Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff Members,

On May 6, 2020, the Department of Education issued new regulations addressing how colleges and universities are required to investigate and adjudicate sexual misconduct cases under Title IX.  Last year, during the proposed rulemaking period for these regulations, Swarthmore provided a public comment highlighting our concerns.  

Over the next several weeks, the Title IX Office and key partners will be carefully reviewing the regulations to ensure the College is compliant by the August 14, 2020 effective date and that implementation is done in a way that best serves the needs of our community.  We will communicate all changes to our current policies and procedures by the end of the summer.

Sexual misconduct is a community issue and it takes a community to prevent it. Our campus sexual misconduct prevention and response efforts will continue to be focused in four ways: (1) through campus policies that reflect the federal guidelines as well as campus values, (2) a response/adjudication process that is clear and supportive, (3) ongoing sexual violence prevention and healthy relationships education, and (4) creating a community that is survivor supportive.

We will continue to align our practices with the mission and the vision of the College, centering the well-being of our students and the safety of our community. Thank you for your patience and understanding. As always, if you have ideas or suggestions, please be in touch.  

Warmly,
Bindu Jayne