UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 32 etc sue, za?" noon new vonx. new vonx mans TIMOTHY C. J. BLANCH-HID DIRECTOR NEW YORK OFFICE April 4, 2016 Gregory C. Dell?Omo, PILD. Of?ce of the President Rider University 2083 Lawrenccville Road Lawreneeville, New Jersey 08643 Re: Case No. 02-16-2156 Rider University Dear Dr. Dell?Omo: On March 1, 2016, the 1.1.3. Department of Education, New York Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) received the above-referenced complaint ?led against Rider University. The complainant alleged that the University failed to and uitabl res and to a report of sexual assault that her client (the Student) made on or about and, as a result, the Student was subjected to a sexually hostile environment (Allegatron The complainant also alleged that the University discriminates on the basis ofscx, by failing to adopt and publish grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of student complaints of sex discrimination/harassment, including sexual assault (Allegation 2). OCR has determined that these allegations are appropriate for investigation. Additionally, OCR will investigate whether the University failed to and equitably respond to complaints, reports antlr'or incidents of sexual assaulu?vielenee of which it had notice; and as a result, other students were subjected to a sexually hostile environment (Allegation 3). OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 197?. (Title IX), as amended, 20 IGSI ct scg., and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in programs and activities receiving ?nancial assistance ?'om the US. Department of Education (the Department). The University is a recipient of ?nancial assistance from the Department. Therefore, OCR has jurisdictional authority to investigate this complaint under Title IX. Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led in a timely manner, it is opening the allegations for investigation. Please note that Opening the allegations for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a detcnninetion with regard to their merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact??nder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence ?'orn the complainant, the recipient, and other sources. as appropriate. OCR will ensure Tire Department efEdnt-attenlr passion is to promote student and preparation ?rr globe! competent-near by fetter-1' rig educational erce Hence mid mom'ng squat amass: Page 2 of6 Case No. 02-16-2 56 that its investigation is legally suf?cient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article [11 ofOCR?s Case Processing Manual. Enclosed is a document entitled. Complaint Processing Procedures." This document will provide you with an overview of complaint evaluation, investigation, and resolution process. OCR will collect only material needed to investigate this complaint and will take all proper precautions to protect the identity of any individuals named in documents. The regulation implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, at 34 C.F.R. 100.663} and requires that a recipient of federal ?nancial assistance make available to OCR information that may be necessary for it to determine whether a recipient is in compliance with the regulations it enforces. This requirement is incorporated by reference in the regulations implementing Title IX, at 34 C.F.R. 105.7]. This information is also being reqUested pursuant to 34 (ll-1R. ?5993 Please submit the information listed on the enclosed data request to OCR within twenty (20) days of the date of this letter, or OCR may conduct an onsite ?le review in order to obtain this information in a timely manner. OCR's goal is the prompt and appropriate resolution of the allegations contained in a complaint. OCR. offers, when appropriate, an Early Complaint Resolution (ECR) process, similar to mediation, to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the allegation(s). Some information about the ECR process is contained in the enclosure to this letter entitled, Complaint Processing Procedures," and on website at Also, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation after 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 must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation, and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Additional information about this voluntary resolution process may be found in the enclosure entitled, Complaint Processing Procedures." and on OCR's 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. if this happens, the complainant may ?le another complaint alleging such treatment. Under the Freedom of lnt'on'nation 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 seelt to protect, to the extent provided by law, personally identi?able information, which, if released, could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Page 3 of6 Case No.02-16-2156 OCR staff will contact you within twenty (20) days of the date of this letter to discuss the complaint resolution process. In tho intcrim, if you have any qucslions, please contact David Kricgcr, Compliance Team Atlomcy, at (646) 423-3893 or M. Panicali. Compliance Tcarn at (646} 428-3796 or or mc. at (646) 423-3801 or i once Tcam Lcadcr Page 4 of6 Case No. 02-16-256 Data Reguest Case No. 0246-2156 Rider University {the University} FEnmsponswe Due Date: April 24, 2016 Hausa provide If?: follam'ng frems?rr academicyeur EMS-20M. zuafesx alkanr?s?e indicated. ar .s'rarr: In writing whether any rcq??h'wd malaria! does no: mist: 1 Ed 3. U1 6. {mam Page 5 of6 Case No. 02-16-2156: 9_ Imam I HM Page 6 off: - Case 11. I4.