Western's new interim Title IX policy now in effect

Dear Western Community,

On Friday, Aug. 14, Western’s new Interim Policy Preventing and Responding to Sexual Harassment Under Title IX, POL-U1600.04, went into effect, as required by the U.S. Department of Education. A team including staff from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Human Resources, Office of Student Life, CASAS, Student Conduct, and Academic Affairs has been working since June to revise the regulations in accordance with the 2000 pages of guidance provided by the Department of Education by the August deadline.

Some important changes in the policy and procedures include:

• Sexual harassment, including sexual assault, which occurs off-campus and is not part of a WWU education program or activity is not covered by Title IX, but can be addressed through other policies and regulations, including Western’s Policy Ensuring Equal Opportunity and Prohibiting Discrimination and Retaliation POL-U1600.02 and the Student Code of Conduct.
• All parties to a Title IX complaint are entitled to supportive measures during the process.
• Informal resolutions are permitted, if all parties agree to them, except in cases where an employee is alleged to have sexually harassed a student.
• Formal Title IX complaints must conclude with a live hearing at which each party’s advisor may cross-examine the other party, as well as any witnesses, with relevant questions.
• Advisors will be provided without charge, if needed.
• Both parties may appeal on the grounds of procedural irregularity, new evidence not available at the time of the hearing, bias on the part of the Title IX coordinator, investigator, or decision maker.

I encourage you to review the full policy and procedures. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is developing educational and supportive materials and will make it available as soon as possible.

In September, a full process for revision of the permanent policy and procedures will be launched. It will include opportunities for broad stakeholder input and feedback, and a fuller consideration of the procedural options available to us. The interim policy meets our compliance requirements until we are able to complete that important process.

We remain committed to ending sexual harassment, sexual violence, and discrimination at Western Washington University. Title IX plays an important part in achieving that goal.

Sincerely,

Melynda Huskey
Interim Director, Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance
Vice President, Enrollment and Student Services