Ohio University Faculty Seek Changes to Confidentiality Rules

In an open letter, more than 30 OU faculty members asked ask for reconsideration of the blanket policy that makes all faculty and staff mandatory reporters. The group said, "In the larger picture, we are concerned about the dearth of confidential resources for students who have experienced sexual assault, harassment or other sexual misconduct." They also noted that, "For students, it is counterintuitive that employees of ... the ombuds office cannot offer a confidential ear to any student in crisis." 

The letter was prompted by the recent, abrupt departure of the program coordinator for the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program. (Post Athens.)

Judy Piercy has been the Ombudsperson at Ohio since 2013, when she was initially hired as the Interim Ombuds.

Related posts: Ohio University to Seek New Ombuds; Other Ombuds Blog posts related to Title IX.