A new annual report from Michigan State University details the number of complaints made under the university’s anti-discrimination and sexual harassment policies for the past three years, highlights available campus resources and reinforces reporting protocols for the Spartan community.
The report, created by MSU’s Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives (I3) and presented to the University Task Force on Sexual Assault, includes information on complaints filed between 2011 and 2014. MSU’s I3 office promotes diversity and is responsible for ensuring compliance with university policies as well as state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
Releasing the report is part of ongoing efforts by the university to increase awareness of and knowledge about sexual assault, discrimination and harassment issues among students, faculty and staff, I3 Director Paulette Granberry Russell said.
“This report offers greater transparency about the frequency of reporting on sexual assault/ harassment within our campus community and the ways in which we work to address it,” Granberry Russell said. “By promoting awareness about MSU’s resources and educational initiatives, we are encouraging increased reporting of sexual misconduct incidents.”
For the most recent completed academic year, from August 2013 to August 2014, there were 97 incidents reported to the office, 81 of which were reported by students. Of those reports, 21 were formally investigated and 15 cases have been closed as of Dec. 4, 2014. Sanctions range from dismissals to probation. View a full copy of the report.
The report comes as several MSU initiatives surrounding the prevention of and response to sexual assault continue.
- The University Task Force on Sexual Assault had its first meeting in mid-November. This task force is building on work done by a task force of the same name in 2004. As part of its charge, the task force is working with MSU faculty to create a climate survey that will provide the campus community with vital information.
- ASMSU, as part of its work with the national It’s On Us sexual assault awareness campaign, has produced a video aimed at fellow students.
- MSU is in the process of creating an expanded Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy. After receiving feedback from academic governance and groups across campus, the expanded policy will be implemented in January.
For recent comments from President Lou Anna K. Simon on MSU’s continued fight against sexual assault, read her blog.