Last week, the U.S. Department of Education released proposed new rules governing how colleges and universities must address allegations of sexual violence and harassment on their campuses. These rules are significantly different from prior guidance given to colleges and universities for carrying out mandates of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”).

At the same time, New York State’s “Enough is Enough” legislation and corresponding guidance imposes many of the same procedural requirements found in prior guidance issued by the Department of Education. Notably, in 2015 ���ϲ����� was the first private college/university in New York State to support this legislation.

To ensure ���ϲ����� remains a leader in combating sexual and relationship violence, I have asked the , the Office of Equal Opportunity, Inclusion and Resolution Services, and the Office of the University Counsel to review the new proposed rules.

I have asked that this review take place with a sense of urgency and with due consideration to the overall values of ���ϲ�����.

I also want to take this opportunity to reiterate the many services and resources available to students, faculty and staff who have been impacted by sexual and relationship violence. To learn more about those services, as well as reporting options, please take a moment to read this message shared earlier this semester by Dean Robert Hradsky and Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer Sheila Johnson.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud

As you know, ���ϲ����� took a strong stance when the Department of Defense decided to exclude transgender people from service in the U.S. military.

Our support for transgender individuals remains steadfast.

Here is ���ϲ�����’s commitment to our community:

• The University will continue to operate under , which prohibits harassment or discrimination related to any protected category under New York and Federal law, including genetic information, gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.
• The University will continue to address any discrimination or harassment against students on the basis of gender identity or gender expression, as outlined in the and against faculty or staff under the
• The University will continue to implement our , which allows members of the ���ϲ����� community to use names other than their legal names to identify themselves where possible and appropriate.
• The University will continue to prioritize the construction of inclusive living environments, which includes all gender restrooms (currently more than 700 have been designated on campus).

As always, we encourage members of our community with questions or concerns about our policies to connect with Chief Equal Opportunity and Title IX Officer Sheila Johnson (sjohnson@syr.edu) or her office at titleix@syr.edu.

Sincerely,

Chancellor Kent Syverud