Policy
Lawrence University's Sexual Misconduct Policy is centered around providing safety and security for students, faculty, and staff, protecting members of any gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
The Equity & Title IX Office is committed to providing the most up-to-date policies and procedures for our campus. The team is currently working on a new policy to be introduced as well as a policy that meets the expectations of the new Title IX regulations scheduled to roll out in May 2023. New policies and significant changes will be announced to members of the LU community through their campus email addresses and found here.
Procedure
Lawrence University is committed to providing an equitable process for all involved. The Title IX and Equity office understands the potential impacts on parties involved and believes in transparent procedures. Although outlined in the policy, read below for a more digestible understanding of the procedures surrounding Title IX.
The procedure is limited by the involved parties' affiliation with Lawrence, meaning there are limitations to the process should the complainant(s) or the respondent(s) not be a part of the LU community. However, there is no limitation on timing, the Office of Equity & Title IX will continue through the process to the best of its abilities no matter when a reported occurrence took place.
Reporting
Members of the LU community may proceed in a variety of ways that align with their comfort levels. There are three options, not reporting, reporting to a confidential source, or reporting to a non-confidential source. Reporting to a non-confidential source allows the University more opportunity to address concerns and offer supportive measures to those involved.
Title IX Consultation & Evaluation
After the Equity and Title IX Office receive a report, they reach out to impacted parties through their Lawrence University email, should their identities have been provided. The initial reach out will include a list of supportive measures, steps the Title IX office can help facilitate to stop, remedy, and prevent further instances, an offer to have a conversation with the member of the Equity & Title IX Office, and a notice of rights.
Should a person elect to meet with the Equity & Title IX representative, they will talk through supportive measures opportunities and limits, the process to elevate the report to a formal complaint, or additional areas for addressing the concern should it not meet the threshold of a Title IX complaint. A formal complaint is one the University is intended to investigate. should the Title IX Coordinator believe a greater threat to campus exists, in rare cases, they may need to proceed without the written request for a formal complaint.
Investigation
Should the report elevate to a formal complaint that meets the definition of a suspected Title IX instance, the complaint is referred to an investigator for processing. Investigations vary in terms of time needed to ensure a thorough and appropriate job is completed. Once initial meetings of witnesses and involved parties have concluded the investigator produces an initial draft report. Parties have ten (10) days to review the report and provide feedback to the investigator. The investigator then reviews the feedback and conducts another round of investigation depending on the needs of the case. After the second investigation period has concluded another ten (10) day review period by the parties is had to again collect feedback.
Resolution
There are two types of resolution in the Title IX process: formal and informal. Informal resolutions may occur at any time in the process and serve as a mediation between the parties to come to an agreement with final approval by the Title IX Coordinator or their designee. A formal resolution is one that concludes with a live hearing.