Campus Details Specific Steps to Help Prevent Sexual Assault, Support Survivors

Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy announced three concrete steps that UMass Amherst is taking to address the intense campus concerns regarding sexual assault on campus. He and senior members of his administration met with hundreds of students at a community meeting Sept. 28 in the Student Union ballroom.

The chancellor said the university is taking these actions:

• UMass is working with the Student Government Association to adopt a version of the Survivors' Bill of Rights that is in line with federal and state law. This is work that began last semester and has been re-initiated because of changes in SGA leadership and in the Administration, with the arrival of our new Title IX coordinator and dean of students.
• The university is in the process of hiring an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive independent review of any reports of sexual based misconduct, regardless of what office they came into, going back seven years. Based on the findings from the review, UMass will take very specific steps to address that type of behavior. A firm will be in place within the next four weeks. Updates will be posted on the progress of the review on the Title IX website.
• Based on the review’s findings, UMass will engage the services of a consultant who specializes in sexual assault prevention to offer guidance on how we can change the culture in every aspect of university life and create a safe, respectful environment.

Subbaswamy said, “I want to thank you all for your activism and the intensity of your commitment to changing the culture of the university community, preventing sexual assault, and supporting survivors. We are here tonight because we hear you. We want to answer your questions, to listen to your concerns and your ideas for how we can do better, and to work with you to make this university a safe and welcoming place for all of you – our students.”

He emphasized that “I share in your outrage that, in this day and age, sexual assault is still something that we have to deal with. Like you, I am frustrated and angry – and heartbroken when I hear the stories of survivors. But I am hopeful that we can channel our energies and emotions into something positive.”

The campus leaders on hand also answered questions from students regarding recent disturbing, racist emails sent to Black student organizations on campus. See related story.

Joining the chancellor at the meeting to answer questions from students were Brandi Hephner LaBanc, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life; Evelyn Ashley, dean of students; Kerri Thompson Tillett, associate vice chancellor for equal opportunity and Title IX coordinator; and Bill Brady, vice chancellor and chief human resources officer.

Previously, LaBanc provided the campus an update on the university’s response to campus protests and the services available to support sexual assault survivors.