Protections/Accommodations

SUNY Cortland, as stated in NYS Education Law 129-B, must ensure that individuals are provided the following protections and accommodations, as long as these accommodations do not infringe or violate federal regulations, as outline in the Final Title IX Rules of May 19, 2020. 

Protections and Accommodations:

• When the accused is a student, to have the college issue a “Restriction from Contact” order consistent with college policy and procedure, meaning that continuing to contact the protected individual is a violation of college policy subject to additional conduct charges; if the accused and a protected person observe each other in a public place, it is the responsibility of the accused to leave the area immediately and without directly contacting the protected person. Both the accused/respondent and reporting individual may request a prompt review of the need for and terms of a "Restriction from Contact" order, consistent with SUNY Cortland policy. Parties may submit evidence in support of their request.
• To have assistance from University Police (UPD) or other college officials in initiating legal proceedings in family court or civil court, including but not limited to obtaining an Order of Protection or, if outside of New York State, an equivalent protective or restraining order.
• To receive a copy of the Order of Protection or equivalent and have an opportunity to meet or speak with a college official who can explain the order and answer questions about it, including information from the Order about the accused’s responsibility to stay away from the protected person(s); that burden does not rest on the protected person(s).
• To an explanation of the consequences for violating these orders, including but not limited to arrest, additional conduct charges, and interim suspension.
• To have assistance from University Police in effecting an arrest when an individual violates an Order of Protection or, if outside of New York State, an equivalent protective or restraining order within the jurisdiction of University Police or, if outside of the jurisdiction, to call on and assist local law enforcement in effecting an arrest for violating such an order.
• When the accused is a student and presents a continuing threat to the health and safety of the community, to have the accused subject to interim suspension pending the outcome of a conduct process. Parties may request a prompt review of the need for and terms of an interim suspension.
• When the accused is not a student but is a member of the college community and presents a continuing threat to the health and safety of the community, to subject the accused to interim measures in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, employee handbooks, and SUNY Cortland policies and rules.
• When the accused is not a member of the college community, to have assistance from University Police or other college officials in obtaining a persona non grata letter, subject to legal requirements and college policy.
• To obtain reasonable and available interim measures and accommodations that effect a change in academic, housing, employment, transportation, or other applicable arrangements in order to ensure safety, prevent retaliation, and avoid an ongoing hostile environment. Parties may request a prompt review of the need for and terms of any interim measures and accommodations that directly affect them. While reporting individuals may request accommodations through any of the offices referenced in this policy, the following staff member can serve as a point of contact to assist with these measures: Title IX Coordinator, 607-753-4550 or TitleIX@cortland.edu.

Updated August 18, 2020