Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

[Lauren Klein <>]

Hi Megan,

I've seen other folks run into a similar problem and encountered this myself in my last position.  Your statutory confidentiality should trump the university designation.  I agree with Jen that this OCR guidance can be helpful in advocating for your continued advisory role. However, I can also understand how legalistic these conversations can get and how fear-based responses can pop up, so sometimes it's just easier to say "sure, I'm a consultant" to have one less (non-violent) battle to fight. I'm happy to talk off-list further about this as well, as this is not at all an uncommon challenge.

My best, 

LB

On Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 8:16 PM, Jen Luettel Schweer <> wrote:

Megan-

I totally appreciate this question, and knowing that this is a topic that has come up frequently as we try to navigate the way each institution is interpreting and clarifying roles, I don't think asking for guidance from a group of your peers and colleagues on how to handle it is overthinking it at all.  

I'm confidential and also advisor to several programs and groups.  Additionally, there are staff members who are not confidential in their regular roles, but serve as advisor to educational programs around sexual assault.  I think this part of the OCR FAQ's can be helpful guidance:

Is a school required to investigate information regarding sexual violence incidents 

shared by survivors during public awareness events, such as “Take Back the Night”?

Answer: No. OCR wants students to feel free to participate in preventive education 

programs and access resources for survivors. Therefore, public awareness events such as 

“Take Back the Night” or other forums at which students disclose experiences with sexual 

violence are not considered notice to the school for the purpose of triggering an 

individual investigation unless the survivor initiates a complaint. The school should 

instead respond to these disclosures by reviewing sexual assault policies, creating 

campus-wide educational programs, and conducting climate surveys to learn more about 

the prevalence of sexual violence at the school. Although Title IX does not require the 

school to investigate particular incidents discussed at such events, the school should 

ensure that survivors are aware of any available resources, including counseling, health, 

and mental health services. To ensure that the entire school community understands their 

Title IX rights related to sexual violence, the school should also provide information at 

these events on Title IX and how to file a Title IX complaint with the school, as well as 

options for reporting an incident of sexual violence to campus or local law enforcement. 

Happy to discuss more if that's helpful.  Good luck!!

-jen

On Mon, Sep 22, 2014 at 7:56 PM, Megan Elizabeth Selheim <> wrote:

We have a peer educator group that is also an official student organization here, and I’m on the paperwork as one of the advisors since one of the topics they educate on is violence prevention. However, we’re concerned that as an advisor to a student group, I can’t be a confidential resource under Title IX if one of the group members comes to me with a concern.

 

I have statutory confidentiality in Wyoming, so right now we’re looking at removing me as an official advisor and calling me a “consultant” to the group, but I’m wondering if anyone else has come across this. Our university has designated student group advisors as mandatory reporters under both Clery and Title IX.

 

Thanks!

 

--

Megan Selheim

STOP Violence Program Coordinator

Dean of Students Office

Dept. 3135, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie WY 82071-2000

118 Knight Hall

307-766-3296

www.uwyo.edu/stop

 

--

Jen Luettel Schweer, MA, LPC

Associate Director, Health Education Services

Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Services

Adjunct Faculty, Women and Gender Studies

Georgetown University

Health Education Services

1437 37th St., NW

Poulton Hall, Suite 101

Washington, D.C., 20057

202.687.0323-phone

202.687.8948-fax

** PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS!!  We have moved to Poulton Hall, Suite 101.**

If you need to speak with someone immediately, please

contact the DC Rape Crisis Center at 202.333.7273 (RAPE) or

click here to access the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network's

Online Hotline: 

http://www.rainn.org/get-help/national-sexual-assault-online-hotline

The information in this email may include confidential, sensitive or protected information,

intended only for the addressee(s).  Any other person, including anyone who believe s/he

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--

Lauren (LB) Klein, MSW

Gender-Based Violence Prevention Advocate & Consultant

Candidate, Program on Gender-Based Violence

University of Colorado-Denver School of Public Affairs

314.578.8584