Title IX/Sexual Misconduct
Boston University is committed to fostering an environment that is free from all forms of sexual misconduct, including sexual assault and sexual harassment. In support of that commitment, BU takes steps to increase awareness of such misconduct, eliminate its occurrence on campus, provide support for survivors, diligently investigate all reports of sexual misconduct, and deal fairly and firmly with offenders. Creating a safe campus environment and a culture of respect is the shared responsibility of all members of the BU community, individually and collectively.
The University complies with all state and federal discrimination laws, including Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972, the federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. The Boston University Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy (“Policy”) is intended to ensure a safe and non-discriminatory educational and work environment.
A variety of support and counseling resources are available to members of the Boston University community affected by sexual misconduct.
Confidential Resources
The University encourages all members of the BU community to report any incident of sexual misconduct. The University recognizes, however, that not every person will choose to make a formal report with the University or with local law enforcement. For those who are not prepared to make a report or pursue a complaint, the University provides confidential advocacy, crisis and pastoral counseling, and medical services on campus. Conversations with these individuals are confidential (except as described in Section XI). They can explain options for obtaining additional support from the University and off-campus resources. They can also arrange for medical care and accompany complainants, or arrange for someone to accompany complainants, to seek such care. Complainants may use these resources to talk to someone about an incident of sexual misconduct in a confidential manner whether or not they decide to make an official report or to participate in the University complaint resolution process or the criminal justice system. Conferring with these resources will not trigger an investigation by the University or law enforcement. However, these offices are familiar with the University’s complaint resolution processes, can explain what to expect, and can provide support while University or criminal processes are pending.
Behavioral Medicine, Student Health Services
Behavioral Medicine, Student Health Services
881 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
617-353-3569
Reporting obligations: Behavioral Medicine will report incidents without any identifying information to the Title IX Coordinator to help the University understand the existence and extent of the problem (Title IX). If the incident is a crime on or near campus, Behavioral Medicine will report it without any identifying information to BUPD for inclusion in the annual security report and for issuance of any required timely warning (Clery Act).
Sexual Assault Response & Prevention Center
Office of the Ombuds
Office of the Ombuds
930 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
617-358-5960
ombuds@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: The Ombuds may provide anonymous (de-identified) information to the Title IX Coordinator in an effort to address emerging problems or to prevent recurrence, including information on general trends or patterns of concern (Title IX).
University Chaplains, Marsh Chapel
Non-Confidential Resources
In addition to confidential resources, all members or the BU community have access to a variety of individuals who are trained to support those affected by sexual misconduct and to coordinate with the Title IX Coordinator consistent with the University’s commitment to a safe and healthy campus environment. While not bound by confidentiality, these resources will nevertheless maintain the privacy of a person’s information within the limited circle of those involved in the Title IX investigation and resolution process.
Boston University Dean of Students
Dean of Students
George Sherman Union
775 Commonwealth Avenue, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02215
617-353-4126
dos@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: Unless a complainant requests otherwise and the request is granted, the Dean’s designee (the Office of Judicial Affairs) will investigate and respond to reported incidents of sexual misconduct (Title IX). If the incident is a crime on or near campus, the Dean will report it without any identifying information to BUPD for inclusion in the annual security report and for issuance of any required timely warning (Clery Act). The Dean will share information with University Personnel who need to know it in order to carry out University policies and procedures.
University Title IX Coordinator
Kim Randall, Executive Director of Equal Opportunity
University Title IX Coordinator
Equal Opportunity Office
888 Commonwealth Avenue, Third Floor, Boston, MA 02215
617-353-9286
krandall@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: Unless a complainant requests otherwise and the request is granted, the Title IX Coordinator will supervise the investigation and response to reported incidents of sexual misconduct (Title IX). If the incident is a crime on or near campus, the Title IX Coordinator will report it without any identifying information to BUPD for inclusion in the annual security report and for issuance of any required timely warning (Clery Act). The Title IX Coordinator will share information with University Personnel who need to know it in order to carry out University policies and procedures.
Boston University Police Department (BUPD)
Boston University Police Department
32 Harry Agganis Way, Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2110
Emergency Line: 617-353-2121
bupolice@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: BUPD will report to the Title IX Coordinator all information received about sexual misconduct incidents so the University can investigate and respond (Title IX). If the incident is a crime, BUPD will include it in a crime log and the annual security report without identifying the victim (Clery Act). If the incident is a crime and poses a serious or continuing threat, BUPD will issue a timely warning or emergency notification (Clery Act). If there is reasonable cause to suspect that a minor has been sexually abused, BUPD will notify University leadership (MA Law on Protection of Minors). BUPD will share information with University personnel who need to know it in order to carry out University policies and procedures.
Non-Confidential Resources for Law Students
BU Law has numerous non-confidential resources available to support those seeking guidance. For those affected by sexual misconduct, these resources are trained to discuss the reporting process with you and direct you to confidential resources if you are not ready to file a formal report. While not bound by confidentiality, these resources will nevertheless maintain the privacy of a person’s information to the extent possible. All law school faculty and staff are non-confidential resources.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator, LAW
Angela Onwuachi-Willig
Dean and Professor of Law
765 Commonwealth Avenue, Eleventh Floor
617-353-0426
aow@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: Unless a complainant requests otherwise and the request is granted, the Deputy Title IX Coordinators will assist the Title IX Coordinator in the investigation and response to reported incidents of sexual misconduct, as appropriate (Title IX).
Student Affairs
BU Law Student Affairs
765 Commonwealth Avenue, Fifth Floor
617-358-1800
studaff@bu.edu
Reporting obligations: The Law Student Affairs team is a resource for any student affected by sexual misconduct. They can provide guidance, and direction to confidential resources, but are themselves required to report all information received about sexual misconduct to the Deputy Title IX coordinator, Associate Dean Elizabeth Cerrato, and other related offices.
Additional resources:
Boston University’s Sexual Misconduct/Title IX Policy
Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center Brochure
Information about Sexual Misconduct Procedures at Boston University
Procedures for the Resolution of Sexual Misconduct Complaints against Students at Boston University
Procedures for the Resolution of Sexual Misconduct Complaints against Faculty, Staff, Affiliates and Non-Affiliates of Boston University