President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Title IX Update
September 7, 2022
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
I write to inform you of an update to the college’s Title IX grievance procedures, made in response to a request by the United States Department of Education (DOE) to institutions earlier this summer. Effective immediately, the Title IX grievance procedures for students, faculty, and staff no longer limit the statements that a hearing officer may consider to those made by individuals who submit to cross-examination during Title IX hearings. Hearing officers may now appropriately consider all relevant information in reaching a determination, in compliance with the current regulations.
When such direction is provided by the U.S. DOE regarding specific procedures, it is important that we update our processes promptly. This update was made upon the advice and recommendation of the Title IX Coordinator and the Vice Presidents/Deans, as well as by special authority granted in the community constitution. It keeps the college in compliance with federal Title IX regulations, which have evolved under different presidential administrations.
Cross-examination conducted by advisers (never the parties themselves) remains an element of Title IX hearings held under the Grievance Procedure for Students, Grievance Procedure for Staff, and Sections M, N, O of the Faculty Rules of Procedure. Under these procedures, parties and witnesses have always had the option to participate or decline to participate in cross-examination. However, prior to this update, hearing officers were limited in the information they could consider based on this participation.
This instruction from the Department of Education was separate from the broader regulation changes it proposed in June, which are undergoing a period of public comment. Those proposed regulations have not yet taken effect. Throughout the coming year, the Title IX office will collaborate with stakeholders across campus to engage in discussion and gather feedback related to the proposed regulations so that ongoing policy and procedure updates are able to best support the Reed community.
Reed is committed to cultivating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. If you have questions regarding changes to Reed’s Title IX policy, please contact Chris Toutain, Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator.
All my best,
Audrey
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Audrey Bilger
President