UofSC releases Title IX Task Force report
Posted on: July 1, 2021; Updated on: July 1, 2021
By Larry Thomas, larryt@mailbox.sc.edu, 803-777-0144
The University of South Carolina’s Title IX Task Force report, which will help guide the university’s efforts to improve its response to sexual harassment and violence, was released by the university today (July 1, 2021). The report reflects areas in which the university can improve its training, reporting processes and related support activities.
The Task Force, led by Kirsten Kennedy, associate vice president of Student Housing and Sustainability in the Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support, and Audrey Korsgaard, professor of management in the Darla Moore School of Business, included 15 members representing students, faculty and staff. The Task Force was originally charged with its work on March 26, and guided by the principles of respect, empathy and shared accountability, provided the final report to Interim President Harris Pastides earlier this week.
The Task Force report indicates several areas where the university can make meaningful improvement across the broad spectrum of activities associated with interpersonal violence, sexual assault and sexual harassment. The Task Force report follows closely behind the work of the university’s Audit and Compliance Services division, which is also releasing its report today.
The two reports will now inform a broader Implementation Group tasked by Pastides with rapidly identifying and implementing recommendations developed from the two reports.
“I’m grateful to the Task Force for providing us such a careful and complete review. With their recommendations as our guide, I have charged an Implementation Group to oversee the important work of making our campus as safe and healthy as possible,” says Interim President Harris Pastides.
Both reports were released today via email to all students, faculty and staff. The email also directed the university community to the Title IX website for a copy of the final report and other details concerning the path forward. The university continues to encourage anyone in its community who has experienced harassment, sexual assault or interpersonal violence to speak with a trained interpersonal violence advocate. To report an incident, please contact the interim Title IX Coordinator Marc Shook, or the Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) Office to file a report.
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