President’s speeches, letters, and articles
Subject: 2025 Sex-Based Harassment & Discrimination Policy & Procedures
May 28, 2025
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
I am writing to inform you of an update to the college’s Title IX Policy and Procedures.
As noted in prior communications, the 2024 Title IX Policy and Procedures, adopted on August 1, 2024, were vacated by the 8th Circuit Court on January 8, 2025. In response, the Title IX Workgroup, comprised of the same members who led the 2024 revisions, reconvened in consultation with the Title IX Faculty Advisory Committee and Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator Christy Martin, EdD, to revise Reed’s policies once again.
As shared last fall, the 2024 update process was informed by meaningful engagement with our campus community. Through Q&A sessions, feedback forums, and individual meetings with Christy, the workgroup gathered thoughtful and candid input that significantly shaped the updated policy and procedures. They were intentional about not losing the value of that community feedback by simply reverting to the 2020 policy without reflection or adaptation.
This revised approach allowed the workgroup to preserve the constructive changes made in 2024 while ensuring full compliance with the 2020 Federal Title IX Regulations. Throughout this period of transition, the Title IX Coordinator also has ensured that active complaints were handled in accordance with applicable federal guidance.
Effective immediately, the college will adopt Reed’s updated Title IX-compliant Sex-Based Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Procedures. These updates aim to bring greater stability and clarity for our community as national Title IX guidance continues to evolve.
While there are many important elements, please note the following key changes:
- Many new definitions have been added to the definitions lists to improve clarity.
- More information is provided regarding what behaviors constitute a Title IX violation and what are prohibited by Reed College in alignment with our values and Oregon state law.
- Formal Complaints must be made in writing.
- Informal Resolutions may only be explored after a Formal Complaint has been made.
- Live Hearings will be used in grievance processes for allegations of Title IX-prohibited behaviors (per the prohibited behavior definitions and jurisdictional requirements) while Response Hearings will be used for allegations of any other Formal Complaint under this Policy.
- In a Live Hearing, all parties are present together in a hearing that normally takes place virtually and lasts for one to two days. They are able to hear everyone’s dialogue in real time, including answers to cross-examination questions led by the Parties’ Advisors.
- In a Response Hearing, all Parties interact directly with the Decision-Maker (only) and have access to others’ interviews via transcripts. These hearings normally take place virtually over the course of two weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Christy Martin, EdD, Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator, at cmartin@reed.edu or 503-517-7722.
Sincerely,
Audrey
Audrey Bilger
President
Reed College