Last week, Ohio State Announced that it is dissolving its Sexual Civility and Empowerment unit based on an external review.
The university has engaged nationally recognized experts Gina Maisto Smith and Leslie M. Gomez from the Philadelphia-based law firm Cozen O’Connor to help create a redesigned, best-in-class model to support victims of sexual assault and conduct a thorough evaluation of the broader Title IX program. Cozen O’Connor’s work includes two objectives.
- First, they will work with Ohio State to develop a new student support program. Its goal will be to emulate national best practices in this evolving and complex arena. The university will have the changes in place before the beginning of the fall semester.
- Second, they will assess compliance and recommend enhancements to the university’s policies, procedures and practices related to sexual- and gender-based harassment and violence under federal law.
“Ohio State will do all that we can to be a national leader in preventing and responding to sexual misconduct,” said President Michael V. Drake. “Our campuses must be safe places for all members of our community to learn, work and grow. We remain steadfastly and unwaveringly committed to this goal.”
The university released a reference guide, Buckeyes ACT to assist victims/survivors who report sexual misconduct.
If you have questions about your reporting obligations under Title IX, university policy, state or federal law, please contact the Title IX coordinator or Deputy Coordinators in Human Resources, Student Conduct or the Office of University Compliance and Integrity. More information about reporting and support resources, training for faculty, staff, and students, and a resource brochure is also available on the Title IX and Buckeyes ACT websites.