Title IX Protests Spur Summer Actions

Student activism challenging the University’s sexual-misconduct policies and procedures at the end of the spring term led to action on several fronts over the summer.

An EXTERNAL REVIEW of Princeton’s Title IX office, requested by Title IX administrators and endorsed by President Eisgruber ’83, was well underway in mid-August and should be completed in October, University spokesman Michael Hotchkiss said. He said the review is being conducted by three professionals from other universities “who have extensive, relevant experience.”

Members of the Faculty and Student Committee on Sexual Misconduct and the University Student Life Committee were scheduled to meet 15 times during the summer with students and administrators. They created a working group on restorative-justice practices, supported by students as alternative pathways for healing and justice that fall outside the punitive system. The TWO COMMITTEES also endorsed plans for a new web portal to provide students with information on support resources and on investigation/adjudication processes. The committees expect to issue an interim report in the early fall, with an additional report before the end of the fall term. 

A graduating senior was charged by the University with disorderly conduct and obstructing a University function after taking part in TITLE IX PROTESTS by students during the P-rade at Reunions. The student, who asked that his name be withheld, said he received a short disciplinary probation in July, which he said “essentially means the University will keep a record of the incident, but nothing further.”