Title IX, Sexual Misconduct, and the Clery Act

New federal regulations from the Department of Education are changing how colleges and universities, including Ohio Wesleyan, respond to complaints made under Title IX. To keep the environment at OWU respectful, safe, supportive, and in compliance with the new regulations, the University has updated its Title IX and non-Title IX processes.

The University remains deeply committed to a safe and healthy educational environment and to the principle that people have a right to be free from all forms of sexual harassment, which includes sex- or gender-based harassment, discrimination, and/or violence. The University will respond appropriately to any complaints of sexual harassment and/or sexual misconduct.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law that prohibits sex discrimination (sexual violence and gender-based harassment) in education programs and activities that receive federal funds.

The Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy applies to allegations of sexual harassment that create a discriminatory and/or hostile environment that significantly affect another person's access to education, University benefits, and/or University activities.

The allegations must be/have occurred on Ohio Wesleyan University property or through University sponsored programs, including locations, events, or circumstances over which the University exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the context in which the sexual harassment occurs, and also includes any building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially recognized by OWU.

Title IX Administrators will assist Complainants in understanding if their complaint falls under the Title IX and Sexual Harassment Policy or other University policies. The University will take all allegations seriously and ensure remedies are found for harmed individuals regardless of which process is used.

Non Title IX, Sexual Misconduct

Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedures apply to allegations of sexual misconduct that create a discriminatory and/or hostile environment that significantly affect another person's access to education, University benefits, and/or University activities that occur outside of the scope of Title IX jurisdiction. It applies in face-to-face encounters, social media, and other forms of electronic and non-electronic communication.

Clery Act

The Clery Act requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to disseminate a public annual security report (ASR) to employees and students every October 1st. This ASR must include statistics of campus crime for the preceding 3 calendar years, plus details about efforts taken to improve campus safety.

ASRs must also include policy statements regarding (but not limited to) crime reporting, campus facility security and access, law enforcement authority, incidence of alcohol and drug use, and the prevention of/response to sexual assault, domestic or dating violence, and stalking.

Creating and maintaining a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors of OWU is of primary importance to the University. Members of the community should keep in mind that crime does exist and, as such, each person should assume a personal responsibility to report crime as they become aware of it to ensure the safety of all people who interact with OWU.