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Sexual Misconduct: Difference between revisions
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A person subjected to sexual misconduct may be helped whether or not a complaint or report of any kind is filed. Changes in academic, living, transportation, and working situations may be made available by the University as remedies to protect persons, complainants, or witnesses. There are several avenues potentially available to make a report or formal complaint of sexual misconduct. A report of sexual misconduct could be made to the University, a civil suit could be filed against the actor responsible for the sexual misconduct, a criminal charge could be filed as a result of a law enforcement investigation, and/or an administrative complaint can be made to the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR). A person may also choose not to make a report or take further action.<br /> | A person subjected to sexual misconduct may be helped whether or not a complaint or report of any kind is filed. Changes in academic, living, transportation, and working situations may be made available by the University as remedies to protect persons, complainants, or witnesses. There are several avenues potentially available to make a report or formal complaint of sexual misconduct. A report of sexual misconduct could be made to the University, a civil suit could be filed against the actor responsible for the sexual misconduct, a criminal charge could be filed as a result of a law enforcement investigation, and/or an administrative complaint can be made to the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights (OCR). A person may also choose not to make a report or take further action.<br /> | ||
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'''Complaints to University'''<br /> | '''''Complaints to University'''''<br /> | ||
4.0 Students, employees and third parties may complain of violations of the university policy against sexual misconduct. Complaints of sexual misconduct can be made to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), Investigators, Human Resources or Student Affairs Officer, and Title IX Coordinator. Information on how to file complaints will be publicized by the President and Chancellor.<br /> | 4.0 Students, employees and third parties may complain of violations of the university policy against sexual misconduct. Complaints of sexual misconduct can be made to Campus Security Authorities (CSAs), Investigators, Human Resources or Student Affairs Officer, and Title IX Coordinator. Information on how to file complaints will be publicized by the President and Chancellor.<br /> | ||
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4.1. The University will protect the privacy of the parties involved in a sexual misconduct case to the extent possible under the law. In some situations, including those in which disciplinary action is a possible outcome, the law may require disclosure to respondents.<br /> | 4.1. The University will protect the privacy of the parties involved in a sexual misconduct case to the extent possible under the law. In some situations, including those in which disciplinary action is a possible outcome, the law may require disclosure to respondents.<br /> | ||
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4.2. | 4.2. The University may be required by law to investigate complaints of sexual misconduct, but that investigation may be limited by the information provided by the Complainant and the Complainant's willingness to pursue a formal complaint. <br /> | ||
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4.3. If the Complainant wishes to avoid revealing his or her identity, the University will make every reasonable effort to abide by Complainant's wishes to remain anonymous; however, the University is required to balance such a request with interest in protecting the safety of other members of the community.<br /> | 4.3. If the Complainant wishes to avoid revealing his or her identity, the University will make every reasonable effort to abide by Complainant's wishes to remain anonymous; however, the University is required to balance such a request with interest in protecting the safety of other members of the community.<br /> | ||
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4.3.1. Factors that will be considered in determining whether to disclose a report of sexual misconduct, a complaint, or the identity of the Complainant to a Respondent include: the seriousness of the alleged conduct; the Complainant's age; whether there have been other complaints about the same individual; and the Respondent’s rights to receive information about the allegations.<br /> | :4.3.1. Factors that will be considered in determining whether to disclose a report of sexual misconduct, a complaint, or the identity of the Complainant to a Respondent include: the seriousness of the alleged conduct; the Complainant's age; whether there have been other complaints about the same individual; and the Respondent’s rights to receive information about the allegations.<br /> | ||
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4.3.2. If the University proceeds with an investigation or other response to the Report of sexual misconduct, then the Investigator will notify the Complainant before the Respondent is contacted. Retaliation against the Complainant or a third party in an attempt to prevent or otherwise obstruct the reporting or remediation of sexual misconduct is prohibited. The Complainant and others contacted during the course of an investigation should be notified of the University's anti-retaliation policy.<br /> | :4.3.2. If the University proceeds with an investigation or other response to the Report of sexual misconduct, then the Investigator will notify the Complainant before the Respondent is contacted. Retaliation against the Complainant or a third party in an attempt to prevent or otherwise obstruct the reporting or remediation of sexual misconduct is prohibited. The Complainant and others contacted during the course of an investigation should be notified of the University's anti-retaliation policy.<br /> | ||
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4.4. '''Handling of Confidential Reports'''.<br /> | 4.4. '''Handling of Confidential Reports'''.<br /> | ||
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4.4.1. If the Complainant would like to remain anonymous, the Investigator will:<br /> | :4.4.1. If the Complainant would like to remain anonymous, the Investigator will:<br /> | ||
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4.4.1.1. explain that the University endeavors to investigate the allegations as presented without revealing the Complainant's identity, but that the University cannot ensure complete confidentiality and it may be limited in its ability to take disciplinary action if the Complainant desires to remain anonymous;<br /> | ::4.4.1.1. explain that the University endeavors to investigate the allegations as presented without revealing the Complainant's identity, but that the University cannot ensure complete confidentiality and it may be limited in its ability to take disciplinary action if the Complainant desires to remain anonymous;<br /> | ||
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4.4.1.2. advise the Complainant that the University has an obligation to investigate and document allegations of sexual misconduct, to include general information about reports of criminal sexual misconduct in annual security report statistics which do not identify either the person claiming to have been subject to criminal sexual misconduct or the actor alleged to have committed criminal sexual misconduct;<br /> | ::4.4.1.2. advise the Complainant that the University has an obligation to investigate and document allegations of sexual misconduct, to include general information about reports of criminal sexual misconduct in annual security report statistics which do not identify either the person claiming to have been subject to criminal sexual misconduct or the actor alleged to have committed criminal sexual misconduct;<br /> | ||
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4.4.1.3. to the extent practicable, provide resources and internally manage the Complainant's situation, as the University would if the Complainant did not request anonymity; and<br /> | ::4.4.1.3. to the extent practicable, provide resources and internally manage the Complainant's situation, as the University would if the Complainant did not request anonymity; and<br /> | ||
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4.4.1.4. ask the Complainant to acknowledge and sign a document confirming that s/he has requested anonymity and that may mean that the University is unable to take disciplinary action against the Respondent.<br /> | ::4.4.1.4. ask the Complainant to acknowledge and sign a document confirming that s/he has requested anonymity and that may mean that the University is unable to take disciplinary action against the Respondent.<br /> | ||
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'''Investigation by University'''<br /> | '''''Investigation by University'''''<br /> | ||
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4.5. The University will investigate and act upon information that is provided to it about allegations of sexual misconduct.<br /> | 4.5. The University will investigate and act upon information that is provided to it about allegations of sexual misconduct.<br /> | ||
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l. “Intimate partner” means a spouse; a former spouse; persons who have a child in common whether or not they have been married or lived together at any time; and persons who are or were involved in a dating relationship. For purposes of this definition, dating relationship means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement, but does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary association between persons in a business or social context. <br /> | l. “Intimate partner” means a spouse; a former spouse; persons who have a child in common whether or not they have been married or lived together at any time; and persons who are or were involved in a dating relationship. For purposes of this definition, dating relationship means frequent, intimate associations primarily characterized by the expectation of affection or sexual involvement, but does not include a casual relationship or an ordinary association between persons in a business or social context. <br /> | ||
m. “Intimate parts” means the genital area, groin, inner thighs, buttocks or breasts.<br /> | m. “Intimate parts” means the genital area, groin, inner thighs, buttocks or breasts.<br /> | ||
n. The term “Investigator” means a University official authorized to investigate and recommend remediation of complaints of sexual misconduct. | n. The term “Investigator” means a University official authorized to investigate and recommend remediation of complaints of sexual misconduct.<br /> | ||
o. “In violation” means that it is more likely than not that an actor has committed one or more acts of sexual misconduct. In other words, a greater weight of the evidence standard must be used to find sexual misconduct.<br /> | |||
o. “In violation” means that it is more likely than not that an actor has committed one or more acts of sexual misconduct. In other words, a greater weight of the evidence standard must be used to find sexual misconduct. | p. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense.<br /> | ||
q. “Member of the University community” includes any individual who is a student, staff, faculty member, University official, or any other individual employed by, or acting on behalf of, the University. An individual’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Investigator or Title IX Coordinator.<br /> | |||
p. The term “may” is used in the permissive sense. | r. The term “not in violation” means that it is more likely than not that a member of the University community did not commit one or more acts of sexual misconduct.<br /> | ||
s. “Past sexual behavior” means a person’s sexual behavior other than when the sexual misconduct is alleged to have occurred.<br /> | |||
q. “Member of the University community” includes any individual who is a student, staff, faculty member, University official, or any other individual employed by, or acting on behalf of, the University. An individual’s status in a particular situation shall be determined by the Investigator or Title IX Coordinator. | t. “Person” means the individual who allegedly was, or was determined to have been, subjected to sexual misconduct.<br /> | ||
u. “Rape” is included under the definition of sexual assault and means an actor’s sexual penetration of a person without consent.<br /> | |||
r. The term “not in violation” means that it is more likely than not that a member of the University community did not commit one or more acts of sexual misconduct. | v. “Respondent” is any member of the University who is charged with one or more acts of sexual misconduct.<br /> | ||
w. “Retaliation” includes intimidation, threats, harassment, and other adverse action threatened or taken against the Complainant or a third party in an attempt to prevent or otherwise obstruct the reporting of sexual misconduct.<br /> | |||
s. “Past sexual behavior” means a person’s sexual behavior other than when the sexual misconduct is alleged to have occurred. | x. “Serious bodily injury” shall mean bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, or which involves substantial risk of serious physical disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body.<br /> | ||
y. “Serious personal injury” means great bodily injury or disfigurement, extreme mental anguish or mental trauma, pregnancy, disease, or loss or impairment of a sexual or reproductive organ.<br /> | |||
t. “Person” means the individual who allegedly was, or was determined to have been, subjected to sexual misconduct. | z. “Sexual assault” is committed when an actor subjects a person to sexual penetration (i) without the consent of the person, (ii) when the actor knew or should have known that the person was mentally or physically incapable of resisting or appreciating the nature of the person’s own conduct, (iii) when the actor is at least nineteen years of age and the person is under twelve, or (iv) when the actor is twenty-five years of age or older when the person is at least twelve years of age but less than sixteen years of age. <br /> | ||
Sexual assault is also committed when an actor subjects a person to sexual contact (a) without consent of the person, or (b) when the actor knew or should have known that the person was physically or mentally incapable of resisting or appraising the nature of the person’s own conduct. Sexual assault by contact should be punished more severely if the actor causes serious personal injury to a person than if the actor shall not have caused serious personal injury.<br /> | |||
u. “Rape” is included under the definition of sexual assault and means an actor’s sexual penetration of a person without consent. | aa. “Sexual contact” means the intentional touching of a person’s intimate parts or the intentional touching of a person’s clothing covering the immediate area of the person’s intimate parts. Sexual contact also means the touching by the person of the actor’s intimate parts or the clothing covering the immediate area of the actor’s intimate parts when such touching is intentionally caused by the actor. Sexual contact shall include only such conduct which can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of either party. <br /> | ||
bb. “Sexual harassment” is unwelcome conduct or behavior of a sexual nature. Both violent and non-violent sexual harassment is prohibited. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Conduct that is sufficiently serious to limit or deny a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational program creates a hostile environment, and is prohibited. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: (1) an exposure of an actor’s genitals done with the intent to affront or alarm any person, and (2) viewing a person in a state of undress without his or her consent or knowledge. <br /> | |||
v. “Respondent” is any member of the University who is charged with one or more acts of sexual misconduct. | cc. “Sexual misconduct” includes dating violence, domestic assault, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking. <br /> | ||
dd. “Sexual penetration” means sexual intercourse in its ordinary meaning, cunninlingus, fellatio, anal intercourse or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the actor’s or person’s body or any object manipulated by the actor into the genital or anal openings of the person’s body which can be reasonably construed as being for nonmedical or nonhealth purposes. Sexual penetration does not require emission of semen. <br /> | |||
w. “Retaliation” includes intimidation, threats, harassment, and other adverse action threatened or taken against the Complainant or a third party in an attempt to prevent or otherwise obstruct the reporting of sexual misconduct. | ee. The term “shall” is used in the imperative sense.<br /> | ||
x. “Serious bodily injury” shall mean bodily injury which involves a substantial risk of death, or which involves substantial risk of serious physical disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ of the body. | ff. “Stalking” means to engage in a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person or a family or household member of such person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten, or intimidate.<br /> | ||
y. “Serious personal injury” means great bodily injury or disfigurement, extreme mental anguish or mental trauma, pregnancy, disease, or loss or impairment of a sexual or reproductive organ. | gg. The term “student” includes all individuals taking courses at the University, whether full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, whether or not they reside in the University residence halls. Individuals who withdraw after having allegedly committed sexual misconduct, or who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have an expected continued academic relationship with the University, may be considered “students.”<br /> | ||
hh. The “Student Affairs Officer” is the individual authorized by the University and the University Chancellor to be responsible for the administration of the Student Disciplinary Code, and in certain circumstances includes his or her designee.<br /> | |||
z. “Sexual assault” is committed when an actor subjects a person to sexual penetration (i) without the consent of the person, (ii) when the actor knew or should have known that the person was mentally or physically incapable of resisting or appreciating the nature of the person’s own conduct, (iii) when the actor is at least nineteen years of age and the person is under twelve, or (iv) when the actor is twenty-five years of age or older when the person is at least twelve years of age but less than sixteen years of age. | ii. The “Title IX Coordinator” is the individual designated by the campus to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct by members of the university community, and in some circumstances can include his or her designee.<br /> | ||
jj. The term “University” means University of Nebraska Medical Center.<br /> | |||
Sexual assault is also committed when an actor subjects a person to sexual contact (a) without consent of the person, or (b) when the actor knew or should have known that the person was physically or mentally incapable of resisting or appraising the nature of the person’s own conduct. Sexual assault by contact should be punished more severely if the actor causes serious personal injury to a person than if the actor shall not have caused serious personal injury. | kk. The term “University business day” means any calendar day where the campus offices are open for business and classes are in session, excluding weekends and national holidays.<br /> | ||
aa. “Sexual contact” means the intentional touching of a person’s intimate parts or the intentional touching of a person’s clothing covering the immediate area of the person’s intimate parts. Sexual contact also means the touching by the person of the actor’s intimate parts or the clothing covering the immediate area of the actor’s intimate parts when such touching is intentionally caused by the actor. Sexual contact shall include only such conduct which can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal or gratification of either party. | |||
bb. “Sexual harassment” is unwelcome conduct or behavior of a sexual nature. Both violent and non-violent sexual harassment is prohibited. Sexual harassment can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Conduct that is sufficiently serious to limit or deny a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the University’s educational program creates a hostile environment, and is prohibited. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to: (1) an exposure of an actor’s genitals done with the intent to affront or alarm any person, and (2) viewing a person in a state of undress without his or her consent or knowledge. | |||
cc. “Sexual misconduct” includes dating violence, domestic assault, domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking. | |||
dd. “Sexual penetration” means sexual intercourse in its ordinary meaning, cunninlingus, fellatio, anal intercourse or any intrusion, however slight, of any part of the actor’s or person’s body or any object manipulated by the actor into the genital or anal openings of the person’s body which can be reasonably construed as being for nonmedical or nonhealth purposes. Sexual penetration does not require emission of semen. | |||
ee. | |||
ff. “Stalking” means to engage in a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person or a family or household member of such person with the intent to injure, terrify, threaten, or intimidate. | |||
gg. The term “student” includes all individuals taking courses at the University, whether full-time or part-time, pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional studies, whether or not they reside in the University residence halls. Individuals who withdraw after having allegedly committed sexual misconduct, or who are not officially enrolled for a particular term, but who have an expected continued academic relationship with the University, may be considered “students.” | |||
hh. The “Student Affairs Officer” is the individual authorized by the University and the University Chancellor to be responsible for the administration of the Student Disciplinary Code, and in certain circumstances includes his or her designee. | |||
ii. The “Title IX Coordinator” is the individual designated by the campus to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct by members of the university community, and in some circumstances can include his or her designee. | |||
jj. The term “University” means University of Nebraska Medical Center. | |||
kk. The term “University business day” means any calendar day where the campus offices are open for business and classes are in session, excluding weekends and national holidays. | |||
ll.“University official” includes any individual employed by, associated with, or performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities in the interests of the University. University officials who are designated as campus security authorities must report crimes to the person in charge of Clery Act reporting. Counselors and Healthcare Professionals are bound by professional rules that may preclude their reporting violations of University rules when they are acting within the scope of their counseling or professional responsibilities. | ll.“University official” includes any individual employed by, associated with, or performing assigned administrative or professional responsibilities in the interests of the University. University officials who are designated as campus security authorities must report crimes to the person in charge of Clery Act reporting. Counselors and Healthcare Professionals are bound by professional rules that may preclude their reporting violations of University rules when they are acting within the scope of their counseling or professional responsibilities. | ||
mm. The term “University premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, University approved housing and other property in the possession of, or owned, used, or controlled by the University, including adjacent streets and sidewalks. | mm. The term “University premises” includes all land, buildings, facilities, University approved housing and other property in the possession of, or owned, used, or controlled by the University, including adjacent streets and sidewalks. | ||
== Additional Information == | == Additional Information == | ||
*Contact Carmen Sirizzotti, MBA, SPHR, UNMC Title IX Coordinator at 402-559-2710 or at [mailto:csirizzotti@unmc.edu csirizzotti@unmc.edu] for additional information or questions. | *Contact Carmen Sirizzotti, MBA, SPHR, UNMC Title IX Coordinator at 402-559-2710 or at [mailto:csirizzotti@unmc.edu csirizzotti@unmc.edu] for additional information or questions. | ||
*UNMC Student Sexual Misconduct Procedures | *UNMC Student Sexual Misconduct Procedures | ||
*[http://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/UNMC%20Employee%20Sexual%20Misconduct%20Procedures.pdf UNMC Employee Sexual Misconduct Procedures] | *[http://www.unmc.edu/hr/Proc/UNMC%20Employee%20Sexual%20Misconduct%20Procedures.pdf UNMC Employee Sexual Misconduct Procedures]<br /> | ||
*[http://www.nebraska.edu/docs/hr/NU_Sexual_Misconduct_Policy_2014_0530.pdf University of Nebraska Regents Policy 2.8.1] | |||
* | |||
This page maintained by [mailto:dpanowic@unmc.edu dkp]. | This page maintained by [mailto:dpanowic@unmc.edu dkp]. | ||