Effective Oct. 5, new state legislation requires New York colleges and universities to implement several measures to help prevent and better respond to sexual violence on campuses. These measures have been incorporated into Cornell’s existing efforts to address all forms of sexual harassment, violence and assault, and gender discrimination.

The new law, called “Enough Is Enough,” includes distributing a student bill of rights to all students; giving alcohol and drug amnesty to bystanders or victims reporting sexual violence; and – when investigating reports of sexual violence – using an “affirmative consent” standard. Affirmative consent is a “knowing, voluntary and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity.”

Over the summer, the university incorporated the new “Enough Is Enough” measures into policy 6.4, “Prohibited Discrimination, Protected-Status Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Assault and Violence” and instituted a number of organizational and process changes.

“The changes required by the Enough Is Enough legislation are and will be reflected in our policies, procedures and programs. We are currently reviewing and revising our procedures to respond to issues we have heard from our community,” said Mary Opperman, vice president for human resources and safety services. “Our efforts to address sexual assault and violence on our campus will continue to evolve as we partner – faculty, students and staff – to create a safe and inclusive place to study, live and work.”

Opperman co-chairs the Council on Sexual Violence Prevention with Ryan Lombardi, vice president for student and campus life.

“The health and safety of every student, faculty member, staff member and visitor to Cornell is paramount. Since coming to campus, I have been gratified to see so much already has been done. But our work is not complete. I want to partner with students and with all members of our community to keep making progress, together,” Lombardi said.

Among the organizational changes, the Office of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations now is charged with investigating student as well as faculty and staff cases, and is hiring an additional Title IX investigator for sexual assaults and other related incidents. The Office of the Judicial Administrator remains the place for students to seek information about Cornell’s policies and procedures, file formal complaints, seek interim accommodations and ask for informal case resolutions.

As noted in a memo sent to all academics and staff this week by Lynette Chappell-Williams, chief Title IX coordinator and associate vice president for inclusion and workforce diversity, if a person informs an employee about a possible sexual assault or other related experience, that employee is expected to share with that person the “Your Rights” statement. Most employees also are required to consult with a Cornell Title IX coordinator. There are some positions on campus that are identified as “confidential,” and information can be shared with them in confidence. The policy changes clarify those offices and staff members who can maintain confidentiality for those seeking assistance. More information can be found on the SHARE website.

If a student wants to report a concern to the university informally, without commencing an investigation under university policy, or wishes to understand their rights to initiate a formal complaint, that student can contact Jody Kunk-Czaplicki, interim judicial administrator in the Office of the Judicial Administrator, at jak236@cornell.edu or 607-255-4680, among other resources. Staff and faculty can contact Title IX coordinators Alan Mittman at alm63@cornell.edu or 607-255-6866 or Laurel Parker at lkp5@cornell.edu or 607-254-7232, in the Office of Workforce Policy and Labor Relations.

A new online reporting form also is available.