U.Va. Updates Policy on Sexual Assault, Harassment, Other Interpersonal Violence

The University of Virginia has updated its Policy on Sexual and Gender-Based Harassment and Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence.

The updated policy reflects input and recommendations from internal and external reviews, including recommendations from the President’s Ad Hoc Group on University Climate and Culture. The updated policy also incorporates recent Virginia legislation, which is effective today, July 1. 

The revisions update an interim policy announced in late March that reflected best practices and current legal requirements including Title IX, the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act; improvements to procedures and practices based on the University’s experience with a prior policy; trauma-informed approaches and training; and fair and impartial proceedings based upon due process of law.

The first draft of the policy was posted for public comment late last year, and the University received nearly 600 comments from the community.

Due to the evolving nature of state and federal legislation regarding these issues, the revisions proactively include a call for a review of the policy on an annual basis.

“As we approach the beginning of the fall semester and the return of our full student population to Grounds, I encourage all members of our community to review this updated policy carefully,” U.Va. President Teresa A. Sullivan said. “More than mere compliance, however, this policy embodies our institutional commitment to provide a safe and non-discriminatory environment for all members of our community.”

Sullivan also said the implementation of training modules and associated requirements for completion by both students and employees is underway and will soon be announced to the University community.