Updated Sexual Misconduct Policies at UC Irvine Assert Ombuds' Confidentiality

The Orange County campus of the University of California has revised its policies and procedures for reporting and responding to sex offenses.  The new policies make it clear that the UCI Office of the Ombudsman is a confidential resource.


The policy states:

Confidentiality for Sex Offense Reports: The Victim Advocate at Campus Assault Resource and Education (CARE), licensed counselors at the Counseling Center and the Office of the Ombuds provide places where individuals who may be considering bringing a report of a sex offense can discuss their concerns and learn about the procedures and potential outcomes while remaining anonymous. Individuals consulting with these confidential resources will be advised that their discussions in these settings are not considered an official notice or report to UC Irvine about a sex offense. Without additional action by the individual, such as reporting the incident to Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (OEOD), the Police or other University Officials, these discussions will not result in any action by the University to resolve their concerns, except as otherwise required by law.

Meanwhile, the UC System is working on a comprehensive update for its sexual misconduct programs on all of its campuses.  (UCI Policies.)

Related posts:  Job Posting (2007); UC Irvine Appoints Ombuds Office Director; California Appellate Court Details Intervention by UCI Ombuds; After Three Decades, UC Irvine Ombuds Office Earns First Charter; Job Posting; UC Irvine Announces New Ombuds.

See also: Lessons From a Case of Sexual Harassment; Harvard Law Case Study Focuses on Ombuds and the 'Dear Colleague Letter'; Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy at University of North Carolina Reaffirms Ombuds' Confidentiality; Sexual Assault Report from University of Michigan Reaffirms Ombuds' Confidentiality; Grinnell College Affirms Confidentiality of Ombuds Office for Sexual Misconduct Matters;  Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy at Colorado College Protects Disclosures to Ombuds; IOA Takes a Stand on Title IX Issues.; Watch Senator Question White House Title IX Expert on Role of Campus Ombuds; Revised Sexual Misconduct Policies at MIT Continue Protection of Ombuds.