SU details resources, options for those experiencing sexual violence in email
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Syracuse University detailed the options and support measures it provides for students dealing with sexual harassment and relationship violence in a Thursday campus-wide email.
The message comes as a lawsuit involving a 2024 Cornell University sexual assault allegation makes national headlines. The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, said she was gang raped after being coerced into taking drugs by seven men in Cornell’s Xi Chapter of the Chi Phi fraternity.
Cornell has faced widespread scrutiny nationwide for failing to report the incident to the Ithaca Police Department, as well as criticism for the lack of punishment given to the men accused.
In the email, SU emphasized that it wants every student to be aware of resources available on campus to help them “prevent, report and respond” to incidents.
“We recognize there has been increased dialogue on this important and sensitive topic, both locally and nationally,” the email reads. “For many in our community, these conversations are painful and personal. If you have been affected by sexual harassment or sexual and relationship violence in any way, please know we care about you, we believe in your right to safety and we are here to support you.”
Chief Student Experience Officer Allen Groves, Department of Public Safety Chief Michael Bunker and Dean of Students Sheriah N. Dixon sent the email on behalf of SU.
Immediate support
Students can contact Barnes Center at The Arch’s Sexual and Relationship Violence Response team at any time by calling (315) 443-8000 and dialing one. The Barnes team is confidential, according to the email, and won’t share any information to SU or police without permission.
For transportation to the emergency room or medical attention, students can call Syracuse University Ambulance at (315) 443-4299 or 711 while on campus. If on campus, students can also call 911 for immediate attention.
What to do after an assault
The email urges those who experienced an assault to seek medical care as soon as possible, even if they’re not seeking an evidence collection exam. In addition, according to the email, victims should refrain from showering, brushing their teeth or changing clothes after an incident occurs because it can cause evidence to degrade quickly.
Victims can decide later whether or not to report the incident to police, according to the email.
If seeking additional support, the Barnes Center offers treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV and pregnancy. The response team can also provide information about financial assistance options for treatment, the email said.
Options to report
The email provided three options to report sexual harassment or assault, stalking or relationship violence. Reports can be filed at any time by anyone who has experienced, witnessed or became aware of any of the scenarios listed, regardless of when the incident occurred, according to the email.
Students seeking to report an incident can file a case with Student Title IX Case Management by calling (315) 443-0211 or through an online portal. Any reports involving a faculty or staff member’s conduct will be referred to Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services.
In addition, DPS and the Syracuse Police Department can be contacted at (315) 443-2224 and (315) 435-3016, respectively.
The TItle IX office is located in the Marley Education Center at 765 Irving Ave.
Next steps
Following a report sent to SU’s Title IX Office by students or to EOIRS for faculty and staff, each respective office will reach out to explain options, according to the email.
The offices will also share support options, regardless of if the person who submitted the report decides to file a formal complaint. Those who submitted reports will also receive information on how to file the report and their rights to report the incident to police, according to the email.
SU offers both a formal and informal resolution path after a case is filed, according to the email. Formal resolutions contain an investigation, hearing and chance to appeal. Informal resolutions are a “facilitated process” requiring “agreement” from all parties involved, according to the email.
“In most cases, you control whether to pursue a resolution process,” the email reads. “In some cases, the University may need to act to protect the wider campus community, even in the absence of a formal complaint or a reporting individual’s desire to proceed.”
Law enforcement’s response
DPS and SPD both collaborate to respond to on campus crime, according to the email.
For sex offenses, DPS notifies SPD’s Abused Persons Unit immediately, which takes full responsibility for any investigations or arrests, regardless of the context or severity.
DPS can handle and assess crimes in progress on campus and notify SPD’s Criminal Investigations Division Desk of any felony. DPS is also required to notify SPD of any cases involving sexual abuse or additional cases at the SPD chief’s request.
In the case of nonviolent felonies, DPS officers can make arrests, excluding sex offenses, which are handled by SPD.
Additional support
For guidance, students can reach out to Student Outreach and Support for assistance navigating Title IX reports, personal challenges and offer referrals. The office can be contacted at (315) 443-4357.
Confidential resources on campus include the SRVRT, counselors and providers at the Barnes Center, Hendricks Chapel and physicians within SU Athletics. Graduates can also receive confidential support from University Ombuds. No information shared from any of those sources will be reported without consent, according to the email.
Outside of those sources, according to the email, most other faculty and staff are “responsible employees” meaning they’re required by law to share any information with the Title IX office. Anything shared by faculty and staff to the office won’t be shared with outside parties.
Amnesty policy
The email also highlighted the university’s amnesty policy, which protects students or bystanders reporting incidents in “good faith” from facing consequences from the Student Conduct Code if alcohol or drug violations are involved.
How to help
The email urges anyone in the SU community who sees something concerning to speak up or report the incident.
Those seeking more information can learn more through the Student Title IX Policies and Procedures Handbook.
“We want to make sure every Syracuse University student is aware of their rights and reporting options and feels comfortable coming forward with confidence that support is available and a report will be given prompt attention,” the email reads.
