Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment

What Will Happen

If a victim/survivor discloses an incident of sexual misconduct to a responsible employee/community member but wishes to maintain confidentiality or requests that no investigation be conducted or Dean’s Panel not be convened to adjudicate, the College must weigh that request against its obligation to provide a safe, non-discriminatory environment for all students, including the victim/survivor.

If such a request can be honored, the individual making the request needs to understand that the College’s ability to meaningfully investigate the incident or pursue action against the individual alleged to have engaged in sexual misconduct may be limited. They will be asked to acknowledge, in writing, that they have asked the College to take no action at this time. If the victim/survivor decides at a later date that they no longer want the matter to be treated confidentially and that an investigation should be opened, they may do so as long as it is within the time frame for such reports as described elsewhere in this policy. View the FAQ.

Although rare, there may be times when the College cannot honor a confidentiality request in order to ensure an environment that is safe, free from harassment and discrimination for all students.

The College has designated the following individuals to evaluate requests for confidentiality once a report has received notice of an incident of sexual misconduct:
John McKnight, Dean of the College
Raquel Esteves-Joyce, Interim Title IX Coordinator

When weighing a request for confidentiality or that no investigation or judicial process be pursued, Dean McKnight and Raquel Esteves-Joyce will consider a range of factors that take into account the wishes of the victim/survivor and the safety of the community.

If it is determined that the College cannot maintain confidentiality as requested, the individual requesting it will be informed of this decision prior to pursuing an investigation. The College will take whatever steps possible and necessary to provide support to the confronting party and protect them from retaliation. Retaliation by the confronted party or on behalf of the confronted party will not be tolerated. Interim measures, such as a no contact order and change of living arrangements, and a variety of forms of academic accommodations will be offered and provided as needed and appropriate.