Sexual Misconduct Policy

Download the full Sexual Misconduct Policy

Long Island University is committed to creating and maintaining an educational environment free from all forms of sexual misconduct. The broad term “sexual misconduct” includes, but is not limited to, acts of sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Such behaviors are illegal, against University policy, and strictly prohibited. This policy is incorporated into the Student Code of Conduct.

This policy covers all members of the University community – students, faculty and staff – as well as those who interact with members of the University community such as vendors or visitors. The University encourages everyone to report all incidents of discrimination or harassment, regardless of who the offender may be.

Title IX and Article 129B Policy Statement

It is the policy of the University to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Article 129B of the New York Educational Law, both of which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex (including sexual harassment and sexual violence) in the University's educational programs and activities, and prohibit retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination.

Title IX states that:

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

The full text of Article 129B is available here: http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5965-2015

Long Island University Students’ Bill of Rights

Long Island University is committed to ensuring that all persons who report an incident of sexual misconduct are provided all options, support, and assistance.

Anyone who has been a victim of, or who has witnessed an incident of, a violation of this policy can file a report to any of the following entities: an employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, Title IX Deputies, and Representatives of the Dean of Students Office; Department of Public Safety; Human Resources; local law enforcement and/or family or civil court.

All reporting individuals of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad.

All students (and reporting individuals) have the right to:

1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in a judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressures by the University;
4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the University courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
7. Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
8. Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the University.

Options for Assistance Following an Incident of Sexual Misconduct

University community members should report any incident to the following entities including but not limited to the Title IX Coordinator, Title IX Deputies, administrators, faculty members, or any other responsible employee of the University. It is the duty of all members of the University to notify the following Title IX Coordinator of Title IX Deputies if they are informed of any and all incidents.

The campus-specific Title IX Coordinator and Title IX Deputies are able to provide immediate and confidential response in a crisis situation.

Specific Points of Contact for each campus is provided below:

Please note, if you are unsure whom to directly contact, the reporting individual or University reporting entity should contact either the LIU Post Department of Public Safety or the LIU Brooklyn Department of Public Safety at the above listed phone numbers. Both of these departments are available to provide initial assistance twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred and sixty-five days a year.

In addition, any reporting individual may also contact local police or law enforcement agencies.

Reporting individuals will be provided any and all necessary or requested on-campus or off-campus health care or medical needs. The Title IX Coordinator and/or Title IX Deputies will institute the appropriate steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the reporting individual:

1. Ensure the victim is aware of the options to seek treatment for injuries, preventative treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, and other health services.
2. Discuss the option of seeking medical treatment in order to preserve evidence.
3. Identify where/how to get a rape kit or find a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
4. Provide locations, including contact information, for an advocate (e.g., a local rape crisis center, on-campus advocacy program) who can accompany a victim to the hospital or health provider.

LIU Campus Climate Survey

2019 Executive Summary

LIU administered a Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Misconduct to all enrolled undergraduate and graduate students from April 12, 2019 to May 20, 2019. A link to the survey itself was emailed on April 12, 2019. Students also received four email reminders, each containing the survey link.

Of the undergraduate and graduate student body surveyed, 1,088 (8.6%) responded to the survey. All responses were voluntary and anonymous. The survey was conducted online via Campus Labs as a third-party platform.

The survey determined student awareness of reporting and university processes for sexual harassment, sexual violence and related crimes. The results indicated that students are generally aware of policies, procedures, resources and roles, including the role of the Title IX coordinator. Students were also generally aware of the New York definition of affirmative consent, and the difference between the university disciplinary system and penal laws.

LIU will use these survey results as part of its ongoing efforts to provide students with information and support regarding campus sexual misconduct. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact Andy Person, Chief of Strategic Planning and Assessment at 516-637-7278,  andy.person@liu.edu