Lipscomb University does not condone or overlook sexual misconduct.
Can we be any clearer? Any report of sexual misconduct will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law. So, now that the foundational principle is clear, let’s move on to another concept we DO fully support: sexual misconduct prevention. In this section of the university’s website, you will find material to both report sexual misconduct when it happens and where to go for resources as well as a few pointers on prevention.
Two important clarifications:
Amnesty.
When an incident of sexual misconduct occurs, it is natural for the victim and bystanders to worry about the consequences of reporting the incident. Lipscomb grants immunity to any person(s) who make a good-faith report—or intervene to support a survivor of sexual misconduct—from being charged with violations of other institutional policies. What does this mean? Many things, but an example might be this: statistics show that a majority of sexual misconduct assaults involve alcohol. The university supports our state’s ban on underage drinking. However, sexual misconduct is illegal regardless of alcohol use. Students who report such an incident will not be charged by the university with violation of the alcohol policy.
Privacy.
Who will know and what will they know is also a natural concern in reporting an incident of sexual misconduct, as a victim or a bystander. The university is committed to protect the privacy of all individuals involved in an alleged violation of its policies, and every effort will be made to protect the privacy of all individuals involved, including bystanders, in a manner consistent with the need for thorough review of the allegations.
Any report of sexual misconduct will be investigated to the fullest extent of the law.
Hopefully, you are not reading this message as a result of a sexual misconduct but rather in an effort to be prepared should something occur to you or a friend.
Lipscomb is committed to maintaining a safe and nondiscriminatory environment for everyone here. Of course, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sex in our programs and activities (as stated in Titles VII and IX in the Civil Rights Act of 1964). But more than that, it is also in violation of all that we believe as a Christian community.
My job for you is to take care of the “nuts and bolts” of that commitment. As the university’s Title IX Coordinator, I report directly at the highest level, to the president. My role is to promptly and equitably respond to alleged violations of Title IX policy as well as to put programs and policies in place to, as much as possible, prevent recurrences within our community. I also support complainants who would like us to come alongside them as they avail themselves of the services of law enforcement, as is appropriate.
You also need to be assured that this office is about more than rape prevention. That is critical work, to be sure. However, the Title IX Team works to prevent and respond to all forms of sexual misconduct, ranging from stalking, bullying and sexual harassment to sexual assault and intimate partner violence.
So take note of my contact information. I’m here 24/7 for questions or to assist in an emergency, although if it warrants, remember that 911 is always your first call.
Kathy Hargis, Title IX Coordinator kathy.hargis@lipscomb.edu
Crisman Administration Building 106
615.966.5661, office
615.351.2820, mobile
When an unexpected incident occurs, what you do in the minutes and hours immediately following the event is very important. One of the first decisions you will have to make is whether or not to have evidence collected. Until you make that decision, it is important to remember a few key things that you should not do. These include:
DO NOT shower or brush your teeth, if at all possible.
DO NOT go to the bathroom, if at all possible.
DO NOT drink or smoke.
DO NOT change your clothes or underwear. If you have removed this clothing, bring it with you to the hospital in a paper bag. This may preserve a lot of evidence.
As soon as possible, get to a safe place. On-campus safe places may be a residence assistant or residence hall director’s room, the 24-hour Lipscomb Safety and Security dispatch center located on the lower level of Beaman Library or a trusted friend’s dorm room or off-campus residence. If you are off campus and injured, call 911 for immediate help. If you are on campus and injured, call Lipscomb Safety and Security at (615) 966-7600 for immediate help.
If you have been the victim of non-consensual sexual intercourse, it is strongly recommended that you visit an emergency room within 24 hours for a rape evidence examination to preserve evidence and support your opportunity to make decisions later. If possible, take a trusted friend or relative with you to the hospital to provide additional support. Lipscomb personnel from the Office of Student Life are available to accompany you to the hospital. All victims of sexual assault must go to Metro General Hospital. Metro General Hospital is located at 1818 Albion Street, Nashville, TN 37208.
Deciding whether or not to report a crime to police is often a difficult decision. If you decide to go to the hospital, by procedure hospital staff will alert the police of your arrival. It is up to you if you would like to file a police report or talk to a police officer. You will be asked if you would like a sexual assault counselor to assist you at the hospital. This counselor is trained to help you think through your options as well as answer any questions that you might have throughout the entire process.
Lipscomb University also has counseling services available through the University Counseling Center and the Lipscomb Family Therapy Center to assist you in processing your options and experiences. You may also contact a member of Lipscomb University's Title IX team who are available to assist you.
An incident of sexual misconduct may not have occurred personally, but it is not unusual for a “bystander” to either witness an incident or notice behavior that points to an incident.
That’s why bystander knowledge is so important. Here are some red flags that typically point to the potential for an incident of sexual misconduct that you might be able to prevent.
Red flag moments.
You’re out with friends and one begins acting differently, withdrawn, or his or her personality shifts--or anything that gives you a slight sense of discomfort and a feeling that the friend might not have full control. Drugs or alcohol may or may not be involved. Do something.
Someone is encouraging your friend to drink more and more. This might be a stranger, someone the friend knows or even the friend’s significant other. Do something.
Someone is trying to leave with a friend or get alone with a friend. These efforts may range from subtle to direct to even coercive. Do something.
Do something!
Think about these four strategies for intervening if you see a friend about to get into a situation that could result in sexual misconduct:
1. Direct: Step in and address the situation directly. This works best if it’s a person you know. It doesn’t work well when alcohol or drugs is involved.
2. Distract: Have a conversation with either party. This is especially useful when alcohol or drugs is involved because, under the influence, a person can be easily distracted and redirected.
3. Delegate: Ask others to help you intervene. There is strength in numbers.
4. Delay: Sometimes you can’t get the person out of the situation, but you can ask how they are doing and delay progress just long enough to change the course of the incident.
Lipscomb’s complete policy on sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
The web pages you are viewing give you a good overview of the university’s Title IX activity, however, here is a much more detailed policy statement you are encouraged to read. It was updated on Aug. 13, 2020.
Additional resources for dealing with sexual misconduct
In addition to Lipscomb’s Title IX team, which is specifically tasked with investigating sexual misconduct and putting into place policies and programs to help prevent it, here are a few additional resources, both on campus and off.
On-Campus Confidential Resources
The following will not disclose shared information without the individual’s consent:
University Counseling Center
Andrea Mills
Elam Hall, Lower Level
615.966.1781 andrea.mills@lipscomb.edu
Campus Ministry
Deron Smith
Bennett Campus Center, Lower Level (Suite 130)
615.966.6280 Deron.Smith@lipscomb.edu
