Kansas State University

University response to student requests

Submitted by university administration

Dear K-State Students:

We are always working to improve and address issues affecting our university community. There have been many discussions about how and when the university responds to sexual violence. Some recently published statements and information appearing in the media have included inaccuracies concerning the university's policy prohibiting discrimination, which includes sexual violence. These issues are critically important, and we want to be on same page with our students, faculty and staff.

The university would like to respond directly to requests from our students:

The university has been working to clarify our policy language so the university community understands when and where investigations will occur. We plan to publish current clarifications shortly. We continually work on policy language for clarity and effectiveness.

The university reviews and processes any and all complaints of students who have reported discrimination on or off campus, should they feel a hostile environment or other discrimination exists on campus. Allegations of discrimination include sexual violence.

There are many resources available to help students regardless of the decision whether to file an official report, the applicability of our policies or the outcome of any investigations. University services include the Kansas State University Police Department, Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, support persons available through the Office of Student Life, Counseling Services, Lafene Health Center, Wildcat Walk, and Safe Ride. 

Our long-standing practice has been to provide a wide range of accommodations for students, including counseling, tutoring, medical expenses, or a change in residence, class schedule, campus job, or extracurricular activity if needed. We intend to continue these practices and will review our procedures to make sure adequate resources are available.

Current policy calls for investigations to be completed within 60 days if possible. We will continue to follow this policy and make every effort to be timely.

Voluntary training in discrimination and sexual harassment has long been provided to employees at all levels of the university. We have been working to make this training mandatory for faculty and staff.

All persons at the university, including students, are strongly encouraged to report any incidents, so the university can process the allegations in accordance with its policies and help students get to the numerous resources available. Contact the Office of Institutional Equity if you wish to file a complaint. University faculty and staff are committed to helping all students, maintaining safety, and treating all students fairly and justly. 

If you have questions or concerns, please call the Office of Institutional Equity at 785-532-6220.