U of California Releases New Sexual Misconduct Policy
The University of California on Friday announced the release of a comprehensive expansion of its policy against sexual and domestic violence, stalking and harassment.
The University of California (UC) on Friday announced the release of a comprehensive expansion of its policy against sexual and domestic violence, stalking and harassment.
While the timing of the policy expansion has been guided by the federal Violence Against Women Act, its implementation across the UC system coincides with an increasing system-wide focus on the broader issues of respect and inclusion within the university community.
The new policy meets the federal deadline to comply with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. It applies to all UC students and employees, including those at its medical centers, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the Office of the President, the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and at all university programs and activities.
“We have no tolerance for sexual violence or harassment of any kind,” said UC President Janet Napolitano. “The university must, and will, hold itself to the highest standards, and I expect all of our locations to do everything possible to make everyone aware of these standards.”
Among the UC policy changes are expanded training and education, increased reporting requirements, broader protections for victims and specific sanctions and protective measures that the university may impose after a final disciplinary determination.
Going forward, the policy will be further revised in response to many comments that the university has received, and further changes are anticipated after guidance from the federal government and possible changes mandated by state legislation.
The sexual harassment and sexual violence policy may be accessed here: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SHSV.
Dartmouth College officials have also proposed changes to its sexual assault policy, including stricter punishments for offenders, which may lead to more expulsions, reports the Huffington Post. Students found responsible for sexual assault will face “mandatory expulsion in cases involving penetration accomplished by force, threat, or purposeful incapacitation.”
The full proposal will be unveiled this week, and comments will be allowed until April 14.
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