News and Announcements

EOCR Revises the University's Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence

August 14, 2020

Effective August 14, 2020, the University revised its Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence (hereafter, the "Sexual Misconduct Policy") and implemented two new sets of procedures for responding to reports and Formal Complaints under the Sexual Misconduct Policy - the Grievance Process for Investigating and Resolving Reports of Title IX Prohibited Conduct ("Grievance Process"), and the Procedures for Investigating and Resolving Reports of Sexual and Gender-Based Prohibited Conduct ("Procedures").

The University of Virginia is committed to creating and fostering a caring community based on the values of fairness, dignity, and respect. Sexual and gender-based harassment and other forms of interpersonal violence have no place in UVA's community of trust and respect. Consistent with its Title IX obligations, the University prohibits discrimination, including sexual and gender-based harassment and violence, on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender, and gender identity or expression in all of its programs and activities, including academics, employment, athletics, and other extracurricular activities.

Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence ("Sexual Misconduct Policy")

Grievance Process for Title IX Prohibited Conduct (Appendix A)

Procedures for Sexual or Gender-Based Prohibited Conduct (Appendix B)

Student Resources (Appendix C)

Employee Resources (Appendix D)

EOCR launches website about revisions to University policy

May 15, 2020

EOCR/Title IX office launched a website to provide information to the University community information about the U.S. Department of Education Title IX regulations and the impact on University policies. The website provides University community members with links to the Final Regulations and current University policies, as well as an opportunity to provide feedback, which will be considered as the University revises its current policies and procedures.

Title IX website

U.S. Department of Education releases revised Title IX regulations

May 7, 2020

The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights released the Final Rule under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. The new requirements become effective August 14, 2020. The University of Virginia is committed to creating and fostering a community based on values of fairness, dignity, and respect. The Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, which includes the Title IX team, will be announcing opportunities to provide input to be considered during the University's evaluation of the current Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. On May 7, 2020, President Ryan announced this opportunity through email, the full text of which is below.

In addition, the University is providing links to the Final Rule and supporting documentation that was issued by the Department of Education.

U.S. Department of Education Releases Final Title IX Rule

To the University community,

UVA is committed to creating and fostering a community based on the values of fairness, dignity, and respect. Sexual and gender-based harassment and other forms of interpersonal violence have no place at UVA.

Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Education released new regulations that govern how schools, including colleges and universities, address reports of sexual harassment, including stalking and relationship violence, under Title IX, and we are in the process of evaluating the regulations to determine what changes to our current policy and procedures would need to be implemented in order to comply with the new requirements. These new requirements become effective August 14, 2020, which is a short turnaround time.

When UVA developed its current Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence in 2015, UVA sought feedback and input from community members—including staff, faculty, and students—and this time will be no different. In the coming weeks, the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights, which includes the Title IX team, will be announcing opportunities to provide input to be considered during this evaluation and review process. While a quick review of the regulations reveals specific requirements, there also appear to be some areas where schools have been given discretion to make decisions that are best for their community. Rest assured that, with respect to any changes, UVA will prioritize the safety and well-being of all members of the University community and continue to ensure that we have a process to promptly address reports of sexual and gender-based harassment and violence that is empathetic, fair, and equitable.

Best,
Jim
--
James E. Ryan
President
University of Virginia

University of Virginia Releases Results of 2019 Campus Climate Survey

October 15, 2019

The University of Virginia today released the results of a comprehensive survey gauging the climate and culture related to sexual assault and other forms of sexual and gender-based harassment misconduct at the University. The Title IX office will use the campus climate survey results to inform future response, training, and initiatives.

Executive Summary for 2019 Climate Survey

2019 Campus Climate Survey

Statistics About Response to Reports of Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment

October 15, 2019

The University of Virginia is committed to providing a safe and non-discriminatory learning, living, and working environment for all members of the University. Today, the Office for Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights (EOCR) Title IX office is publishing statistics regarding the University's response to reports made pursuant to the University's Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. The Title IX office will release similar data on an annual basis.

2017-2018 and 2018-2019 Report on Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment

University of Virginia launches Campus Climate Survey

March 19, 2019 (NOW CLOSED)

The University of Virginia is one of 33 institutions participating in the 2019 Association of American Universities (AAU) Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct, which is being administered by the research firm Westat. The survey field period is March 19-April 16, 2019 and all degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, and professional students will be invited to participate. The 2019 Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct is designed to gauge students' knowledge and beliefs about social situations and perceptions related to sexual misconduct at UVA, and about their knowledge of resources available at UVA. This survey also asks students about their experience with sexual misconduct, such as harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. All responses are anonymous and participation is voluntary. Results from the survey will guide ongoing reviews of policies and services that support a healthy, safe, and nondiscriminatory environment on Grounds.

Use Your Voice: Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct - President Jim Ryan

Association of American Universities (AAU) Campus Climate Survey

Charlottesville-Albemarle Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) signs Protocol

January 11, 2018

The University of Virginia and members of the Charlottesville-Albemarle County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) signed a standards of practice and protocol for the SART. The SART, which consists of the University of Virginia; Sexual Assault Resource Agency (SARA); Charlottesville, Albemarle, and University police departments; victim/witness advocates from the city, county, and University; the Charlottesville and Albemarle Commonwealth's attorneys; and a forensic nurse examiner, developed the protocol to implement the October 2016 Memorandum of Understanding. After the signing, President Teresa Sullivan said, "We all look forward to the day when there is no sexual assault anywhere. We're not at that day yet, so until we are, we need a way to help the survivors of sexual assault heal and go on with their lives, and to seek justice from them if that is what they want."

October 10, 2016 Sexual Assault Response Team Memorandum of Understanding

January 11, 2018 Sexual Assault Response Team Protocol