Letter to Campus: Strengthening civil rights: Routine policy update

July 16, 2025

Dear Spartans,

This summer has brought with it a time of reflection and concern for many across our campus. With financial realities, shifting priorities, and continued change shaping the landscape of higher education, I want to acknowledge the uncertainty many may be feeling. 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.

At MSU, our commitment to civil rights isn’t just about compliance. It’s about helping every member of our university community feel safe, respected and supported. One of the ways we live out that commitment is by ensuring our policies are clear, comprehensive and responsive to the people they’re meant to protect.

With that in mind — and with valuable broad stakeholder input regarding the 2024 Title IX regulations, which did not take effect over the past year — the office has made select updates to the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Title IX, or RVSMTIX, Policy. The updated policy will take effect on July 15.

These changes are designed to be clearer, more protective and more closely aligned with the needs of our community — because when we care for one another, we all thrive.

Below is a summary of what’s changing and what it means for you:

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.

These revisions help ensure our policy protects the dignity and safety of all members of our community.

Investigation timelines

To promote transparency and accountability:

• Investigations will typically conclude within 90 business days.
• 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.

This ensures a fair and thorough process for everyone involved.

Adaptable resolution process

Adaptable resolution may be available as a voluntary, nondisciplinary option for certain cases. 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.

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.

What comes next

We are committed to keeping you informed and involved. The revised policy will replace the prior version and be available in the policy library on July 15. If you have questions or would like to connect with our team, please email our office at ocr@msu.edu.

These updates are one more step toward strengthening our shared responsibility to uphold civil rights and ensure that everyone at MSU feels seen, heard and protected.

Thank you for being part of that work.

With Spartan spirit,

Laura

Laura Rugless (she/her)

Vice President and Title IX and Title VI Coordinator

Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance

Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance | Michigan State University