The University of Missouri Title IX Office has expanded its website to make it easier for the campus community to report sexual misconduct. The addition offers online reporting of an incident, information in emergency situations and rights and responsibilities. There is also general information on Title IX reporting and procedures.
Reports can be filled out anonymously or with identifying information.
Besides expanding its website, the office has been reaching out to students, faculty and staff in an effort to educate them and answer questions about the rules and regulations surrounding sexual discrimination on campus. In the past two months, the team has spoken to more than 1,250 students.
Title IX, part of the 1972 Education Amendments that applies to students and employees at the university, prohibits sex discrimination. Sex discrimination is an umbrella term that includes sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking on the basis of sex, dating and intimate partner violence, and sexual exploitation.
Last month, Salama Gallimore, the office's Title IX investigator, spoke at an informational session called “What Is Title IX? Requirements, Reporting and Responsibility.”
When it comes to reporting, Gallimore said it’s better to be safe than sorry — even if a possible Title IX violation is only a rumor.
“If there’s something that’s not right or you don’t feel like it’s right or you’re hearing rumors that are concerning, there’s nothing wrong with letting us know,” Gallimore said. “We’ll encourage you to report that because we’re in the business of figuring everything out and getting to the truth of the matter.”
If a victim of sexual discrimination approaches a mandated reporter (all employees other than those who have a legal obligation to maintain confidentiality), Gallimore suggests assessing the person’s safety and the need for an emergency response. If no present danger, Gallimore recommends disclosing mandatory reporter status as soon as possible, as the student might want to speak with someone in confidence.
“If they don’t want to speak to you, physically walk them to the [Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention] Center or the Counseling Center,” Gallimore said. “We found students are much more likely to use these resources if you can physically take them there or follow up with them.”
If the student shares the situation with you, be an empathetic listener. “Remember, it’s not the time to educate them on not drinking or being more safe,” Gallimore said. “This is the time for you to listen.”
Then offer campus resources, make referrals and submit a report at the Title IX site.
Although faculty and staff need to report Title IX violations, they can also help in prevention and education by connecting students to campus resources such as the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, the Women’s Center, the LGBTQ Resource Center, the Student Health Center and the MU Counseling Center.
“We want the community to know that this university does not stand for sex discrimination,” Gallimore said. “Not only did we address the problem, but we also took the extra step of providing education to the community.”
Title IX team members include:
Linda Bennett
Title IX coordinator
321 Townsend Hall, Suite Office 1
573-882-7915
BennettLi@missouri.edu
Salama Gallimore
Title IX investigator
304A Tate Hall
573-884-7526
GallimoreS@missouri.edu
Cathy Scroggs
Vice chancellor for student affairs/Title IX deputy for student affairs
Memorial Union S1
573-882-6776
ScroggsC@missouri.edu
Sarah Reesman
Executive associate athletic director/Title IX deputy for athletics
1 Champions Drive, Suite 200
573-884-6428
ReesmanS@missouri.edu
Noel Ann English
Director of MU Equity/Title IX deputy coordinator
S303 Memorial Union
573-882-9069
EnglishNo@missouri.edu
Phil Shearrer
Organizational development consultant for MU Health Care/ Title IX deputy and grievance officer
573-499-6035
ShearrerP@health.missouri.edu
MU confidential reporters include those at the following centers:
RSVP (Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention) Center
G210 MU Student Center 573-882-6638 rsvp.missouri.edu
Student Health Center
1020 Hitt St. 573-882-7481 studenthealth.missouri.edu
MU Counseling Center
119 Parker Hall 573-882-6601 counseling.missouri.edu
— Kelsey Allen