Policy
Lawrence University's Title IX Policy is centered around providing safety and security for students, faculty, and staff of any gender identity, gender expression, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, and sex stereotypes..
The Equity & Title IX Office is committed to providing the most up-to-date policies and procedures for our campus. New regulations went into effect August 1, 2024. The new policy will be announced to members of the LU community through their campus email addresses during the 2024-25 academic year, and the policy can be found here.
Procedure
Lawrence University is committed to providing an equitable process for all involved. The Title IX and Equity office understands the potential impacts on parties involved and believes in transparent procedures. Although outlined in more detail in the policy, read below for a more digestible understanding of the procedures surrounding Title IX.
The procedure is limited by the involved parties' affiliation with Lawrence, meaning there are limitations to the process should the complainant(s) or the respondent(s) not be a part of the LU community. However, there is no limitation on timing, the Office of Equity & Title IX will continue through the process to the best of its abilities no matter when a reported occurrence took place.
Reporting
Members of the LU community may proceed in a variety of ways that align with their comfort levels. There are three options: not reporting, reporting to a confidential source, or reporting to a non-confidential source. Reporting to a non-confidential source allows the University more opportunity to address concerns and offer supportive measures to those involved.
Title IX Consultation & Evaluation
After the Equity and Title IX Office receive a report, they reach out to impacted parties through their Lawrence University email, should their identities have been provided. The initial reach out will include a list of supportive measures, steps the Title IX office can help facilitate to stop, remedy, and prevent further instances, an offer to have a conversation with the member of the Equity & Title IX Office, and a notice of rights.
Should a person elect to meet with the Equity & Title IX representative, they will talk through supportive measures opportunities and limits, the process to elevate the report to a formal complaint, or additional areas for addressing the concern should it not meet the threshold of a Title IX complaint. A formal complaint is one the University is intended to investigate. Should the Title IX Coordinator believe a greater threat to campus exists, in rare cases, they may need to proceed without the complainant agreeing to make a formal complaint.
Investigation
Should the report elevate to a formal complaint that meets the definition of a suspected Title IX instance, the complaint is referred to an investigator for processing. Investigations vary in terms of time needed to ensure a thorough and appropriate job is completed. Once initial meetings of witnesses and involved parties have concluded, the investigator produces an initial draft report. That report will be shared with the parties for their feedback.
Resolution
Regarding resolution, complainants may elect to do nothing; only receive supportive measures; pursue an informal/alternative resolution; or request an investigation and resolution. Informal resolutions may occur at any time in the process unless a resolution process has been finalized and the appeal window has closed.