Sexual Misconduct: Bill of Rights

The State University of New York and the Fashion Institute of Technology are committed to providing options, support, and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in college/university-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. The following rights apply to students reporting or otherwise involved in instances of sexual misconduct covered by FIT policy.

All Students Have the Right To:

1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;

2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;

3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;

4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;

5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;

6. Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;

7. Describe the incident to as few institution representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;

8. Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;

9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;

10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and

11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.

Options in Brief

Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:

• receive resources, such as counseling and medical attention;
• confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation;
• make a report to:
  Deliwe Kekana, Title IX Coordinator at (212) 217-3360 or [email protected];
  Office of Public Safety at (212) 217-7777;
  Dean of Students Office at (212) 217-3800 or [email protected];
  NYPD Special Victims Division at 646 610.7272; and/or
  family court or civil court

For more details on the options available, please view FIT’s policy on sexual misconduct and a list of campus and off-campus resources. FIT also prohibits sexual discrimination based on sex in its non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy.