the SRVR Team at 315.443.4715.



As members of the Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence, we see firsthand the dedicated work of students, faculty and staff who respond to, raise awareness of and lead prevention efforts on sexual and relationship violence. We know this work cannot be left to a few. Collectively, we must continue to work together to create an environment free from violence.

Sincerely,

Joanna O. Masingila, Dean, School of Education

Rebecca Reed Kantrowitz, Interim Senior Associate Vice President and Dean, Enrollment and the Student Experience

Co-Chairs, Chancellor’s Task Force on Sexual and Relationship Violence





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