Your Rights
SRVSS provides services to victims/survivors of power-based personal violence (sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking) regardless of gender, age, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or identity as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.
Through Center for SRVSS:
- You have the right to culturally competent services that respect you and your personal values and opinions.
- You have the right to know and understand all of the limitations of SRVSS.
- You have the right to make your own decisions within the policies of Kent State University
- You have the right to respectful treatment of your information.
- You have the right to access you records of services through SRVSS.
- You have the right to give input and feedback on any or all aspects of SRVSS’s programs and services.
- You have a right to a response to your input and feedback.
Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights
Additionally, through the United States Congress the "Campus Sexual Assault Victims' Bill of Rights" was enacted in 1992 as a part of the Higher Education Amendments of 1992 (Public Law: 102-325, section 486(c)).
This law requires that all colleges and universities (both public and private) participating in federal student aid programs afford sexual assault victims certain basic rights, which are outlined below.
- Accuser and accused must have the same opportunity to have others present.
- Both parties shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceeding.
- Survivors shall be informed of their options to notify law enforcement.
- Survivors shall be notified of counseling services.
- Survivors shall be notified of options for changing academic and living situations.
Complaints about schools that have failed to comply with this law should be made with the U.S. Department of Education.*
Kent State University’s Grievance Procedures
You have the right to file a complaint against the person who assaulted you. SRVSS can help you understand this process and assist you in initiating a complaint through the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX.
The University Administrative policy regarding complaints, investigations and hearings of power-based personal violence may be found at University Policy 5-16.1 - Administrative policy and procedures regarding complaints of unlawful discrimination and harassment and 5-16.2 - Administrative policy regarding complaints of Title IX sexual harassment
Protocol when the assailant is a student.
Unless resolved informally, most complaints involving a student go through the Office of Student Conduct following an investigation by a Compliance Coordinator.
The student conduct process is not a legal process and is separate from local, state, and federal court proceedings. Instead, the standard of responsibility is based on a preponderance of the evidence. The student conduct process is expected to:
- Determine consequences for behaviors that violate university rules, policies, and local, state, and federal laws
- Offer outcomes to assist students in learning about the impact of their actions on themselves and others within their respective communities
- Protect the integrity of students, faculty, staff, the institution, and the University community
The Code of Student Conduct is also a useful resource, as it contains information regarding prohibited student conduct, the student conduct adjudication process, and the rights of students (including the rights of victims of sexual misconduct).
Protocol when the assailant is a faculty or staff member.
Complaints involving a faculty or staff member will be investigated and go through a resolution process overseen by Title IX.
Contact the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX.
Protocol when you believe the university response did not uphold your rights.
It is also important to note that the United States Department of Education Office for Civil Rights recognizes that sexual violence "interferes with students' right to receive an education free from discrimination."¹ Therefore, some acts of sexual assault are considered a form of sex discrimination, which is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
If you have any questions or concerns about Title IX, or if you would like to report a violation of your Title IX rights, contact the Office of Gender Equity and Title IX.