Must someone who has disclosed they were the victim of a Title IX offense meet with the Title IX Coordinator?
No individual is required to meet with the Title IX Coordinator, however not meeting with the Title IX Coordinator may prevent an individual from receiving resources or accommodations or from filing a formal complaint. If a report is made, the Title IX Coordinator will reach out to the reporting individual.
PLEASE NOTE: The College as well as external law enforcement may be limited in their ability to fully investigate or resolve a complaint if the victim is unwilling to engage in the investigative process. Likewise, delays in formally reporting a complaint can limit the type or effectiveness of our response. More broadly, delays in reporting can prevent the College from understanding if a pattern of risk or behavior is developing. The College must take steps to end or otherwise address the behavior that violates policy or law. Every effort will be made to keep the identity of an unwilling victim or witness confidential in taking steps to protect the larger community.
Can someone report a Title IX violation anonymously?
You may report sexual violence anonymously to the SUNY Broome Title IX Coordinator by submitting the Title IX Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form without submitting a name.
PLEASE NOTE: Anonymous reporting may limit SUNY Broome’s ability to address a sexual violence situation. If you wish to formally report this incident, you may do so at any time. You may also withdraw your complaint or involvement from the SUNY Broome process at any time.
What if someone reports an incident naming me as a victim?
Any and all incidents reported are taken seriously and will be reviewed and addressed in a timely fashion, with sensitivity to confidentiality. The Title IX Coordinator or designated investigator will reach out to an individual upon a third-party report that the individual may have been a victim of sexual or interpersonal violence, sexual harassment and/or discrimination. The purpose of reaching out to the individual is to provide guidance as to the processes and support resources available.
No individual will be forced to file a claim or otherwise participate in the College’s investigative process. Unwilling victims or witnesses will be asked to sign an acknowledgement if they do not wish to engage in any resolution process. Even if you decline to engage in any resolution process, you can return to the Title IX Coordinator at a later time. In the interim, you are encouraged to seek support and assistance from any of the listed campus resources.
Am I protected from retaliation if I report a Title IX incident?
Any person who in good faith and belief of the facts, reports an incident of sexual harassment, misconduct, violence or discrimination or participates in the investigative process will be treated respectfully and with equitable access to the resources and processes of Title IX on campus. Retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith or participates in the investigative process is prohibited and may be viewed as harassment itself and may be subject to sanctions as determined by the College. Additionally, anyone accused of sexual misconduct has the right to be free from retaliation against a complainant or other third-party.
Can I report a previous experience?
Anyone can report any incident of sexual or interpersonal violence, sexual harassment and/or discrimination at any time, regardless of when or where an incident occurred (i.e. high school, previous institution). Regardless of when or where an incident took place, the Title IX Coordinator may be able to assist you with accessing resources and support.
Will my family be notified?
The Title IX Coordinator will not discuss complaints or on-going investigations with family members unless it is requested by the appropriate party. However, the Title IX Coordinator can provide family members with information regarding policy and procedures, while maintaining your privacy.
In the event the Title IX Coordinator must contact your family, you will be notified prior.
Do I have rights as an accused person?
Yes. Anyone accused of violating the College’s policies is afforded rights and resources. All accused individuals are encouraged to meet with the Title IX Coordinator to review what resources are available to them as well as to learn more about our process.
Can I get support from external sources?
Yes. The College takes Title IX claims very seriously and will take appropriate steps to assist every party and provide a timely response. You may elect our internal process while maintaining your right to pursue options with external law enforcement agencies, which may include local law enforcement or the District Attorney’s office, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, The New York State Division of Human Rights, or the United States Department of Educations’ Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The College can continue its investigative process as long as it does not conflict with the jurisdiction of these outside agencies. The Title IX Coordinator can provide you with information on accessing these external resources.