Students’ Bill of Rights
The State University of New York and Fredonia are committed to providing options, support and assistance to victims/survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in University-wide and campus programs, activities, and employment. All victims/survivors of these crimes and violations, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction, have the following rights, regardless of whether the crime or violation occurs on campus, off campus, or while studying abroad:
All students have the right to:
- Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
- Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
- Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure from the institution;
- Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
- Be treated with dignity and to receive from the institution courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
- Be free from any suggestion that the reporting individual is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes and violations;
- Describe the incident to as few institutional representatives as practicable and not to be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
- Be free from retaliation by the institution, the accused and/or the respondent, and/or their friends, family, and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
- Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
- Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process;
- Exercise civil rights and practice religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.
Options in Brief:
Victims/survivors have many options that can be pursued simultaneously, including one or more of the following:
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Advocacy and Counseling
- Prevention, Advocacy, and Wellness Services (PAWS), Counseling Center, LoGrasso Hall, 716-673-3424: is the violence prevention – victim services program at Fredonia. PAWS provides advocacy and referrals for Fredonia students that are survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence. We can answer questions, offer emotional support, and provide referrals for legal, medical, judicial, and counseling options.
- Counseling Center, LoGrasso Hall, 716-673-3424: The Counseling Center can provide mental health services for survivors of sexual violence; services are free and confidential. For after-hours assistance from the Counseling Center, please contact University Police and ask for the counselor on-call.
- The Anew Center of Jamestown (The Salvation Army), 1-800-252-8748: Provides a 24/7 helpline for survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence. The helpline can answer questions, provide referrals or send a victim advocate to meet with you.
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Medical Treatment and Evidence Collection
- Brooks Memorial Hospital can provide medical treatment to survivors of sexual assault. They can offer treatment for injuries, STD testing and treatment, the morning after pill, and basic evidence collection (also known as 'rape kits'). Advocates from The Anew Center can be contacted to provide advocacy services. Survivors who have a sexual assault kit completed do not have to file a police report or press criminal charges. Contact Information: 529 Central Avenue – Dunkirk, 716-366-1111
- The Health Center can provide treatment for injuries, testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea, emergency contraception, and referrals to outside providers for additional services. Contact Information: LoGrasso Hall, 716-673-3131
- To confidentially or anonymously disclose a crime or violation, who by law can maintain confidentiality and can assist in obtaining services (more information on confidential report is available in the Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence Policy www.fredonia.edu/sexualassault)
- Anonymously online: www.fredonia.edu/about/offices/university-police/silent-witness
- Confidential: Counseling Center, LoGrasso Hall, 716-673-3424;
- An employee with the authority to address complaints, including the Title IX Coordinator, Director of Student Conduct, or a Human Resources employee;
- University Police;
- Local law enforcement; and/or
- Family Court or Civil Court.
Copies of this Bill of Rights shall be distributed annually to students, made available on every University’s website, and posted in each campus residence hall, dining hall, and student union or campus center and shall include links or information to access the Sexual Violence Response Policy below and the Options for Confidentially Disclosing Sexual Violence.