Skip to Navigation
University of Pittsburgh
Print This Page Print this pages

February 19, 2015

Chancellor’s memo addresses sexual violence

“Our University is committed to actively fostering a culture that prevents sexual violence and protects the safety of our students, staff and faculty,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in a Feb. 13 letter to Pitt employees on responding to sexual misconduct or violence in the campus community.

“As employees of an educational institution, each of us has legal as well as moral responsibilities in this regard,” stated Gallagher, who alluded to the upcoming memo in his January report to Senate Council. (See Feb. 5 University Times.)

With limited exceptions, employees who learn of an incident of sexual violence involving a student, staff or faculty member are required to report it to Carol W. Mohamed, Pitt’s Title IX coordinator, or to regional campus Title IX liaisons, Gallagher stated, urging faculty and staff to review the reporting requirements and related information at www.share.pitt.edu, the University’s Sexual Harassment and Assault Response and Education (SHARE) website.

“Reporting such incidents ensures that the victim is connected with the proper resources and informed of his or her options, and promotes compliance with the law. Importantly, if someone shares with you an experience involving sexual violence, you can, and indeed I expect that you will, provide comfort and support, after explaining the limits on confidentiality due to your obligation to report,” the chancellor said.

The SHARE site includes a guide for faculty and staff, and an online program, “Preventing Discrimination and Sexual Violence: Title IX, VAWA (the Violence Against Women Act) and the Clery Act” will be made available soon, Gallagher said.

“Every member of our community shares in the responsibility to build and nurture a campus culture characterized by respect for others and one that is free from sexual violence,” Gallagher stated.

“Please familiarize yourself with the resource guide and the SHARE website, participate in the online program when it is available, and seek customized training where appropriate. This information will help you assist victims and act in accordance with the law.”

For the complete text of Chancellor Gallagher’s letter, go to http://www.utimes.pitt.edu/documents/importantmessage.pdf.

—Kimberly K. Barlow