••Letter to the Editor••

Dear Editor,

This letter is being sent so that the Occupy Brockport General Assembly  group here on campus can voice it's heightened concern over the recent changes to Title IX Policy, specifically dealing with how incidents related to allegations of sexual impropriety recently brought to light at Penn State which "might" be raised here at the College at Brockport.

On Nov. 28, The Stylus printed an editorial that dealt with the College at Brockport's "updated" Title IX policy.  President John Halstead essentially conveyed that the Penn State scandal "won't happen here" because of the recent changes "directing" faculty and staff to relay concerns to Title IX coordinators.

Halstead's direction, while not expressly telling employees to bypass University Police (UP), implies that the police are not to be involved from the get-go. Recently, someone from Occupy Brockport met informally with administration regarding a request for information, and Title IX.

 While administration's position is that Halstead's statement was taken out of context, the context is disturbing none the less. If, in fact, they wish the police to be involved from the beginning, why was this missing from his town hall discussion?  How can UP "serve and protect" if they are not the lead investigator?

After briefly reviewing the Title IX policy, it appears to be in compliance with federal law; but should we set the level of acceptable practice to satisfy the basic requirements of law?

This type of "policy" is one that sets the victim's rights process back in a gross detrimental manner. Furthermore, this policy only adds another layer of bureaucracy to a system that can be extremely painful and emotionally draining to the victim(s).

 What purpose, other than the opportunity to safeguard this institution's image, does this new change serve if those being reported to have neither the legal jurisdiction nor the comprehensive training in these delicate matters?

We strongly oppose the manner in which these changes became realized, due to the controversial implications which directly influence those victims on campus who may already question the commitment of those around them to be supportive in their quest for justice. To assume that students or faculty are not victims of unreported incidents of domestic violence or sexual misconduct is one that is clearly implied with these changes. Further, the administration challenges the accuracy of the original editorial, but have yet to release a statement of clarification to everyone that "owns" a Brockport email? The longer it goes unaddressed the worse it looks for them, and the clearer their commitment to embracing the victim(s) becomes questionable.

We ask that President Halstead publicly address the student body before the semester break, so he may clarify his position on this policy openly, perhaps utilizing a method similar to livestream so students could hear it regardless of their ability to attend.

Sincerely,

Occupy Brockport