Letter to the Editor: Title IX Coordinator Responds to Piece on Professor's Arrest

Dear editors, Reporter magazine:

In response to your Oct. 27 story written by Frankie James Albin, I would like to expand on how members of the RIT community have the ability to report inappropriate behavior of a sexual or discriminatory nature.

Under Title IX, a person has the right to make an internal complaint on behalf of themselves or someone else who has experienced any of the following prohibited behaviors: sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, sexual violence, gender discrimination or retaliation for reporting any of the above acts. 

The university offers many effective avenues for reporting. Teacher evaluations are a process designed to provide feedback on teaching methods in the classroom therefore are not the preferred or published way to report a gender based misconduct issue.

The identified options for reporting inappropriate behavior of a sexual or discriminatory nature ensure that all complaints are received by administrators who are trained to take prompt and appropriate action.

Students, faculty, staff, or visitors can report misconduct through several avenues, including:

• The Title IX report on the webpage
• RIT’s Compliance and Ethics hotline
• The office of the Title IX coordinator
• RIT Human Resources
• RIT Public Safety

Additionally, they can seek confidential support from:

• The Center for Women and Gender
• Counseling and Psychological Services (students only)
• The Center for Religious Life
• The Ombuds Office
• NTID Counseling and Academic Advising Services (students only)
• The Student Health Center (students only)

All available options for guidance and support can be found on the Title IX webpage,

Whenever complaints alleging violations of RIT policy are made against a faculty or staff member, RIT is committed to conducting a prompt and thorough investigation of the allegations raised. At the conclusion of the investigation, if a violation of policy is determined, appropriate action is taken to stop the behavior, prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

Even in situations where confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, RIT promises to maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible. The information provided to a non-confidential resource will be relayed only as necessary for RIT to investigate and/or seek resolution. 

That promise of privacy also extends to the person accused. It is RIT’s practice to treat personnel information as RIT confidential information. RIT confidential information is shared only when necessary and usually only to maintain safety on campus in light of current and ongoing risks to the RIT community. In the absence of current and ongoing risks to the RIT community, personnel information will not be shared.

Sincerely,

Stacy DeRooy

Title IX Coordinator

RIT

Stacy.derooy@rit.edu