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Recent Policy Updates:

As part of our continued efforts to strengthen the university's policies, revisions of three of MSU's civil rights policies were implemented in fall 2025 to better serve our community. 

  • The Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX, or RVSM/TIX, Policy 
    • Clarified definition of sexual exploitation: The definition of sexual exploitation is now clarified to enhance understanding of behaviors where privacy and consent are violated. Updates include: 
      • observing, recording or sharing intimate activity without consent — even attempting to do so is prohibited;
      • knowingly exposing someone to a sexually transmitted infection without their knowledge; 
      • expanding definitions to include acts involving minors, public acts of sexual behavior, and attempted facilitation of nonconsensual acts.
    • Investigation timelines: To promote transparency and accountability investigations will typically conclude within 90 business days and a written decision will follow within 20 business days if no hearing is held. You will be informed if additional time is needed and why.
    • Who makes the decision in a case: We’ve clarified when the OCR investigator may issue a finding of responsibility to include matters involving nonstudents where only potential retaliation is involved. Otherwise, matters will proceed to a resolution officer for a final determination through a hearing. 
    • How decisions are reached in a credibility assessment In cases where a credibility assessment is needed, decision-makers will: 
      • objectively evaluate all relevant evidence; 
      • make credibility determinations based on the facts — not on a person’s role or identity; 
      • explain the rationale and outcome in a clear written decision. 
    • Adaptable resolution process: Adaptable resolution may be available as a voluntary, nondisciplinary option for certain cases.This process is strictly prohibited in some cases involving employee conduct toward students. It is generally not used in cases involving allegations of sexual assault or relationship violence and safety concerns. If this process is selected, it must be approved by the university’s Title IX coordinator or designee. This approach allows individuals to resolve matters outside the formal grievance process and is centered on: 
      • stopping the conduct (consistent with the formal grievance process); 
      • preventing its recurrence (also consistent with the formal grievance process); 
      • addressing its impact in a way that works for the individuals involved. 
  • the Mandatory Reporting for Relationship Violence, Sexual Misconduct and Stalking Policy has been updated to reflect the shifts made in the RVSM/TIX Policy.   
    • Title IX definitions: Updates to the Title IX Definitions of nonconsensual sexual penetration and contact (formerly fondling) due to the revised definitions in the FBI’s NIBRS Manual, which was updated on June 23, 2025.
    • Updated Contact Information: Updates to the address of the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights office due to the recent closing of the Cleveland office and re-assignment of the midwest region to the Denver office.
    • Updated termonology: The addition of “on the basis of sex” in Title IX definitions added in one or more individual definitions for clarity.
  • Clarifying updates were made to the Disability and Reasonable Accommodation Policy:  
    • Updated procedures: Clarified procedures for requesting reasonable accomodations, ensuring transparency and consistency. 
    • Updated definitions: Expanded definitions of commonly used terms to promote shared understanding.  
    • Updated guidance: Detailed explanation of the interactive process used to determine appropriate accommodations. Improved guidance for faculty and supervisors on how to effectively implement accommodations for students and employees. 

For more information on these and the other civil rights policies managed by OCR, visit our Policies webpage. 

More News:

Letter to campus: Strengthening civil rights: Routine policy update

In the face of this uncertainty, your Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance has been closely monitoring any developments to determine how we can better serve you — our community — in advancing civil rights. 

Letter to campus: Starting the new year with a civil discourse and civil rights reminder

Welcome back! We hope your winter break gave you the space to rest, reconnect and recharge as we begin this new semester together. It’s always energizing to see campus come alive again, and we’re looking forward to the opportunities ahead. As we embrace these opportunities together, it is important that every Spartan feels safe, respected and valued. 

Letter to University leaders: 2024 Title IX regulations progress and other updates from MSU OCR

Our team in the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, or OCR, has been working tirelessly with campus partners to ensure MSU is in compliance with the new Title IX regulations that were released April 19 and take effect Aug. 1.

Letter to University leaders: Important information to comply with the new Title IX Regulations, effective August 1, 2024

This summer, the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) is focused on the implementation of the new Title IX Regulations, effective August 1, 2024. These regulations have an expanded scope and apply throughout the University, including your areas of responsibility.

University releases statement on new federal Title IX regulations

Today the U.S. Department of Education released its new Final Rule, or regulations, under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. The new regulations have an effective date of August 1, 2024.

Letter to campus: New Anti-Discrimination Policy Effective May 1

We are pleased to announce that the highly anticipated revised Anti-Discrimination Policy, or ADP, will take effect May 1. 

Letter to campus: Updates to the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Policy

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I am reminded of the critical importance of fostering safe and supportive environments within our community. 

Letter to campus: 2023 Notice of Non-Discrimination and Mandatory Reporting Policy Update

We remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Michigan State University’s civil rights policies reinforce this commitment by prohibiting discrimination, harassment and related retaliation as well as relationship violence, sexual misconduct and stalking (RVSM).  

Letter to campus: Introducing MSU's New Office for Civil Rights VP and Title IX Coordinator

Today is my first day on the beautiful Michigan State University campus in the dual role as your new vice president of the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) and Title IX coordinator. I am thrilled to be here!

Letter to campus: Bricker & Eckler cybersecurity incident

A data security incident took place at a third-party vendor, Bricker & Eckler, which is the law firm affiliated with INCompliance. INCompliance has served as both external investigators and external resolution officers for MSU on matters related to the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct (RVSM) Policy and Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP). A small percentage of the MSU community were impacted and the university continues to work with Bricker & Eckler to monitor the situation.

MSU WorkLife Office Outstanding Supervisor Series:  Deb Martinez

Deb Martinez is Deputy Director of the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE). She has a drastic and positive effect as a supervisor and a leader in the Office of Institutional Equity. Martinez is an asset to MSU, a role-model, and a passionate and developmental member of the OIE team. 

MSU instates new policy amid new Title IX regulations

Michigan State University put in place a new relationship violence and sexual misconduct (RVSM) and Title IX policy following new federal regulations that take effect today, Aug. 14.

OIE Civil Rights Investigator Nick Royal Honored as a Recipient of the 2020 City Pulse Inclusion Award

About 10 years ago, Nicolas Royal came out ot his father.  They had some long and difficult conversations.  

Flash forward to late 2019, when Royal got a nudge from  his supervisor at MSU's Office for Institutional Equity.  A youth detention center in Eaton County was looking for someone to train the staff on how to interact with queer and trans resident, and Royal had already done similar training at MSU. 

MSU announces new American with Disabilities Act Coordinator

MSU’s Associate Vice President of the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR) Tanya Jachimiak recently announced Tracy Leahy as the university’s new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator. 

It's On Us Week features Laverne Cox

Three-time Emmy nominated actress, Emmy winning documentary film producer and prominent equal rights advocate Laverne Cox gave the keynote address for this year’s semi-annual It’s On Us week of action at Michigan State University. 

Student View: Nikebia Brown-Joseph: When You 'Know More'

Nikebia Brown-Joseph is a senior in the School of Social Work, minoring in women and gender studies and pursuing a certificate in nonprofit leadership. This year, she is part of the It’s On Us Week of Action planning committee representing the Association of Black Social Work Students where she currently serves as president. 

Student view: Christian Perry: Reflections as a peer educator

Christian Perry is a senior majoring in English with a concentration in creative writing in the College of Arts and Letters. They serve as a peer educator with Prevention, Outreach and Education, or POE.

Experts Make Recommendations to address sexual misconduct

At Michigan State University, a variety of experts have been charged with the task of creating and refining programs to best address preventative measures and further educate the community at large.

MSU pilots new sexual assault prevention training for local bars

More than 80 bar staff in the East Lansing area were introduced to a portion of “Active Barstander,” a new training pilot to teach sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention methods to those who work in the service industry.

Making the impossible, possible: MSU's American Disabilities Act Coordinator

Aislinn Sapp, MSU ADA Coordinator, is working across campus units to tear down barriers for students, faculty and staff with disabilities.

Strength training: Youth camp leaders trained to prevent child abuse

MSU Youth Camp leaders are fostering a safer environment through a special training with POE to prevent child abuse and effectively support participants who have experienced trauma.

MSU Museum, Rebecca Campbell honored at 2019 Teal Ribbon Awards

The Sexual Assault Program (SAP) at Michigan State University recently hosted the 11th Annual Teal Ribbon awards, honoring faculty member Rebecca Campbell and the MSU Museum for their leadership and commitment to creating awareness around sexual violence in the campus community.

MSU Museum, Rebecca Campbell honored at 2019 Teal Ribbon Awards

The Sexual Assault Program (SAP) at Michigan State University recently hosted the 11th Annual Teal Ribbon awards, honoring faculty member Rebecca Campbell and the MSU Museum for their leadership and commitment to creating awareness around sexual violence in the campus community.

Safe Place impacts thousands of lives, marks anniversary

MSU's Safe Place is a free on-campus shelter that provides support services and counseling to survivors of relationship violence and stalking. It was the first of its kind when it was founded 25 years ago.

 'It's On Us' Week of Action features #WhyIStayed creator

Michigan State University students, faculty and community partners will participate in several empowering and educational events during the "It’s On Us" Week of Action Oct. 21-27.

MSU’s 'Know More' campaign promotes sexual assault resources

Michigan State this fall initiated its "Know More" campaign to promote awareness of the resources available to those in the campus community who are affected by sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking.

Interim leader selected for the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, July 18, 2018

Rob Kent will be the interim associate vice president of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance. Kent replaces Jessica Norris who accepted a new job outside of Michigan.

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