Dear Social Work/Gero Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We have recently read many reports of sexual harassment and assault in a variety of settings, including the entertainment industry, public service/government, and a university. These behaviors can occur anywhere and SDSU, the School, and the social work profession stand firmly against them. This letter is to remind you of the resources that are available to you should you need them.
Students, here is the link to the California State University policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Against Students: https://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1097.html. If you need to make a complaint, you may contact the SDSU Title IX Coordinator at http://titleix.sdsu.edu/. If you are unsure if you have been harassed, discriminated against, or received retaliation or are unclear about dating violence or stalking, here is a definition of these terms: http://titleix.sdsu.edu/general-info/definitions. The following document lists your rights and options regarding reporting: http://bfa.sdsu.edu/hr/oerc/docs/EO-1095%20Rights%20and%20Options.pdf%2011.2016.pdf
Faculty and staff are mandated to report student incidents of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, including sexual harassment and violence, under the Title IX law: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1096-rev-10-5-16.pdf. It is not our job to investigate nor can we keep it a secret, even if students ask for confidentiality. Confidentiality is up to the Title IX Coordinator. Therapists at our Counseling and Psychological Services are able to maintain confidentiality, if students wish to discuss a concern before making their own report.
Students who are placed in internships are encouraged to explore your agency’s policies on client reports of sexual harassment or assault so that you can best assist your clients.
If you have any questions, I can discuss them with you or you may contact Jessica Rentto, the Title IX Coordinator at jrentto@sdsu.edu. Our goal is to have a safe campus for your educational experience.
Mindy Hohman, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
