The below message was sent to students on September 12, 2024.
Dear Students,
On April 19, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) released its Title IX Final Rule, amending the existing regulations regarding how colleges and universities must prevent, stop, and remedy sex discrimination and sex-based harassment in all education and employment activities. The new regulations went into effect on August 1, 2024. Bryn Mawr’s Sex Discrimination and Sex-Based Harassment policy has been updated to align with current legal requirements and institutional values.
The expressed intent of the 2024 regulations was to provide some enhanced protections including the following:
- Revised and updated definitions of offenses, including sex-based harassment.
- Revised resolution processes, which were intended to be clearer, including alternative resolution.
- Clarifications of how Title IX protects LGBTQIA+ community members.
- Broader protections for pregnancy and related conditions.
- Greater flexibility in how the institution approaches Title IX rights and protections.
The updated regulations require all College employees (considered “Responsible Employees”), with the exception of designated “confidential employees” to promptly report any conduct they become aware of that may constitute sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, to the Title IX Coordinator. Responsible Employees include the following student leaders:
- Hall Advisors (HA)
- Customs Persons (CP)
- Peer Mentors (PM)
- Community Diversity Assistants (CDA)
“Confidential Employees” include:
- Counseling Services Mental Health Providers
- Health Services Medical Providers
- Wellness Program Director & Program Coordinator
- Interfaith Chaplain
In addition to the new policy and procedures, the College’s Wellness Program will be offering several new initiatives aimed at training and educating about safe and healthy relationships. Look for Bystander Intervention training and a Healthy Relationships series this fall.
Also, the College is pleased to partner with two local agencies to provide free 24-hour confidential support to all members of the campus community:
With these policy changes, new initiatives, and supportive partnerships, the College remains committed to providing an education and employment environment free from sex discrimination and sex-based harassment and will continue to strive to create a respectful and inclusive community and culture. We thank you for your partnership and support in this shared commitment.
The full text of the Final Rule and its extensive Preamble are available here. A Brief Overview of Key Provisions of the Department of Education’s 2024 Title IX Final Rule can be found here.
Tomiko Jenkins
Dean of Student Life
tjenkins@brynmawr.edu
Cristen Kennedy
Wellness Program Director
ckennedy2@brynmawr.edu