Wintersteen announces new training to prevent sexual misconduct and Title IX discrimination

Feb. 25--Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen this week announced the upcoming launch of new training regarding sexual misconduct and Title IX discrimination prevention, in a message to the university community.

In a news release sent out Thursday, Wintersteen said that as part of "campus-wide efforts to end sexual misconduct and Title IX discrimination at Iowa State," the university is preparing to release new, required training for students, faculty and staff. Training for students will be available on AccessPlus starting Feb. 26 and will cover sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination prevention. Title IX training for faculty and staff will be available online at Learn@ISU beginning March 1.

More information about the training is scheduled to be released later on.

Wintersteen cited that in light of the new training, recent events of sexual abuse at Michigan State University, and the rise of the #MeToo and Time's Up campaigns, she wants to address sexual misconduct, and highlighted the importance of taking all allegations of sexual assault seriously.

"The first step in eradicating a problem is to acknowledge it exists," Wintersteen said in the news release. "We must confront the fact that sexual assault, harassment, and other misconduct occur across the country and right here on our campus.

"We must start by believing, respond swiftly, and conduct a thorough investigation. Survivors of sexual misconduct and anyone involved in a traumatic experience deserve to be treated with the utmost respect, care, and compassion, regardless of whether there is evidence to hold someone accountable under the law or university policy. We must acknowledge the impact these traumatic events have on members of our community. The only person responsible for sexual misconduct is the perpetrator."

The message included information regarding the university's campus and community resources for victims, including ACCESS (Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support), ISU Student Counseling Services and the Margaret Sloss Women's Center.

It also noted that all ISU administrators, faculty, and staff are responsible for immediately reporting known or rumored sexual misconduct to the university's Title IX Coordinator Margo Foreman, or a deputy Title IX coordinator.

"As your new president, my top priority is to ensure our campus is a place where everyone feels safe, welcome, included, and empowered to reach their full potential and thrive," Wintersteen said in the news release. "Together, we must commit to a culture of zero tolerance for sexual misconduct and discrimination, and I expect 100 percent completion for our new training."

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