FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 22, 2017

 

 

FAIRBANKS--University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen released the following statement today on Title IX:

 

“Earlier today the U.S. Department of Education withdrew Title IX guidance in its 2011 Dear Colleague Letter and its 2014 Q&A. In their place the department issued interim guidance for handling complaints of campus sexual assault and harassment. As we evaluate the new guidance and consider its implications, the University of Alaska will continue to abide by our Voluntary Resolution Agreement with the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) as well as policies established by the UA Board of Regents. We will continue to work within those existing frameworks, while considering adjustments to improve overall campus safety and fairness to all involved. We will also participate in the Department’s planned rulemaking process in this critical area.

 

The University of Alaska is committed to campus safety and has made great strides toward improvements on our campuses through comprehensive training and prevention programs; effective and balanced measures to ensure due process and continued access to education; fair, prompt, thorough and trauma-informed investigations when incidents occur; and, fair and effective sanctions when warranted. 

 

Recognizing that campus safety is always a work in progress, we will maintain our vigilance regarding sexual assault and harassment, even as federal guidance changes.” -President Jim Johnsen

 

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For more information, contact Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs at 907-360-2416 (cell).

 

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