Following up on my message about changes to our Title IX Office, I’d like to reiterate UC Santa Cruz’s strong commitment to ending sexual assault and other forms of sexual violence on our campus. Our commitment will not waver despite troubling comments Thursday by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos that suggest the Trump administration will unwind six years of federal enforcement effort aimed at strengthening sexual violence protections on college campuses.
We have in place, as does the entire UC system, procedures for promptly and fairly investigating and resolving sexual violence complaints. UC Santa Cruz remains firmly committed to protecting its students, staff, and faculty from sexual violence and sexual harassment, while ensuring a fair process for all involved.
As I noted in my message Thursday, we have launched an ambitious, multi-year plan to move the campus toward its goal of creating an environment free from sexual violence and sexual harassment. I’m extremely proud of our Beyond Compliance initiative. We are also boosting staffing in our Title IX office.
Our ultimate goal is to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for teaching, research, learning and working. Sexual violence and sexual harassment have no place on our campus. Visit our Title IX Office online to learn more about our program.
