President Sullivan's message on 2015/07/01 to University community regarding the November 2014 publication in Rolling Stone magazine of "A Rape on Campus" (later retracted).

Teresa Sullivan

2015-07-01

Members of the University Community: July 1, 2015

I write today to announce the release of an updated Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence. In late March of this year we released an interim policy that incorporated trauma-informed practices, due-process protections, and legal requirements under Title IX, the Clery Act, the Violence Against Women Act and related authority. As we shared in March, this interim policy was developed following a period of community engagement and review of nearly 600 individual comments.

This updated Policy reflects input and recommendations from internal and external reviews, including recommendations from the President's Ad Hoc Group on University Climate and Culture. The updated Policy also incorporates recent Virginia legislation, which is effective today, July 1. Further, this Policy embodies our institutional commitment to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all members of our community.

As we approach the beginning of a new academic year, I encourage all members of our community to review the Policy carefully. The implementation of training modules for both students and employees is underway and will be announced, along with associated requirements for completion, in the coming weeks.

Thank you again to those individuals and groups whose collective input has contributed to the interim and updated policies.

Very truly yours,

Teresa A. Sullivan
President