President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: TItle IX Policy and Procedure Update
August 1, 2024
Dear students, staff, and faculty,
I am writing to inform you of an update to the college’s Title IX policy and associated grievance procedure, effective immediately, in response to the 2024 Title IX regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex and addresses sexual harassment and misconduct in higher education. The new ED regulations outline specific actions the college must take in response to these incidents. Reed is committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff.
Upon the release of these regulations in April, the college convened a Title IX working group, composed of students, staff, and the Dean of the Faculty Office. This group met over the summer to revise the Title IX policy and grievance procedure applicable to all members of our community. In addition, the Committee on Advancement and Tenure met to provide feedback on the changes that were necessary for the Faculty Rules of Procedure. I encourage everyone to review the updated policy and procedures carefully. While there are many important elements, please note the following key changes that also impact other campus policies:
- All staff and faculty, except medical professionals, counselors, and the Confidential Advocate, as well as certain student worker groups, are now required to notify the Title IX Office of possible instances of sex discrimination or harassment. (This is referred to as "Obligated Reporter" responsibilities in the new Title IX Policy.)
- Confidential employees who are not Obligated Reporters are required to provide Title IX Office referral information when they hear of possible cases of sex discrimination.
- The Title IX Policy now encompasses all matters pertaining to sexual harassment and sex discrimination that previously were addressed through the DHSM policy.
- The title of the DHSM policy is now the Discriminatory Harassment and Misconduct (DHM) Policy.
- Absorption of sections J, K, and L of the Faculty Rules of Procedure into the new Title IX Procedure.
- Move overlapping procedures from sections M, N, and O of the Faculty Rules of Procedure to the Title IX Procedure and create a new section J with the remaining elements of M, N, and O.
- Removal of the Sexual Misconduct Board under the J-Board Code because all sex-based discrimination matters have been moved from the DHSM to Title IX.
- An opportunity to challenge decisions made about Title IX supportive measures.
- Transition from live hearings to asynchronous response hearings.
- Authorization for the Title IX Office to make non-substantive changes to the Policy and Procedures for relevancy and correctness.
These changes ensure the college’s compliance with evolving federal Title IX regulations by the August 1, 2024, deadline set by the Department of Education. The policy and procedure update follows the advice and recommendations of the Title IX Working Group, Title IX Coordinator, Vice Presidents, and Deans, utilizing special authority granted in the community constitution to the President. More information about employee training on these Policy and Procedure revisions will be forthcoming.
I want to extend my gratitude to all community members who participated in the various learning opportunities about the new Title IX regulations, including Q&A sessions, feedback sessions, and individual appointments with Christy Martin, EdD, Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator. The insights gained from these interactions were instrumental in updating our policies and procedures.
We encourage the campus community to engage in further discussions through the community governance process so we can continue to find the best ways to foster a community free of sex-based discrimination and harassment. If you have questions regarding Reed’s Title IX Policy and Procedure changes, please contact Christy Martin, EdD, Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator, cmartin@reed.edu and 503-517-7722.
All my best,
Audrey
—
Audrey Bilger
President
Reed College