Report an incident

Incident reports (using the form below) are received by the Associate Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator.

Report an Incident

Sexual Misconduct Policy

What happens when an online incident report is submitted?

The incident report is received by the Associate Director of Human Resources and the Title IX Coordinator. They will consult and determine next steps.

If a name is shared on the form (optional), either the Associate Director of Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator will contact that individual directly and promptly. They will talk with the individual about the incident and discuss options. In addition, they will provide information regarding resources and support.

If a name is not shared on the form, the Associate Director of Human Resources or the Title IX Coordinator will determine next steps based upon the information provided. (Please note that anonymous information provides perspective regarding a situation and allows the seminary to record statistics regarding incidents; however, depending on the details provided, anonymous information may not enable any direct action.)

A complete description of policies and procedures can be found in Luther Seminary’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, available in the link above.

What other reporting options do I have?

This online form is one of several ways you may report. Other ways to report include:

• Individuals may go directly to the Associate Director of Human Resources or Title IX Coordinator to meet in person.
• Individuals may call or email the Associate Director of Human Resources or Title IX Coordinator.
• If an incident is related to sexual misconduct, the individual may also directly contact any of the Title IX staff. Please consult the Resources for Victims section, below, for contact information. For a complete description of the complaint process, see Luther Seminary’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, above.

Who should file an incident report?

• Individuals may use any of the reporting options above to report incidents that are witnessed (even if that individual was not directly involved in said incident) and/or on behalf of another person.
• Individuals are encouraged to refer colleagues or classmates to report incidents of discrimination and/or bias using any of the reporting options outlined above.

Title IX Coordinator

Title IX refers to Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and it prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender by institutions receiving federal money. Generally, the Title IX Coordinator is responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of meaningful efforts to comply with Title IX law. This includes overseeing the Title IX complaint process as well as identifying and addressing any patterns or systemic problems that arise.

Luther Seminary’s Title IX Coordinator is:

Luther Seminary’s Title IX Adjudicator is:

Additionally, Luther Seminary has four Title IX Investigators:

• Marie Hayes
  Title IX Investigator
  Director, International Student & Scholar Affairs
  Bockman Hall 203
  651-641-3469
  mhayes@luthersem.edu
• Sarah Luedtke-Jones
  Title IX Investigator
  Director of Student Affairs
  Bockman Hall 201
  651-641-3434
  sluedtkejones001@luthersem.edu
• Leon Rodrigues
  Title IX Investigator
  Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
  Gullixson Hall 108
  651-641-3209
  lrodrigues001@luthersem.edu
• Ashley Wheeler
  Title IX Investigator
  Candidacy Coordinator
  Bockman Hall 239
  651-641-3492
  awheeler002@luthersem.edu

Luther Seminary’s Title IX training materials can be viewed at the following links:

• https://www.trainedsolutions.com/portfolio-item/january-15-2021-title-ix-vawa-hearing-panel-training/
• https://www.trainedsolutions.com/portfolio-item/august-4-2021-title-ix-vawa-investigator-training/
• https://www.trainedsolutions.com/portfolio-item/july-20-2021-annual-training-for-advanced-title-ix-coordinators-and-deputy-coordinators/

The Title IX Coordinator will identify any patterns or systemic problems that arise; Title IX Investigators will be engaged to follow up on specific complaints.

Office for Civil Rights – Midwest Region
Contact: Celeste Davis
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60601

Customer Response Center: (800) 368-1019
Fax: (202) 619-3818
TDD: (800) 537-7697
Email: ocrmail@hhs.gov

Title IX protection

Luther Seminary believes that all members of the campus community are entitled to an environment that enables them to develop and contribute in their full capacity. When sexual misconduct occurs, the standards of the institution are violated, and the environment is disrupted. Sexual misconduct is prohibited by law, as well as by institutional policy at Luther Seminary.

Sexual misconduct committed on property owned or controlled by Luther Seminary, by a student, faculty member or staff member against any minors, student, faculty member, staff member or visitor is prohibited and shall be considered a violation of this policy, whether or not prohibited by law. In addition, sexual misconduct committed by a student, faculty member or staff member against a member of these groups anywhere other than property owned or controlled by the Seminary will violate this policy if, in the sole discretion of the Seminary, the conduct adversely and significantly affects the perpetrator’s suitability as a member of the Seminary community. Any person violating this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge of an employee or expulsion of a student.

Romantic relationships between faculty members and students or staff members and students create issues of actual or perceived exploitation and favoritism. Holding to the highest standards of professionalism, faculty and staff members are prohibited from seeking out, encouraging, or entering into a sexual or romantic relationship with any student during the time in which the student is enrolled at Luther Seminary.

Matters of sexual misconduct within the Seminary will be addressed with seriousness and regard for the persons involved. Under no circumstances will Luther Seminary tolerate reprisals against an individual who in good faith reports harassment.

Resources for victims

Any victim of sexual misconduct should consider seeking immediate medical and emotional assistance. Assistance is available by utilizing the following services:

911 (dial 9-911 from an on-campus telephone)

• Speak to someone. If you are able and willing, speak directly to the person involved. It may be that the person does not understand his or her behavior to be offensive. If you prefer not to address the person directly, or wish to gain a broader perspective, consider talking to a designated leader in this policy. You may engage in this initial conversation without revealing the name of the person or persons involved.
• Seek information and support. Each of the designated leaders can provide more background on the nature of sexual harassment, the avenues for maintaining confidentiality, and formal and informal steps a student can take to resolve an offensive situation. Such informal steps may include a spoken or written response to the person causing the offense, a mediated conversation, or a decision not to seek further resolution.
• Do not blame yourself. Your inquiry or complaint will be taken seriously. Your confidentiality will be respected to the degree possible, and your complaint will not be revealed to others without your consent whenever possible. If Luther Seminary becomes aware of sexual misconduct, however, it will promptly investigate to determine what occurred and take appropriate steps to resolve the situation. Your willingness to speak out and seek help contributes to the good of the whole community.

Luther Seminary recognizes that any decision to report sexual misconduct to the police is the right of the victim. However, Seminary personnel responding to an incident of sexual misconduct will inform the victim of the options of criminal prosecution, medical assistance, and the Seminary’s complaint process. Campus personnel will assist the victim with these contacts if requested. In addition, confidential counseling, support resources, academic assistance, and alternative housing assignments will be discussed as appropriate. Seminary personnel will also inform victims of their rights under the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, including assistance from the Minnesota State Crime Victims Reparations Board and the Minnesota State Office of the Crime Victim Ombudsman.

For a complete description of current policies, processes, and support resources, see Luther Seminary’s Sexual Misconduct Policy.