Following a legal decision that vacated
Brown University’s finding in a disciplinary process related to sexual
misconduct, the university recently issued a statement detailing how it plans
to further refine its processes.
“The implementation of the policy and
several other programmatic measures to address issues of gender-based
harassment and sexual violence reflected Brown’s commitment to achieving a safe
and welcoming environment for all members of the campus community and to
ensuring fairness and impartiality for all parties in the investigation and
disposition of reports,” a Brown University representative said in the statement. “Given both the complexity of
resolving complaints of sexual misconduct and changes in the legal and
regulatory environment, we expected that our policies and procedures would be
refined and strengthened over time.”
The case, John Doe v. Brown University,
stems from a disciplinary process conducted in spring 2016. Chief Judge William Smith of the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island found that the
university’s procedures during the process were improperly applied and that Doe
is entitled to a new hearing.
“This case provided an opportunity to
re-examine elements of our policy and procedures,” the Brown representative said. “While
the court found no indication of gender bias at Brown, the court’s review of
this matter and subsequent ruling has provided guidance for improving upon our
commitment to fairness in our procedures. We have begun to take action to
address areas where -- during the course of the trial this summer -- the court
identified procedures that could be strengthened. We have made other
adjustments based on our first year of operation under the new policy and
procedures.”
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