Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 states:
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is an all encompassing federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Title IX states: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
SEXUAL MISCONDUCT MAY ALSO BE REPORTED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
Because Sexual Misconduct may in some instances constitute both a violation of College policy and a crime, and because Ferrum College’s Complaint process is not a substitute for initiating legal action, Ferrum encourages individuals experiencing Sexual Misconduct to also report it to law enforcement authorities.
- Individuals may seek emergency assistance or initiate a criminal complaint directly with local law enforcement agencies by dialing 911.
Ferrum College Police may be contacted at (540) 365-4444. Ferrum Police are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - It is important to note that filing a report or otherwise contacting Ferrum College’’s Police Department does not require the filing of criminal charges.
- Individuals may inform law enforcement authorities about Sexual Misconduct and discuss the matter with a law enforcement officer without making a formal criminal complaint (or filing a Complaint or Formal Complaint of alleged Sexual Misconduct with the Title IX Officer). Individuals who make a criminal complaint may also choose to pursue a Title IX Complaint or Formal Complaint with the College simultaneously.
- A criminal investigation into the matter does not preclude the College from conducting its own investigation (nor are the facts or results of a criminal investigation necessarily determinative of whether the alleged conduct violates this Policy or any other Ferrum College policy). However, the College’s investigation may be delayed temporarily while the criminal investigators are gathering evidence or for other good cause as determined by the Title IX Coordinator. In the event of such a delay, Ferrum may implement Supportive Measures and accommodations it deems necessary and appropriate to ensure the safety and well-being of the parties and/or the Ferrum community.
ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS
Individuals experiencing Sexual Misconduct may also file an anonymous report by using the Incident Report.
Individuals who choose to file anonymous reports are advised that it may be difficult or impossible for the College to follow up or take action based on anonymous reports. Anonymous reports without personally identifiable information, however, may be used for purposes of compliance with Ferrum’s obligations under the Clery Act.
THE OPTION OF NOT REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND FERRUM COLLEGE’S RIGHT TO DO SO
Individuals experiencing Sexual Misconduct may choose not to report Sexual Misconduct to anyone. Ferrum respects and supports the individual’s decision with regard to reporting; however, if information about Sexual Misconduct comes to the attention of the Title IX Coordinator the College may (1) start an investigation even in the absence of a Complaint; and (2) notify appropriate law enforcement authorities if required or warranted by the nature of the information of which it becomes aware. While no finding of a Title IX violation will occur without the filing of a Formal Complaint by the Complainant or Title IX Coordinator, Ferrum College may determine that the Sexual Misconduct Policy has been violated and impose appropriate sanctions based upon an investigation stemming from a Complaint or other information brought to the attention of the College.
COLLEGE EMPLOYEES ARE MANDATORY REPORTERS OF REPORTS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Any College employee who receives information indicating that another member of the campus community (faculty, staff, or student) has been the victim of Sexual Misconduct must report this information to the Title IX Coordinator. The only exceptions to this reporting obligation are employees who have a confidential relationship with the alleged victim that is recognized by law, such as Counseling Center staff and campus ministers (clergy).
Non-Discrimination Statement
Ferrum College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran status, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, or any other protected status (identified in federal or state law) in its programs and activities including, but not limited to, admission to, access to, treatment in or employment in, any of its programs and activities. For the complete Nondiscrimination Policy, click here.
U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1100
Office: 800-421-3481
Fax: 202-453-6012
Email: OCR@ed.gov
For up to date information, please visit the following website: Office for Civil Rights.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Director, Center for Civil Rights Enforcement
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Office: 866-632-9992
Fax: 202-690-7442
Email: program.intake@usda.gov
For up to date information, please visit the following website: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights.
EEOC, U.S. Department of Labor
Richmond Local Office
400 N. Eight Street, Suite 350
Richmond, VA 23219
Office: 800-669-4000
Fax: 804-771-2224
Email: info@eeoc.gov
For up to date information, please visit the following website: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.