Title IX Update

I hope the spring semester is off to a successful start for everyone. With a new presidential administration now in place, the Title IX Office anticipates that there will soon be significant changes made to the Department of Education’s Title IX Regulations published last spring. Although the revision or even repeal of these regulations will likely take time, the Title IX Office stands ready to amend the College’s Interim Sexual Misconduct Policy if and when new guidance is issued.

Like many other schools, Oxy has seen a decrease in the number of reports made to the Title IX Office during remote learning and working. I want to remind everyone that the Title IX Office remains available remotely to anyone wishing to report an incident of sexual misconduct or seeking information about options and resources. If a student is concerned about reporting because they were not abiding by the Covid-19 Student Compact at or near the time of the incident, please know that they will not be subject to disciplinary action by the College for personal consumption of alcohol or drugs or other violations of the conduct policy (including the Covid-19 Student Compact), provided that any such violations did not and do not place the health or safety of any other person at risk and do not involve plagiarism, cheating, or academic dishonesty.

Any person with questions or concerns can contact me directly by email (afulcher@oxy.edu) or telephone (323-259-1338), or file a report online. I am closely monitoring email, phone, and online reports, and am available to meet at the time and via the method (telephone call, Zoom call, chat session, etc.) that is most comfortable and convenient for you. Anonymous reports concerning an act of sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking or intimate partner violence can be made via this anonymous reporting form.

The College continues to offer confidential resources to serve and support our community. Survivor Advocate Marianne Frapwell (survivoradvocate@oxy.edu) provides free confidential counseling and advocacy to survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence; the Oxy 24/7 Helpline (323-341-4141) provides 24/7 confidential phone counseling and referral services to all members of the community; and Emmons Wellness Center currently provides confidential telecounseling to all students in California and can assist out-of-state students in finding a local provider. The Sexual Respect and Title IX website features a complete list of available resources and additional information.

Regardless of what lies ahead, Oxy remains committed to our fundamental goal of eliminating sexual misconduct in the Oxy Community and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all.