Utah State University boosts mandatory report numbers as a result of Title IX changes

Utah State University has increased the number of faculty and staff responsible for helping inform students of their rights regarding sexual misconduct.

As part of Title IX policy changes made Jan. 22, USU employees are required to share reporting options and resources with students, though faculty and staff are not required to share reports made to them.

“I think that shift has both its pros and cons,” said Jennifer Ha, the USUSA student advocate vice president. “It allows victims to decide whether they want to report or not, which should ultimately be left up to them to decide. Having mandatory reporters was good in advocating for students that otherwise wouldn’t know where to turn or are too afraid to report.”

Hilary Renshaw, the Title IX coordinator at Utah State, wants students to understand what to expect as they learn about their options and get help after experiencing sexual misconduct.

“What we are hoping is that individuals have more control over where their information goes,” Renshaw said. “If someone does go to an employee, they know exactly where they can go and what resources are available, but then they choose.”

The Department of Justice and USU signed a resolution on Feb. 12, 2020, after a sexual misconduct review exposed failures in the system. Seven months later, modification to federal law mandated further changes.

The DOJ agreement outlines a mandatory prevention training course for students followed by a refresher course each academic year.

“Culture changes take time, and these regular trainings will ultimately bring about a more sustainable cultural change,” said Lucas Stevens, the USUSA executive vice president. “I think that widespread awareness and training is going to ultimately create a safer environment.”