Spring 2021
The College encourages survivors of sexual violence to talk to somebody about what happened so they can get the support they need, and so the College can respond appropriately. There are multiple channels for reporting to the College, to law enforcement, or to both. Survivors may also decide they want to talk to someone confidentially first or during the time they are also making a report. This document is intended to raise awareness in our students of the various reporting and confidential disclosure options available so they can make informed choices about where to turn should they or someone they know become a victim of sexual violence.
If survivors would like to speak to someone about filing a formal complaint, interim safety measures, or alternate/informal resolutions, they may talk with someone from the Title IX team. Title IX team members can also help survivors identify and navigate other on- and off-campus supports, including the legal system. Title IX team member consultations are private, not confidential. Private resources share information with only those they are required by law or job function.
Some employees are required to report all the details of an incident (including the identities of both the survivor and alleged perpetrator) to a Title IX team member. A report to these employees (called “responsible employees”) will be used by the Title IX team to offer survivors support and explain the options available in regards to the grievance process. Survivors who report allegations, that could constitute covered sexual harassment under the Title IX policy, have the right to receive supportive measures from Hampshire College regardless of whether they desire to file a complaint. Supportive measures are non-disciplinary and non-punitive. Employees are required to report all the details of an incident (including the identities of both the survivor and alleged perpetrator) to a Title IX team member. A report to these employees (called "responsible employees") constitutes a report to the College and generally obligates the College to investigate the incident and take appropriate steps to address the situation. These responsible reporters will report the information you share with them to a member of the Title IX team, who will follow up with the survivor to determine next steps.
Other employees may talk to a survivor in confidence, and generally only report to the College that an incident occurred without revealing any personally identifying information. Disclosures to these employees will not initiate a College Title IX investigation into an incident against the survivor’s wishes. They must report anonymously for Clery Act purposes.
Some employees are required to maintain near complete confidentiality; talking to them is sometimes called a "privileged communication." These are the confidential on- and off-campus resources that will not take action with the College on information that is reported.
Hampshire encourages all students to be active community members and take reasonable and prudent actions to prevent or stop an act of sexual misconduct. Here are some steps you can take to intervene at Hampshire:
For more details and a full copy of Hampshire's Interim Title IX Grievance Policy, please visit the Student Handbook.