UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 50 BEALE SR, SUITE 7200 REGION [x SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 CALIFORNIA JUL 2 3 20 l5 (In reply, please refer to case nos. 09-15-2404, 09?15-2405, and 0945-2407.) Dear (bxoxbwm . . . . . On 2015, the US. Department of Education, Office for CIVII Rights (OCR). received your complaints against Stanford University (Recipient). Your complaints allege discrimination on the basis of sex. OCR enforces Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in programs and activities operated by recipients of Federal ?nancial assistance. The University receives funds from the Department and is subject to the above laws and their regulations as enforced by OCR. We have determined that the following allegations are appropriate for investigation under the laws enforced by OCR: 1. The University failed to provid with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual assault (09-15-2404); 2. The University failed to provide with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual harassment (09-15-2405); and 3. The University failed to provide with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual assault (09-15-2407). OCR is now beginning the complaint resolution process. Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was filed timely or quali?ed for a waiver of the timeliness requirement, it is opening these allegations for investigation. Please note that opening the allegations for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-finder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR The Department of Education?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Page 2 - (09-15-2404, 09-15-2405, 09-15-2407) will ensure that its investigation is legally sufficient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. We will contact you or your designated representative soon to discuss the allegations and complaint resolution process. OCR may close this complaint prior to making formal findings of compliance or non-compliance. provided that the circumstances or information gathered establishes an administrative or other basis for resolution in accordance with the Case Processing Manual. Federal regulations prohibit the Recipient from retaliating against you or from intimidating, threatening. coercing. or harassing you or anyone else because you filed a complaint with OCR or because you or anyone else take part in the complaint resolution process. Contact OCR if you believe such actions occur. Under the Freedom of lnforrnation Act, it may be necessary to release this document and related records upon request. In the event that OCR receives such a request, it will seek to protect. to the extent provided by law, personal information that, if released, could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. if you have any questions about this letter, please call our office at 415-486-5555. cerely, Charles R. Love Program Manager UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS 50 BEALE SUITE 7200 REGION 1x SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 CALIFORNIA UL 2 3 201 5 John L. Hennessy President Stanford University Office of the President Building 10 Stanford, California 94305-2061 (In reply, please refer to case nos. 09-15-2404, 09-15-2405, and 09-15-2407.) Response required by: August 3, 2015 Dear President Hennessy: On the US. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR), received three individual complaints against Stanford University (Recipient). The complaints allege discrimination on the basis of sex. OCR received the complaints in the following order, alleging that: 1. The University failed to providewx?m?mc) with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual assault (09-15- 404); 2. The University failed to provide with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual harassment (09-15-2405); and 3. The University failed to provide exorbxmo with a prompt and equitable resolution of her complaint of sexual assault (09-15-2407). OCR enforces Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in programs and activities operated by recipients of Federal ?nancial assistance. The University receives funds from the Department and is subject to the above laws and their regulations as enforced by OCR. OCR is now beginning the complaint resolution process. The three complainants have not been informed of one another's identities. Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led timely or qualified for a waiver of the timeliness requirement, it is opening these allegations for investigation. Please note that opening the allegations for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-finder, collecting and analyzing relevant The Department of Education's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Page 2 - (09-15-2404, 09-15-2405, and 09-15-2407) evidence from the complainant, the recipient. and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally sufficient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. Enclosed is a copy of an initial data request. right of access to this information is found at 34 Code of Federal Regulations, section Considerations of confidentiality are not a bar to OCR obtaining requested information under section Please be aware that it might be necessary for us to make additional requests for information in the future. We will contact you or your designated representative soon to discuss the allegations, the requested data and the complaint resolution process. OCR may close this complaint prior to making formal findings of compliance or non-compliance, provided that the circumstances or information gathered establishes an administrative or other basis for resolution in accordance with the Case Processing Manual. OCR routinely advises recipients of Federal funds and public education entities that Federal regulations prohibit intimidation, harassment or retaliation against those filing complaints with OCR and those participating in the complaint resolution process. Complainants and participants who feel that such actions have occurred may file a separate complaint with OCR. Under the Freedom of Information Act, it may be necessary to release this document and related records upon request. In the event that OCR receives such a request, it will seek to protect, to the extent provided by law, personal information that, if released, could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Gemini McCasland, Attorney, at 415-486-5536. cerely, Charles R. Love Program Manager Enclosures cc: