UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 32 OLD SLIP. FLOOR NEW YORK. new vons 10005 TIMOTHY C. J. DIRECTOR NEW YORK OFFICE June l6. 2016 \tonresp onslve Re: Case No. 02-16-2157 Cornell University Deal On March 7. 2016. the US. Department of Education. New York Ollice for Civil Rights (OCR) received the above-referenced complaint you filed against Cornell University (the University). You alleged that the University failed to respond and equitably to the report of sexual assault that you made in or around the spring 2015 semester. OCR has determined that this allegation is appropriate for investigation. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX ot?the Education Amendments of l972 (Title lX). as amended. 20 U.S.C. 1681 gt and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part [06. which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in programs and activities receiving ?nancial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). The University is a recipient of financial assistance from the Department. Therefore. OCR has jurisdictional authority to investigate this complaint under Title lX. Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led in a timely manner. it is opening your allegation for investigation. Please note that opening an allegation for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a detennination with regard to its merit. During the investigation. OCR is a neutral fact-finder. collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from you. the recipient. and other sources. as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally sufficient and is dispositive of the allegation. in accordance with the provisions of Article ofthc Case Processing Manuai. goal is the prompt and appropriate resolution ot?the allegations contained in a complaint. OCR offers. when appropriate. an Early Complaint Resolution (EC R) process, similar to mediation. to facilitate the voluntary resolution of complaints by providing an early opportunity for the parties involved to resolve the allegations. Some information about the ECR process is in the enclosure to this letter entitled. Complaint Processing Procedures." and on website at I . The Deparanenl of Education ?5 mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educationai cxcelicuce and ensuring equal access. Nonresponsive Page 2 of 2 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 infonnation about this voluntary resolution process may be found in the publication Complaint Processing Procedures.? which was enclosed with previous letter to you. acknowledging your complaint. This information is also on website at ll. Please be advised that the University may not harass. coerce. intimidate. or discriminate against any individual because he or she has filed a complaint or participated in the complaint resolution process. If this happens. you may file another complaint alleging such treatment. Under the Freedom of Information Act. it may be necessary to release this document and related correspondence and records upon request. la the event that OCR receives such a request. it will seek to protect. to the extent provided by law. personally identifiable information, which. if released. could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. OCR will communicate with you periodically regarding the status of your complaint. If you are interested in resolving your complaint through ECR process or have any questions. please contact Kathleen Ryder. Compliance Team Attorney. at (646} 428?3825 or Ronald Scott. Compliance Team Attorney. at (646) 428?3820 or ronald.scrittd?edeov; Grace Kim. Compliance Team Attorney. at (646) 428-3977 or or me. at (646) 428?3806 or Sincerely. 9912i cam Felice A. Bowen Compliance Team Leader