January 30, 2019
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
As follow-up to our Fall communication regarding the U.S. Department of Education (DOE)’s proposal to amend regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) and as the comment period of DOE’s rulemaking process comes to a close, we write to provide confirmation about our current policies and procedures.
Seattle University’s current sexual misconduct policies and procedures remain in effect and we do not anticipate action by DOE that would require changes this academic year.
As previously explained, if the proposed rule were to be implemented without modification, our university, like many others, would be required to make significant changes to our sexual misconduct policies and procedures. However, it is unlikely a finalized rule will become effective prior to the end of this academic year.
While we continue in a period of uncertainty around what changes will come at the federal level, Seattle University remains committed to providing a safe and equitable learning, living and working environment, and to maintaining and continually improving upon our efforts to prevent and best respond to incidences of sexual misconduct impacting members of our community.
In line with this commitment, Seattle University provides safety and support resources and assistance for all community members who have experienced or been impacted by sexual misconduct, regardless of where incidents occur and whether or not formal complaints are pursued.
Further in line with the university’s commitment and in anticipation of finalized regulations that may require modification to our sexual misconduct policies and procedures, the university will be engaging students, faculty, and staff further as we move forward.
In the meantime, for campus community members still wanting to provide comments to DOE on their proposed rule, please remember that they are due tonight, January 30, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Comments can be submitted online here, and general information about the federal rulemaking process can be found at regulations.gov.
Sincerely,
Andrea Herrera Katahira
Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity
Chief EEO Officer
Title IX Coordinator
ADA/504 Coordinator
Alvin Sturdivant
Vice President for Student Development