Title IX Policy & Sexual Misconduct

Introduction

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School is committed to providing a successful learning and working environment for all members of its community, free from any sexual harassment. The Law School regards such behavior as a violation of the standard of conduct required of all students. In addition to facing sanctions from the Law School for violation of its policy on sexual harassment, a person who engages in sexual harassment may be held personally liable to the victim and subject to sanctions independent of those imposed by the Law School. The Dean of Students shall serve as the contact person for all complaints made under this policy.

To access the full policy on Sexual Misconduct please click here (updated 12/8/2023)

Purpose

This policy provides a grievance procedure for students and employees with complaints of sexual harassment and/or retaliation.

REPORTING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

REPORTING TO THE POLICE

If a crime has been committed, it is recommended that the police are contacted as soon as possible. It is particularly important for the protection of both the student and the Law School community that the incident be reported to law enforcement. In emergency situations, please call 911. In addition, please contact the Law School security office. The security office can be reached by phone at (404) 380-4240 or (678) 916-2699 or by email at security@johnmarshall.edu. If the incident occurred in Fulton County, you can also contact the Atlanta Police Department at (404) 546-5605.

REPORTING TO THE LAW SCHOOL

The Law School provides several options for students and employees who believe they have been subjected to sexual harassment. Any law school student or employee who has a concern, inquiry, or complaint regarding prohibited misconduct should feel free to seek information and advice concerning the Law School’s policies and guidelines, and formal and informal grievance procedures. Additionally, students and employees have access to counseling and other services the Law School makes available to those who believe they have been subjected to prohibited misconduct or violence. If you have questions, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Dean Sheryl Harrison, at (678) 916-2681. She can also be reached by email at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu.

The Title IX Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the Law School’s response to allegations of sexual harassment, and identifying and addressing any patterns of systemic problems revealed by such allegations. This would include ensuring that immediate and appropriate steps are taken to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. When investigations reveal that reported sexual harassment creates a hostile environment, the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for taking prompt and effective steps that are reasonably calculated to end the sexual harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent its recurrence and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.

Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School strives to create a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. If you have concerns about your experience, or another student’s or employee’s experience with sexual harassment, you can speak to the Title IX Coordinator or confidentially to a counselor.

Those who have experienced an act of sexual harassment will often disclose their experience to a friend or loved one first. This can be overwhelming for the person in the supportive role who may not know what to do or say to be helpful. It is important for victims to have people in their lives who will be empathetic, supportive and knowledgeable about available resources. If you have questions about the resources that are available, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at sharrison@johnmarshall.edu. The Law School will offer appropriate and reasonable supportive measures to the parties upon notice of alleged sexual harassment.

Title IX Coordinator

Dean Sheryl Harrison

(678) 916-2681

sharrison@johnmarshall.edu

Deputy Coordinator

Cynthia Davenporte

(678) 916-2604

cdavenporte@johnmarshall.edu

Campus Security

(404) 380-4240 cell

(404) 872-3593 ext. 2699

security@johnmarshall.edu

Fulton County Police
(404) 613-5700

Atlanta Police
(404) 614-6544

Mandated Reporters

The Law School has also classified all employees as Mandated Reporters of any knowledge they have that a member of the community is experiencing sexual harassment and/or retaliation. All law school employees are expected to report actual or suspected sexual harassment or retaliation to the Title IX Coordinator.

If you have been accused of sexual harassment, you have rights too. Resources are available to you, as well. These rights include the right to be advised of proper channels for support, the right to have an advisor, the right to a fair and impartial process, the right to review all relevant information that will be considered in the hearing process, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the process. All parties to a sexual harassment complaint are entitled to an advisor of their choosing. The advisor may be present for all meetings, interviews, and hearings within the resolution process that the advisee attends.

To maintain privacy, only those responsible for responding to the complaint and participating in the investigation, hearing, and/or appeal will be notified. The personal counseling center may provide confidential support with the limited exception of instances involving a direct threat to the campus community. In limited instances it may be the duty of the institution to make a public announcement without using identifying information.

Consistent with sound educational policy, Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (45 CFR 86), and sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other best practices, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, disability, race, color, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation or belief, gender identity, gender expressions, or sexual or affectional preference in the Law School’s educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, or other school-administered programs.

Title IX Sexual Assault Form

Please click here to download

Victim Advocate Training

Contact Information:

Dean Sheryl Harrison
(678) 916-2681
sharrison@johnmarshall.edu