Sexual Harassment, Rape and Other Sexual Offenses

Downstate is committed to maintaining an environment in which students, faculty, staff, and guests can work and learn together free of all forms of harassment, exploitation, and intimidation. The center strongly condemns sexual harassment in any form. Also unacceptable is conduct, such as sexual assault or rape, that constitutes a criminal offense. Such behavior is prohibited by college and university policy and federal and New York State law. Downstate will take action as needed to prevent, and, if necessary, discipline behavior that violates this standard of conduct. The victim’s academic and living situations will be changed upon request if reasonably available. You should also note that information concerning registered sex offenders (Megan’s Law) transmitted to this campus by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, if any, will be available at the University Police Office.

Our programs to prevent sexual assaults includes the availability of panic alarms and simplex type locks in on-call rooms, an escort service upon request, and increased lines of communication through our red phone system.

Disciplinary Action

Students found to have violated the above policy after investigation, are subject to discipline under procedures established for each college. See appendix III in the Student Handbook. Students may also be subject to criminal prosecution under the NY State Penal Law as well. The college reserves the right to have charges initiated through the disciplinary process against any student charged or convicted of breaking civil or criminal law, such as sexual assault. The disciplinary committee may recommend that a warning letter be issued, place a person on probation, remove privileges, or assign community service. A student may be suspended for all or part of a year or dismissed from the College. After a hearing, the Academic Dean of the College shall issue a final decision which cannot be appealed. If this matter is handled in an on-campus disciplinary forum, the accuser and the accused are entitled to the same opportunities to have others present during such hearing. In addition, both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the outcome of any disciplinary proceedings brought alleging sexual assault.

Faculty and staff accused of violations of the above policy receive hearings and, if found guilty, are subject to discipline under the provisions of the applicable collectively negotiated agreements and established SUNY grievance procedures. They may also be subject to criminal prosecution under the NY State Penal Law.

Procedure for Reporting Sexual Offenses: On campus

A college employee, student, or other member of the college community receiving information or allegation of sexual assault or rape should report it immediately to the University Police / Public Safety Department (x2626). Allegations of sexual harassment should be reported to the Affirmative Action Office (x1738), or if a student is involved, to the Office of Student Affairs (x2187). If requested, we will provide assistance to the individual in reporting the incident to the NYC Police Department.

Procedure for Reporting Sexual Offenses: Off campus

Allegations of sexual assault or rape occurring off campus should be reported at once to the local police via 911 and University Police / Public Safety at 270-2626. Every effort will be made to ensure the confidentiality of all reports.

IF YOU ARE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED

Don't wash, change clothes, or douche before calling or going for help.
Don't touch any evidence of struggle even if the assault took place in your room or home.
Go to a safe place. Ask a friend to stay with you. Call University Police / Public Safety at 270-2626 if on campus. If off campus, call 911.

Allegations of sexual abuse should be promptly reported to University Police / Public Safety and the NYC Police Department to ensure that the individual receives prompt medical and psychological attention, to increase your credibility as a complainant, and to increase the chance of preserving evidence. Our staff will provide prompt and supportive assistance to the victim at all stages of the investigation.

From SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University CAMPUS SECURITY REPORT