President
January 29, 2018
Dear Members of the UP Community,
A little over a year ago I put together a committee to study our current policies, practices, and procedures in the realm of federal Title IX compliance. I know many in the UP community have been anticipating this report. With Dr. Elise Moentmann as the chair, the committee has worked diligently and thoroughly to understand a very complex area with an intense study of best practices across the country. I received their report last week and I am deeply grateful for their commitment and comprehensive work.
The full report of the committee, as well as the executive summary and appendices, is available to read.
Among the recommendations in the report are four initiatives which I have tasked Dr. Lauretta Frederking, Title IX coordinator, and our campus partners to begin the necessary steps to implement immediately. These initiatives, which were among those most called for as the committee met with community stakeholders, include:
In addition to these actions, the University has revised the student-athlete conduct policies. As of the 2017-2018 term, any student found responsible for violating the Interpersonal Violence policy in Life on the Bluff will be permanently dismissed from team activities.
Finally, while the committee’s report acknowledges the reasonable approach of our current policies, practices, and procedures, the committee also offers several additional very good ideas and evidence around alternative models and provides additional suggestions to strengthen supports for our campus community.
On September 22, 2017, the U.S. Department of Education rescinded the 2011 “Dear Colleague” Letter on Sexual Violence and “interim guidance” was announced. We are now awaiting the proposed rule, which will be developed over the next several months. According to the American Council on Education, the published regulations are likely still a year away. Most certainly, I will revisit the report for further suggestions when we have the new federal rules and guidance.
It is important that all of you know that our current policies, practices, and procedures in the realm of Title IX are compliant with the interim guidance and they will remain in place. Dr. Frederking continues to work with her team to respond to any incident of alleged discrimination on the basis of gender, sexual harassment, or sexual assault.
The developments on the federal level will not deter our forward progress on this issue. We will continue to develop more prevention trainings for our students; we will continue to provide additional resources to support the Title IX team; and we must continue to evaluate rigorously the culture and climate on our campus through statistics and reports.
I deeply appreciate the dedicated efforts of the committee amidst this changing national landscape and, again, I thank Dr. Moentmann and the committee for their significant work and contributions.
Let us always work together to support a safe and healthy campus community. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to this critically important priority for the University.
Sincerely,
Fr. Mark
Rev. Mark L. Poorman, C.S.C.
President
University of Portland
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
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