Ithaca College

On September 22, 2017, the Department of Education released a Dear Colleague Letter rescinding previous federal guidance regarding how educational institutions respond to and prevent sex discrimination. We would like to assure any members of our community who may feel confused or distressed by the announcement that Ithaca College will not change its current Title IX policies. 

Although the federal government has withdrawn several of its standards, Ithaca College continues to follow its own policies and meet the standards set by New York State Educational Law 129b, passed in July 2015 and known as “Enough is Enough.” Ithaca College will maintain its commitment to protect and support our students and prevent sex discrimination, including rape and sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on gender identity.

It is important to note that Ithaca College will continue to follow the New York State definition of Affirmative Consent to engage in sexual activity, and that all students may continue to rely on the Students’ Bill of Rights related to Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.  The College’s evidentiary standard remains a “preponderance of the evidence” for all disciplinary matters, including sexual misconduct in all forms.

This past summer, Ithaca College was found to be Fully Compliant in the state’s audit of colleges’ and universities’ responses to sexual assault under “Enough is Enough,” a status achieved by only 39% of New York institutions. While we continuously review our ability to effectively respond to reports of sexual misconduct and improve our prevention efforts, we are confident that we are meeting the high bar set forth by New York State.

Students are reminded that they can contact  Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for on-campus support services. Additionally, all members of the community may contact the Advocacy Center of Tompkins County, which provides services for survivors of sexual and dating violence.

Members of the campus community can direct questions to Tiffani Ziemann, Title IX Coordinator, or Linda Koenig, Deputy Title IX Coordinator by emailing share@ithaca.edu. For more information about Ithaca College policies and resources related to this topic, please visit www.ithaca.edu/SHARE.

Thank you,

Tiffani Ziemann
Title IX Coordinator

Nancy Pringle
Executive Vice President and General Counsel