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TIMOTHY J. BLANCIIAIHJ

NIEW YORK 

April 4. zeta

 



 

 

 

Re: Case No. azaa-ztsa
Rider Universitv

Dear Homespun 
5W9

On March t. 30th. the US. Department of Education. I ?ew York Otticc for Civil Rights OCR)
received the above-referenced complaint you ?led against Rider University. You alleged that the
University Failed to and et uitabl 1* mil to a report ot'scsual assault that your client
(the Student) made on or about and. as a result. the Student was subjected to a
sexually hostile environment egation I). You also alleged that the University discriminates
on the basis ot'scs. by failing to adept and publish grievance procedures that provide tor the
prompt and equitable resolulion of student complaints at sex discritninationfharassntent.
including sexual assault (Allegation OCR has detcnnined that these allegations are
appropriate For investigation.

 

   
  

OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX ot?the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). as
amended. 20 tottl et seq.. and its implementing regulation at 34 (ERR. l?art ma. which
prohibit discriminatitm on the basis of sex in programs and activities receiving tinaneial
assistance from the [1.55. Department of Education {the Department). The University is a
recipient of ?nancial assistance than the Department. 'l?herei'ore. OCR has jurisdictional
authority to investigate this complaint under Title IX.

Because OCR has detenniacd that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was tiled in a timely
manner. it is opening the allegations for investigation. Please note that opening the allegations
tier investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a detennination with regard to their
merits. During the investigation. OCR is a neutral tact-tinder. collecting and analysing relevant
evidence than the complainant. the recipient. and other sources. as appropriate. OCR will ensure
that its investigation is legally sullicient and is dispasitive ot'thc allegations. itt accordance with
the provisions ol'r?trticle oi'OE?R's Case Process-rug Manual.

The qurrmem mission is to promote strident our! {Ear global emanation-mars by
?atworm}: t'rt'ncott'mm! eradicate and ensuring can"! "cream

Page 2 ot'2 Case No. 02-16-12 i so

goal is the prompt and appropriate resolution ol'tltc allegations contained in a cotnplaint.
OCR ot'l'ers. when appropriate. an [Early C?ontplaint Resolution process. similar to
mediation. to facilitate the voluntary resolution ot'compiaints by providing an early opportunity
For llte parties involved to resolve the allegationts). Some information about the ECR process is
contained in the publication entitled. Complaint Processing Procedures." which was
enclosed with OCR's previous letter to you acknowledging your complaint. This int'onnation is
also on website at 

Also. when appropriate. a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion or an investigation
alter the recipient expresses an interest to OCR to resolve the complaint. In such cases. OCR
obtains a resolution agreement signed by the recipient. This agreement ntust be aligned with the
complaint allegations or the obtained during the investigation. and it must be
consistent with applicable regulations. Additional about this voluntary resolution
process may be Found in the publication. Complaint Processing Procedures." which was
enclosed with OCR's previous letter to you. acknowledging your complaint. This inlonnation is
also on website at 

Please be advised that the University may not harass. coerce. intimidate. or discriminate against
any individual because he or she has tiled a complaint or participated in the complaint resolution
process. ll'tltis happens. you may ?le another complaint alleging such treatment.

Under the Freedom of Act. it may be necessary to release this document and related
correspondence and records upon request. In the event that OCR receives such a request. it will
seek to protect. to the extent provided by law. personally identi?able which. it'
released. could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion ot? personal
privacy.

it' you have any questions. please contact David Kricgcr. Team Attomey. at {(140}
428-3893 or Jocelyn M. Panicali. Compliance Team Attomey. at {ti-lo]
423-379(1 or joeelvnpanicalitrt etl.eov: or me. at {tale} 423-353(11 or 

Sincerely.

 

Qinn?pdliance Team Leader