Academic Year 2020-2021 Data on Reports of Sexual Misconduct

Reports

The graphics below depict investigated reports specifically pertaining to sexual misconduct. In August 2020, federal Title IX regulations were changed, narrowing the scope of conduct prohibited under the statute. As a result, BU’s policies and procedures surrounding sexual misconduct changed as well. However, BU is committed to preventing sexual misconduct within our community and continues to address concerns of sexual misconduct that do not fall under the legal definition of Title IX.

As the response by the Equal Opportunity Office or Office of Judicial Affairs depends on the potential policy violation, please refer to our flowcharts to learn more about the differences in the procedural processes.

In the graph above, Title IX Sexual Misconduct refers to cases that meet the current legal definition. Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct refers to cases of sexual misconduct that do not meet the Title IX definition. While the majority of reports received (93%) did not meet the legal definition of Title IX Sexual Misconduct, BU remains committed to addressing all types of sexual misconduct. The large number of Non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct reports reflects BU’s commitment to prevention and resolution.

Please note, the “Sexual Misconduct” incident type category refers to cases reported within the academic year 2020-2021 prior to the implementation of the current policies and procedures. To learn more, please review BU’s policies and procedures.

Status of Complainants and Respondents

Complainant refers to the individual impacted by the potential conduct, and Respondent refers to the individual who engaged in the alleged conduct. The graphics below show the affiliation of Complainants and Respondents within our community from reports received during the 2020-2021 Academic Year.

A “Third Party” refers to a person other than an Employee or a Student. Examples include employees of auxiliary organizations, unpaid interns, volunteers, independent contractors, vendors and their employees, and visitors. BU’s ability to take action against a Third Party Respondent may be limited.

Outcome of Investigations

Reports received by BU may result in an investigation and/or a hearing depending on the potential policy violation. There are many reasons why a report may not proceed to an investigation, including the Complainant’s choice not to pursue an investigation, allegations not rising to the level of a potential policy violation, or reports of conduct that fall outside of the office’s policies.  The graphic below describes the reports that proceeded to an investigation and the outcome.