Reminder of Nondiscrimination and Civil Rights at VCU
October 9, 2019
Dear VCU Community,
We are grateful to be part of a community that respects, values, and dignifies every person and fosters an environment free of sexual misconduct, violence, harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Thank you for ensuring that VCU is a great place for everyone.
In that spirit, this message contains important information about policies, training, reporting requirements, and resources that are available to every member of our community.
All of us are responsible for following our core values and established standards of conduct. Specifically, every one of us should be aware of the following university civil rights policies and required training:
- Notice of Nondiscrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
- Sexual Misconduct/Violence and Sex/Gender Discrimination Policy
- Preventing and Responding to Discrimination Policy
- Accessibility and Reasonable Accommodation for Individuals with Disabilities Policy
- “Not Anymore” Title IX training for students and employees
These policy protections and responsibilities apply to the entire VCU community, including all students, faculty, and staff.
In addition—and as defined in the Sexual Misconduct/Violence and Sex/Gender Discrimination Policy—members of our faculty and staff who are Responsible Employees must immediately report any incident involving sexual assault, sexual exploitation, or partner/relationship violence, including stalking. Confidential Employees, including healthcare providers, cannot report such incidents without the individual’s permission unless otherwise required by law. If you have any questions about your reporting obligations or any concerns related to Title IX, nondiscrimination, or want to file a report, you may contact Equity and Access Services executive director & Title IX coordinator Laura W. Rugless at (804) 828-6404, lrugless@vcu.edu, or equity@vcu.edu.
You may also contact our EAS office in the following ways:
- Email: titleix@vcu.edu
- Mail: Box 842549, 1001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23284-2549
- Telephone: (804) 828-1347
- Facsimile: (804) 828-7201
- TDD: (804) 828-1420
In addition, the following colleagues also serve as deputy Title IX coordinators:
- For Students: Tammi Slovinsky, (804) 827-1963, tslovinsky@vcu.edu
- For Employees: Cathleen C. Burke, (804) 828-3248, ccburke@vcu.edu
- For Athletics: Sofia Hiort-Wright, (804) 828-2184, shiort@vcu.edu
- For accessibility concerns: Crystal C. Coombes, designated as the ADA/Section 504 coordinator, (804) 828-8532, cccoombes@vcu.edu or ADAservices@vcu.edu
- To report concerns anonymously, you may contact the VCU Helpline at 1-888-242-6022 or online at vcuhelpline.com.
Sometimes, concerns of discrimination may also involve criminal behavior. Sexual crimes may be reported to the VCU Police Department through the You Have Options Program. Reports of other crimes, suspicious activity, or harassment can be made in the following ways:
- Call the VCU Police emergency phone number: (804) 828-1234 (or from on campus, dial 8-1234). Please note that 9-1-1 will not directly dial from university phones.
- Download the free LiveSafe app to text with VCU Police dispatchers in real time. LiveSafe users also can send in photos, videos, or audio files directly to VCU Police any time of day or night.
- Visit the Report a Crime page to report a crime.
- Visit the VCU Police Department at 224 E. Broad St.
Together, we all must work toward a safe, accessible, and discrimination-free university where every person can be their best and truest self. It’s on all of us, for all of us, all of the time.
Thank you for the many ways you join us in reaffirming this commitment.
Sincerely,
Michael Rao, Ph.D.
President, VCU and VCU Health
Gail Hackett, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President
for Academic Affairs
Marsha Rappley, M.D.
Senior Vice President for Health Sciences
Chief Executive Officer, VCU Health System
Categories News, Periodic update, To VCU