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Title IX and VI at Marist

Report An Incident

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Introduction To Title IX and Title VI

Marist University is committed to fostering an inclusive campus environment free from discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The University works to prevent, address, and eliminate behaviors that interfere with an individual's ability to fully participate in the Marist community.

The Title IX and Title VI Office coordinates the University's response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. The Office addresses allegations involving sex-based discrimination and harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment, as well as discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, shared ancestry, and other protected characteristics. The Office oversees the University's compliance with Title IX, Title VI, applicable New York State laws, including Article 129-B of the New York Education Law, and University policy to ensure a prompt, equitable, and supportive response to reports of prohibited conduct.

Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Procedures >

Survivors’ Bill of Rights

The ‘New York State Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights’, was created by the New York State Department of Health. It is required by New York State Law to be provided to every sexual assault victim before a medical facility begins a physical examination (SANE exam), or before any law enforcement agency begins an interview. The ‘New York State Sexual Assault Victim Bill of Rights’ is a list of general information about your rights. You may download a copy here.  

The Center for Victim Safety and Support (CVSS) provides rape crisis services and are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to and accompany sexual assault victims and secondary victims to hospital emergency rooms, police departments and court rooms.  24-Hour Hotline: (845) 452 – 7272.  
 

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Trainings & Events
Learn more about what Marist's policies and procedures in support of Title IX and Title VI.
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New York State: Enough Is Enough

New York State’s Enough is Enough law provides for a uniform sexual assault policy to protect the state’s college students. The law requires all colleges to adopt a set of comprehensive procedures and guidelines, including a uniform definition of affirmative consent, a statewide amnesty policy, and expanded access to law enforcement to ensure the safety of all students. The law also calls for colleges to conduct and share the results of sexual assault campus climate surveys every two years.

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Meet Marist's Title IX Coordinator

Kelly Yough, Assistant Dean of Students, Title IX and Title VI Coordinator, leads Marist's efforts to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning, living, and working environments for all members of the University community. She oversees the University's compliance with federal and state laws, as well as University policies, related to sex-based discrimination and harassment under Title IX and discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), and other protected characteristics under Title VI and applicable state law.

In her role, Ms. Yough works closely with students, employees, investigators, and campus partners to respond to reports of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. She coordinates supportive measures, oversees the resolution process, and helps ensure that individuals have access to the resources, information, and support they need. She also works proactively to identify trends, strengthen campus policies and practices, and provide education and training that promotes accountability across the University.

Office Location: Student Center 1207
Phone: (845) 575-2210
Email: TitleIX@Marist.edu

Bill Meyer, Civil Rights Investigator
Eliza Benfer, Student Affairs Outreach Coordinator

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Reporting An Incident At Marist

Marist University encourages individuals to report incidents of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. Reporting allows the University to identify concerns, provide support, address potential patterns, and promote a campus environment where all members of the community can succeed.

Reports made to the Title IX and Title VI Office are reviewed by the Title IX and Title VI Coordinator. Individuals will be contacted to discuss next steps, available options, and supportive measures. Supportive measures are available regardless of whether an individual chooses to file a formal complaint or participate in an investigation.

Marist has a wide array of resources for seeking help and assistance with incidents of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct. It’s important to know that different people on campus have different reporting responsibilities and different abilities to maintain confidentiality.

There are two types of resources: Confidential and Non-Confidential

Confidential resources are not required by law to report known incidents of sexual assault or other crimes to University officials. An individual who speaks to someone in a confidential professional role must understand that, if the individual wants to maintain confidentiality, the University will be unable to conduct an investigation into particular incidents or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged respondent.

Confidential resources may assist individuals in receiving other necessary protection and support, such as survivor advocacy, academic support or accommodations, disability, health and mental health services, changes in residence halls, and adjustments to working and course schedules in coordination with the Title IX and Title VI Coordinator.

At Marist, the following are confidential resources:

  • Health Services
  • Counseling Services
  • Director of Spiritual Life and Service

Non-confidential resources include all other Marist employees. All employees (faculty and staff outside of the categories noted above) are required to share disclosures of policy violations to the Title IX and Title VI Office. Individuals retain the choice of whether and how they wish to proceed after making a report, and the University will provide information about available options and supportive measures.

Confidential Resources

Non-Confidential Resources

  • Title IX and Title VI Office, Student Center 1207, 845-575-3799
  • Community Standards, Rotunda 386, 845-575-3514
  • Campus Safety, Donnelly 201, 845-471-1822
  • Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department (24/7 off-campus): (Emergency) 911, (Non-Emergency) 845-485-3666

Sexual Assault Campus Climate Survey

Marist has conducted three Sexual Assault Campus Climate surveys in order to learn more about:
  • Students’ perceptions of the University's climate on unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault.
  • Students’ perceptions of how the University addresses and responds to sexual assault.
  • Whether and how often students have experienced unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault.
We realize that we can only begin real improvement when we receive candid feedback. The last survey was conducted in November 2024. Key findings are available here.