Back to the Basics: Understanding the Office of Civil Rights Guidelines on Sexual Harassment
The Office of Civil Rights, U. S. Department of Education, issued a document in 2001 entitled “Revised Sexual Harassment Guidance: Harassment of Students by School Employees, Other Students, or Third Parties” to address Title IX issues on our campuses. This document sets forth the foundation from which our sexual harassment and assault policies should evolve. This presentation provides an extensive overview of the legal foundations created by Title IX and articulated in this document and provides guidance for the essential elements in our sexual misconduct policies and procedures.
Presented by: Saundra K. Schuster, Esq., Partner, the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management, Worthington, Ohio
Let’s Talk About “IT”
Kelly and Becca are leading the global Sexversation® towards creating a more sexually empowered culture. They are experts on sexual assault awareness and prevention as well as the co-founders of Unite for Change, a national campaign to end sexual violence. Their signature program, Let’s Talk About “IT” is not your typical sexual assault program. This is a candid session that uses humor to create a fresh and honest approach that encourages students to address the realities of sexual violence on their campus and inspires them to take action. The women talk openly about sex, communication, personal responsibility, and the power of uncovering true sexual empowerment! Kelly and Becca share their personal experience of surviving sexual assault and the importance of their friendship in healing, while empowering students with both the desire and tools to help make their campus a safer place. Students, faculty, and staff will leave knowing how they can be a part of the solution.
Presented by: Kelly Addington and Becca Tieder, Co-Founders, Unite for Change, Tampa, Florida
Voices of Men
“Voices of Men” is a one-man play that uses humor and celebrity male voice impressions to educate audiences about sexual assault and other forms of violence. This new version of “Voices of Men” includes excerpts from Ben's new play, “Men’s Monologues Against Violence,” which is inspired by the Vagina Monologues. Performance includes graphic images of violence.
Performed by: Ben Atherton-Zeman, National Organization for Men Against Sexism, Maynard, Massachusetts
Better Victim Services Through Alternative Dispute Resolution
Current campus hearing models resolve complaints, but rarely satisfy the participants, give them closure or facilitate healing. We feel pressure from the Department of Education not to mediate complaints, so that they don't get pushed under the carpet, but that seems to foreclose an option that victims often desire. How much should victim's desires drive the process? If all they want is an apology, is that enough? Is mediation truly foreclosed by the Title IX Guidance? What about arbitration, restorative justice and other types of alternative dispute processes? Can they have a role, and if so, what might it look like? The panelists will discuss these questions, and yours, to close the conference.
Presented by: Brett A. Sokolow, J.D., Managing Partner, the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM), Malvern, Pennsylvania; NCHERM Partner W. Scott Lewis, J.D., Associate General Counsel, Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana; and NCHERM Partner Saundra K. Schuster, Esq., Worthington, Ohio
