The State University of New York and Alfred State are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in college/university-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:
The right to:
- Have disclosures of sexual violence treated seriously.
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or incident and participate in the conduct or criminal justice process free from outside pressures from college officials.
- Be treated with dignity and to receive from college officials courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services.
- Be free from any suggestion that the victim/survivor is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such a crime.
- Describe the incident to as few individuals as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident.
- Be free from retaliation by the college, the accused, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances.
- Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or conduct process of the college.
Options in Brief
Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:
- Receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention;
- Confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation (see detailed information on confidentiality and privacy)
- Make a report to:
- An employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, a Student Conduct employee, or a Human Resources employee;
- University Police;
- Local law enforcement; and/or
- Family Court or Civil Court.
Copies of this Bill of Rights shall be distributed annually to students, made available on every college’s website, and posted in each campus residence hall, dining hall, and student union or campus center and shall include links or information to access the Sexual Violence Response Policy and the Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence.