All members of the Sarah Lawrence community play a role in creating a culture of safety and respect and in eliminating sexual violence. Members of the campus community can take steps to limit the potential to hurt others by seeking out education on what consent really means. The College prohibits sexual violence and will offer resources to anyone who has experienced such violence while taking appropriate administrative and conduct action regarding any allegedly responsible individual within the jurisdiction of the institution. The Policy on Sexual Violence applies equally to all students and employees regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. Without a proper understanding of the concept of consent, any person is at risk of committing a violation of this Policy.
Student Onboarding and Ongoing Efforts
Sarah Lawrence College has developed a comprehensive student onboarding and ongoing education campaign to educate members of the College community about domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault. Topics about which education is provided by the College include:
- Relevant definitions including, but not limited to, the definitions of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation.
- The role of the Title IX coordinator, Campus Safety, and other relevant offices that address sexual violence prevention and response.
- Awareness of violence, its impact on those who have experienced sexual violence as well as their friends and family, and its long-term impacts on members of our community.
- Bystander intervention and the importance of taking action to prevent violence when one can safely do so.
- Risk assessment and reduction including, but not limited to, steps that all persons can take to lower the incidence of violations, which may contain information about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, including underage drinking and binge drinking, involuntary consumption of incapacitating drugs and the danger of mislabeled drugs and alcohol, the importance of communication with trusted friends and family (whether on or off campus), and the availability of College officials who can answer general or specific questions about risk reduction.
- Consequences and sanctions for individuals who commit crimes and policy or Code of Conduct violations.
- The fact that the College requires all employees to participate in an interactive online program that outlines current laws against sexual harassment and provides examples that clearly illustrate situations and behaviors to be avoided. Employees must take the program when first employed and then periodically thereafter throughout employment.
- The fact that all new students are required to complete online programs regarding sexual violence, affirmative consent, and bystander intervention.
- The fact that the College administers a student survey to assess the campus climate regarding sexual violence every other year.
- Ongoing training throughout the academic year on sexual misconduct and related topics for athletes, student leaders, and student organizations.