Staff Report
While COVID-19 has turned the focus of the campus community to ensure the safety of their health and others, the deadline for the Title IX quiz is approaching.
According to the Murray State Crime and Fire Log, two reports of sexual assault and harassment were made in August and four reports of rape have been made in September. The log can be found here.
To combat sexual assault on college campuses, students are required to complete a Title IX training under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.
“Regardless of the format of participation by students on our campus, in person/face-to-face, Zoom or remote learning, the Office of IDEA houses the Title IX function at the institution and continues to serve the University community,” said a representative from the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access.
Murray State implements this training on campus through a quiz. The goal is that by having students complete the quiz, it will increase awareness about consent, bystander intervention and the incident reporting process.
Faculty, staff and students must complete the quiz. Students must complete it with a 100 percent or they will have a hold on their account, meaning they cannot register for spring semester courses. The twenty-question quiz can be found on students’ Canvas accounts and must be completed by Oct. 2.
The Office of IDEA offers several resources for both parties involved in a Title IX matter as they are meant to act as a non-biased party. The office informs those involved what their rights are on campus, including the changing of class schedules and work schedules if they work on campus or live in the residential colleges.
Should a student, faculty or staff find themselves involved in a Title IX matter, victims should report the incident to the Office of IDEA or the Murray State Police Department. Victims are encouraged to make a report within 24 hours, but it is not a deadline.
When victims come forward, they are not required to make a formal report or notify the Murray State police. Criminal charges will only be pursued if that’s what the victim wants.
Murray State Interim Police Chief Jeff Gentry said the University has implemented several safety initiatives on campus including the LiveSafe app, call boxes, cameras on campus, emergency warning system, lighting and Racer Patrol escorts to help ensure the safety of the campus community.
“Stop, think and act,” Gentry said. “Be prepared for whatever situation presents itself. Do not put yourself in potentially harmful situations. Don’t walk alone, lock your doors.”
If students have been involved in any kind of Title IX matter or know someone who has, they can visit the Office of IDEA in Wells Hall Room 103 or reach them at (270) 809-3155.