Past Sexual Misconduct

Statement Regarding Past Sexual Misconduct by Faculty or Staff Toward Former Students

Smith College strongly condemns sexual misconduct, past and present. Such acts are contrary to the mission and values of the Smith College community. The college, therefore, affirmatively supports those former students and employees wishing to report past sexual misconduct on the part of faculty and staff at the college.

Specifically, the college, though its director of equal opportunity and compliance/Title IX coordinator, is committed to providing a coordinated, timely, thorough and thoughtful response to allegations of past sexual misconduct on the part of faculty and staff towards former students at the college.

In responding to allegations of sexual misconduct involving employees, the director will gather all relevant information possible, including speaking with the former student who is bringing the report forward. If the allegations involve a current employee, the director will work in conjunction with the provost (for reports involving faculty) or the associate vice president for human resources (for reports involving staff), in accordance with the Gender-Based and Sexual Misconduct Policy and or Sexual Misconduct Policy.

In the case of allegations against individuals no longer employed by the college, the director will determine whether the accused is deceased. If not, the director will assess any current affiliation with the college, such as emeritus status. The director of equal opportunity and compliance/Title IX coordinator, in conjunction with the provost or associate vice president for human resources, will chart a path to investigate the allegations brought forward. If the allegations are found more likely than not to have occurred, or what is commonly known as the preponderance of the evidence standard, recommended actions will be presented to the president and appropriate vice president or provost. Resolution of the matter may require an act of the Board of Trustees (e.g., revocation of emeritus status). To the extent permissible by law and college policy, the director will update the complainant throughout the process.

Allegations of sexual misconduct, past or present, brought to the attention of any individual or office at Smith College, should be routed to the director of equal opportunity and compliance/Title IX coordinator.

For complaints where conduct happened long ago, memories may have faded and certain evidence may no longer be available for the director to consider. Nonetheless, reporters should be assured that the college will conduct an exhaustive inquiry into concerns raised.