President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: Message Regarding a Discriminatory Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Complaint
November 21, 2014
Dear Reed Faculty, Staff and Students:
I write to provide information about a human resources issue reported in The Quest. Out of respect for our community, I feel it is necessary to address this difficult issue as directly as possible, while protecting the privacy of those involved and the confidentiality of our Title IX processes.
As the article reported, the college recently received a report from a staff member alleging that Reed’s vice president and dean of admission and financial aid committed sexual harassment. In keeping with our standard procedures, Lorraine Arvin, Reed’s Title IX coordinator, asked the director of human resources to perform a prompt and thorough investigation. The director of human resources provided a written report of the investigation to the complainant, respondent, Title IX coordinator, and me. The investigation concluded that there was no violation of the Discriminatory Harassment and Sexual Misconduct (DHSM) Policy, and it did not find that sexual harassment had occurred. Both the Title IX coordinator and I reviewed the report and agreed with its conclusions.
I want to let you know that Lorraine and I took this complaint very seriously. The investigation was thorough and the result fair. I have full confidence in the vice president’s commitment to Reed and his ability to lead Reed’s admission and financial aid office.
I am out of the country until November 24, but will, of course, be happy to sit down and talk with anyone who would like to, about this or any other issue. In the meantime, please reach out to Lorraine Arvin if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
John Kroger
President