Middlebury Strengthens Sexual Misconduct Policy

In a message to the community on September 8, President Ron Liebowitz announced several changes to Middlebury’s Policy Against Sexual Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking.

Liebowitz informed faculty, staff, and students on the Vermont and Monterey, California, campuses that Middlebury was strengthening its policies to make them consistent across the institution, regardless of location or time of year, and to be in compliance with emerging federal regulations.

The most significant change centers on adjudication of complaints. Final determination of responsibility will now be handled by Middlebury’s Human Relations Officer (HRO) instead of a panel comprised of faculty, staff, and students.

Trained investigators will continue to investigate complaints of violations.

Liebowitz also noted in his message that there will be an emphasis on strategies and programs to educate students, faculty, and staff this academic year, with the goal of preventing sexual misconduct and violence of all kinds.

To read the full message to the community, click here.