Equity & Access Bulletin
April 20, 2021
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The Office of Equity and Access (OEA) serves the entire Stony Brook Community - from Southampton to Main Campus to Manhattan, and everywhere else there are Stony Brook University programs or activities. Our goal is to ensure Stony Brook's commitment to work and educational environments that are safe, accessible, and free from discrimination. |
20th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on preventing sexual assault and all forms of sexual violence. This April is the 20th anniversary of SAAM, and so much has been achieved in the last 20 years. You can read about the history of efforts to reduce and raise awareness of sexual assault and violence on the National Sexual Violence Resources Center webpage. Although much has been achieved, there is much work to be done. One theme of SAAM 2021 is "We Can Build Safe Online Spaces." The pandemic has focused our attention (even more) online. We must remember that sexual harassment and violence exist in online spaces as well. |
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"Online bravado" often gives individuals a false sense of permission to misbehave. This can lead to discriminatory images, content, and live "chat" interactions in online classrooms and workspaces that may violate Stony Brook University Policies against sexual harassment or any form of gender-based discrimination. We encourage anyone who has experienced any form of sexual harassment or gender-based, or any other form of discrimination, including on any Stony Brook University-related electronic platform, to report it at stonybrook.edu/reportit. |
Updated Sexual Misconduct Report Form
Inital Report Form Compliant with All 2020 Title IX Regulatory Changes
August 14, 2020, the US Department of Education regulations took effect that can impact how Stony Brook University handles reported incidents of sexual misconduct and whether a report will be processed as a Title IX Grievance. The changes to our Sexual Misconduct Initial Report Form allow the reporting individual to file a "formal signed complaint" in compliance with these regulations.
www.stonybrook.edu/reportit
SANE Center Now Available Up to 120 Hours (5 days) After Incident
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Center at Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Department (ED) Now Available at No Cost for Up to 120 hours or 5 days Following an Incident of Sexual Violence |
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Since 2009 Stony Brook University Hospital Emergency Department (ED) has provided survivors of sexual assault with medical treatment and forensic examinations conducted by trained professionals. These services are available at no cost for uninsured individuals or individuals unable to access their insurance for up to 96 hours following an incident. These services have now been expanded to include up to 120 hours or five (5) days following an incident. Any evidence collected during these exams will be made available when deciding, at the patient's option, to report the incident to law enforcement.
Title IX Regulatory Changes
Changes were Effective August 14In May 2020, the US Department of Education released sweeping regulatory changes to its prior Title IX guidance. These changes narrowed which reported incidents are governed by Title IX and impacted how investigations are handled and hearings conducted. The Office of Equity and Access worked closely with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards and SUNY to ensure that the University made updates to our Code of Student Conduct, our Title IX website, and our investigation and hearing practices by August 14, 2020 deadline |
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How Does this Impact Stony Brook University
While the 2020 Title IX regulations narrowed which incidents are governed by Title IX and how OEA & SCCS might handle those incidents, they did not narrow which conduct is prohibited at Stony Brook University under our Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure. We have established a separate Title IX Grievance Policy and Procedure that complies with all of the requirements under regulations to handle all matters that meet the narrower definition in the new Title IX regulations matters. We have also retained our prior Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure for other reported incidents of sexual misconduct which violate Stony Brook policy. This approach complies not only with Title IX but with NY State education laws governing sexual misconduct and best serves Stony Brook University's commitment to providing campus environments that are safe and accessible, and free from discrimination. If you would like to review an overview of the differences, it is available on the OEA Title IX website.
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Title IX Regulation Under ReviewOn Monday, March 8, 2021, the new Administration issued an executive order requiring a 100-day review all Title IX guidance, actions, and policy to ensure that all students are "guaranteed an educational environment free from discrimination based on sex, including discrimination in the form of sexual harassment, which encompasses sexual violence, and including discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity." We will keep the campus community abreast of any further changes. |