Policy:
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is committed to providing an environment that emphasizes the dignity and worth of every member of its community and that is free from harassment and discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, age, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or genetic information. Such an environment is necessary for a healthy learning, working, and living atmosphere. Accordingly, all acts of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct as defined by this policy are prohibited.
Jurisdiction
Title IX protects the university community from sexual discrimination, harassment, and misconduct in a school’s education programs and activities. Title IX protects the university community in connection with all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other university programs, whether those programs take place on university property, in university transportation, at a class or training program sponsored by the university at another location, online, or elsewhere.
This policy is not intended to restrict curriculum or prohibit or abridge the use of particular textbooks or curricular materials, nor shall it be construed to restrict constitutionally protected expression or freedom of scientific investigation.
Consistent with state and federal law, reasonable accommodation will be provided to persons with disabilities.
All complaints or any concerns about conduct that may violate this policy should be submitted to the Title IX Coordinator or Title IX Deputy Coordinator. All references to the Title IX Coordinator in this policy implicitly include the Title IX Deputy Coordinator.
Filing a Report with Campus Officials
Title IX Coordinator
LaTonda Williams
Email: titleixcomplaint@ualr.edu
501-916-5716
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Cassandra Woods
501-569-8675
Email: titleixcomplaint@ualr.edu
Filing Report with Local Law Enforcement
In some instances, sexual misconduct may constitute both a violation of university policy and criminal activity. The university grievance process is not a substitute for instituting legal action by any party. The university encourages individuals to report alleged sexual misconduct promptly to campus officials, law enforcement authorities, and the Child Abuse Hotline, when appropriate. Individuals may file a report directly with local law enforcement agencies by dialing 911. If there is suspected child abuse of a minor, as a mandated reporter, you must report the suspected abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 800.482.5964. Individuals may also contact any of the following for assistance in filing a report with local law enforcement.
University Department of Public Safety
University Plaza, Suite 700
501-916-3400
City/County Police Department
Emergencies: 911
Little Rock Police Department
501-371-4621
Benton Police Department
501-778-1171
Preserving Evidence
It is important that evidence of sexual assault be preserved because it may be needed for prosecuting the criminal case. Victims and others should not alter the scene of the attack. The victim should not change clothes, bathe or shower, drink or eat anything, or brush his or her teeth before reporting the assault. Any items worn by the victim during the assault, but are not currently being worn, and any materials encountered during the assault (i.e., bed sheets, blankets, etc.) should be placed in a paper bag and brought along with the victim to a local hospital emergency department that has kits to collect and preserve evidence of rape and sexual assault.
Student and Visitor Responsibility to Report
Students and visitors to the university are strongly encouraged to report allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator. A report should be made as soon as possible after the incident in order to facilitate an effective response. The longer a report is delayed, the more difficult it will be for the university to investigate. Reports may be made by the person experiencing the misconduct or by a third party, such as a witness or someone who is told of the misconduct.
Mandatory Employee Reporting
In order to enable the university to respond effectively and to proactively stop instances of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct at the university, all employees, including student employees, must, within 24 hours of receiving information regarding a potential violation of this policy, report information to the Title IX Coordinator. Only employees who are statutorily prohibited from reporting such information (e.g., licensed health-care professionals) are exempt from these reporting requirements. This policy is not intended to restrict curriculum or prohibit or abridge the use of particular textbooks or curricular materials.
Off-Campus Conduct
Conduct that occurs off campus can be the subject of a complaint or report and will be evaluated to determine whether it violates this policy. Allegations of off-campus sexual misconduct are of particular concern and should be brought to the university’s attention.
Confidentiality
Subject to the other provisions of this policy and the requirements of law, every possible effort will be made to ensure that all information received as part of the university’s complaint/grievance procedure is treated discreetly. All parties to the complaint are required to maintain the confidentiality of all information received during this process. However, it is not possible to guarantee that all complaints will remain confidential because of the university’s obligation to investigate allegations of misconduct. All requests to maintain confidentiality shall be directed to the Title IX Coordinator who has the authority to make such determinations.
Except as compelled by law or in the interest of fairness, just resolution, or health and safety considerations, disclosure of information contained in complaints, their substance, procedures, and the results of investigations will be limited to the immediate parties, witnesses, and other appropriate officials. Limited disclosure may also be necessary to conduct a full and impartial investigation.
Availability of Counseling and Advocacy
Counseling and other mental health services for victims of sexual assault are available on campus and in the community. Students and employees may use the Office of Health Services, Donaghey Student Center, Suite 102, 501-569-3188. Mental Health Services are available to students through Counseling Services, Student Services Center, Suite 119, 501-916-3185. Employees of the university can receive counseling through the Employee Assistance Program, 501-686-2588.
Community mental health agencies, such as Little Rock Community Mental Health, 501-686-9300, and counselors and psychotherapists in private practice in the area can provide individual and group therapy. The Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ACASA), Committee Against Spouse Abuse (CASA) Women’s Shelter, or Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Programs may assist with making referrals for individual counseling and support groups and in identifying non-counseling campus and community resources that may be of additional help and serve as a victim advocate upon request. Additional community resources are identified atualr.edu/chancellor/titleix. The use of these or any other resources is at the discretion of the parties.
Education and Awareness Programs
The university’s Title IX committee, in conjunction with various departments and organizations at the university, is responsible for planning and coordinating campus education and awareness programs about all forms of sexual assault, including rape, acquaintance rape, domestic violence, dating violence, and other sex offenses. Programs are presented regularly throughout the academic year in residence halls, fraternities, sororities, and for other student organizations, academic classes, employee training and professional development, and in other settings that are likely to reach people throughout the campus community. Campus-wide education and awareness activities are also conducted during Campus Safety Week.
View this policy in its entirety, or contact the Title IX Coordinator at 501-916-5716.
