Maya Washburn / News Director
Six percent of respondents to a university-wide survey sent out in October 2021 said they had been sexually harassed and 74 percent did not report harassment they experienced, according to the university’s Title IX coordinator.
Almost three weeks after former FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg’s resignation amid a sexual harassment investigation, Interim President Kenneth A. Jessell led a discussion on improving the university’s response to cases of misconduct and harassment.
Ryan Kelley, FIU’s Title IX coordinator, spoke on FIU’s planned responses to sexual misconduct during a university dialogue almost three weeks.
“We are doing something better, but we can always do more,” said Kelley.
Jessell recently announced the development of report.fiu.edu, a new reporting site for all discrimination, abuse or harassment cases in a university-wide email on Feb. 2.
In the meeting, he underscored the importance of a safe FIU community and the university’s commitment to improving more proactive policies against misconduct.
“I want you to know that we are here to listen,” said Jessell. “I also want to acknowledge that we won’t have all the answers today.”
According to the Feb. 2 email entitled “Taking Action,” FIU will announce additional actions designed to ensure understanding of the policies and procedures in place against harassment in the coming weeks.
“I want you to know that we are here for you,” said Jessell in his closing remarks at the meeting. “We really mean what we’re saying.”
Additional reporting provided by Anthony McArthur.
