Message to the Campus Community

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

In light of recent incidents of sexual misconduct at Lehigh, we're writing, with a sense of urgency, to express our concern for the safety and well-being of our community. Lehigh’s Title IX Coordinator has already received eight reports of sexual misconduct (which includes reports of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence) this academic year. While sexual assault and sexual harassment are societal issues, they are particularly prevalent on college campuses. Such behaviors will not be tolerated or excused.

We want to encourage all members of the Lehigh community who have been impacted – our students, staff and faculty –to speak up, speak out and to draw on the resources at the university and beyond that you need for support. Acknowledging a traumatizing event can be a powerful first step for survivors.

We are committed to raising awareness and doing all we can to prevent such acts from occurring in our community. There are numerous resources for students, faculty and staff to provide support and address these behaviors. Sexual assault and sexual harassment can be reported to the Lehigh University Police Department or to the university’s Title IX Coordinator, who can explore investigation options and connect individuals who experience or witness incidents with numerous on- and off-campus resources.

More information about available resources can be found at eocc.lehigh.edu/resources.

In addition, students can seek support and resources by speaking with the Office of Gender Violence Education and Support, which works to change the campus climate around issues related to sexual assault and sexual harassment by supporting survivors and educating the campus community. Students can also reach out to the gender violence support groups: Advocates and Break the Silence, which is made up of fellow students trained to offer support to survivors.

We recognize our role in providing ample opportunities for education, awareness and constructive dialogue, encouraging individuals to come forward and report and holding those found responsible for sexual assault and sexual harassment accountable for their actions. We ask each of you to join us in contributing to a Lehigh a community that does not accept these behaviors and supports those whose lives have been impacted by them.

John D. Simon
President

Patrick V. Farrell
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Patricia A. Johnson
Vice President, Finance and Administration