Letter: Community needs to learn more about OIE, SVAC

To the Editors:

On April 9, staff writer Jacqui Neber attended what she accurately described in last week’s News-Letter as a focus group on sexual violence that few students attended (“Few attend focus group on sexual violence,” April 16). While I was disappointed in the turnout, I thank Ms. Neber for being there, reporting on the meeting and contributing to the conversation. I would like to correct and clarify some statements on the role of the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee (SVAC) and how sexual misconduct investigations are conducted at Johns Hopkins.

The story said, “The Sexual Violence Advisory Committee does not conduct hearings.” That is accurate. It erroneously said, though, that “they (referring to the SVAC) conduct investigations and make factual findings, which are reported to the relevant dean’s office.”

The SVAC does not play any role in investigating or adjudicating complaints of sexual misconduct. The SVAC is, rather, an advisory committee charged with making recommendations to the provost on policy, education, training and awareness efforts that relate to sexual violence.

It is important that all students, staff and faculty know that the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) — in which the role of the Title IX coordinator is housed — investigates all sexual misconduct cases at the university. Sexual misconduct cases are investigated by trained investigators who have law degrees and are experienced in sexual harassment and sexual violence cases.

This semester, OIE is conducting a university-wide training campaign to ensure that all faculty, staff and students know how sexual misconduct cases are handled at the university. The training focuses on what conduct is prohibited under university policy, what resources — both internal and external to JHU — are available to victims, and how faculty and staff can and must support students who report they have been sexually harassed or violated.

Students are encouraged to learn more about resources and support for victims and the work of the SVAC by visiting www.sexualassault.jhu.edu.

Thank you, Allison J. Boyle Assistant Vice Provost, Title IX Coordinator