Bias Response and Title IX Office

Response, Prevention, and Support 

About B-TIX

The Bias Response and Title IX Office (B-TIX) supports the Juilliard community through response, prevention, and support. B-TIX staff provide specialized support, answer questions, take reports, and uphold your rights under Juilliard’s  Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Hate/Bias Crime Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

Contact Us

Our team is a nonconfidential resource. However, we are trained to safeguard the privacy of information to the greatest extent possible and only share information on a “need to know” basis to assist with response.

Rodney L. Pepe-Souvenir (she/her/hers)
Senior Director of Bias Response and Title IX Coordinator
Room 241
1(212) 799-5000 ext. 45393
[email protected]

Reisha Williams (she/her/hers)
Director of Bias Response and Senior Deputy Coordinator
1 (212) 799-5000 ext. 7012
[email protected]


For 24/7 emergency access to the Title IX Coordinator, contact Public Safety at (212) 496-4911.

Bias Response Deputies

Dan Stokes (he/him/his)
Director of the Office of Academic Support and Disability Services
Room 245
1 (212) 799-5000 ext. 320
[email protected]

Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Kirstin Ek, PhD(she,her,hers)
Associate Provost
(212)799-5000 ext. 7258
[email protected]

Emergency Safety Tips

Medical Care after a Sexual Assault

Any person who experiences sexual assault or violence is encouraged to immediately seek medical assistance, including HIV and STI testing, pregnancy testing, treatment of any physical injuries, and the collection and preservation of available evidence through a sexual assault forensic examination.

Forensic evidence collection is best if done immediately after the assault or within 72 hours. Even though evidence may be collected after 72 hours, it may be difficult to collect or no longer available. It is recommended that victims of sexual assault do not bathe or shower, douche, use the toilet, brush their teeth, wash their clothing or bedding before a sexual assault exam. These activities may make DNA evidence unavailable or inconclusive.
 

Evidence Preservation

Although medical providers can assist with evidence collection, individuals who experience assault can also collect and preserve evidence that can be used in a criminal case if selected. Below are some steps to preserve evidence:

  • Save worn items (clothing, tampons/pads, jewelry, etc.) in separate paper bags. Plastic bags are not recommended as they may destroy evidence.
  • Text messages, direct messages or posts from social media, or any written communication related to the assault should be saved to support law enforcement in reconstructing a timeline of events. Additionally, it may be helpful to construct a written timeline as soon as possible that includes individuals (friends, family, people who may have seen interactions, etc.) you may have spoken to before, during, or after the assault.

Juilliard’s Health and Counseling Services offer STI testing but do not conduct sexual assault forensic exams. NYC medical providers are listed in Appendix A of Juilliard’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. Our staff and deputies may assist you in receiving care. You do not have to report to the School or law enforcement to receive medical care.
 

Safety Planning

Safety planning can be a critical step for individuals impacted by any form of sexual misconduct. Simply put, a safety plan is a written or verbal plan that accounts for safety concerns related to possible interactions with the person who perpetrated the misconduct. Connect with a direct service organization to discuss safety plan items such as: getting to and from work or school safely, appropriately documenting harmful behaviors, accessing criminal justice protections such as an order of protection from law enforcement or no-contact order from the school.
 

Stalking Log

It can be critical to maintain a log of stalking-related incidents and behavior. Recording this information will help document the behavior for protection order applications, divorce and child custody cases, or criminal prosecution. It can also help with remembering individual incidents later, which may be needed for reporting purposes. Click here for more information on creating a stalking incident and behavior log and a sample of the document.
 

Tech Safety Consultation

If you would like to connect with a Juilliard IT professional to discuss your cyber safety (e.g., reviewing privacy settings, setting up two-factor authentication), please let us know, and we can connect you directly. You may also email [email protected] directly. If you feel comfortable, you can say that our office referred you.

Reporting

Our team understands that reporting can be complex. Juilliard offers confidential and non-confidential reporting options, which can occur in-person or online.
 

Non-Confidential Reports

Non-confidential staff cannot promise confidentiality. However, we are trained to safeguard the privacy of information to the greatest extent possible and only share information on a “need to know” basis to assist with response.

When Juilliard receives a non-confidential report, the School will move forward to stop harm, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the effects as described in the resolution sections of our policies.

Non-confidential reports to the School can be made by:


Confidential Reports

Confidential reports are not shared with the B-TIX team or other School employees, except if the report indicates a serious and ongoing threat to the safety of the Juilliard community.

Confidential reports can be made to:


Alcohol and Other Drug Amnesty Policy

The Sexual Misconduct Policy’s Alcohol and Other Drug Amnesty Policy  applies to students. It states that a Complainant, bystander, or other individual who in good faith reports any incident of possible sexual misconduct will not be subject to any action under Juilliard’s Code of Conduct for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the reported sexual misconduct.

School Policies

B-TIX staff lead the School’s response to reports of misconduct as required by the Anti-Discrimination, Harassment and Hate/Bias Crime Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy.

These policies:

  • Describe our commitments to fostering a safe and equitable environment,
  • Define prohibited behavior, including discrimination, harassment, hate crimes, dating violence, domestic violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, and retaliation,
  • Provide reporting options,
  • List specialized and free resources,
  • Govern Juilliard’s investigation, adjudication, and appeal procedures related to reports under each policy, and
  • Describe rights, including supportive measures and due process.


Bill of Rights

At Juilliard, the New York State Students’ Bill of Rights, which is part of the Sexual Misconduct Policy, extends to all members of the Juilliard community, including faculty and staff.

In accordance with Article 129-B of New York State Education Law, all students have the right to:

  1. Make a report to local law enforcement and/or state police;
  2. Have disclosures of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault treated seriously;
  3. Make a decision about whether or not to disclose a crime or violation and participate in the judicial or conduct process and/or criminal justice process free from pressure by the institution;
  4. Participate in a process that is fair, impartial, and provides adequate notice and a meaningful opportunity to be heard;
  5. Be treated with dignity and to receive from the School courteous, fair, and respectful health care and counseling services, where available;
  6. Be free from any suggestion that the Complainant is at fault when these crimes and violations are committed, or should have acted in a different manner to avoid such crimes or violations;
  7. Describe the incident to as few School representatives as practicable and not be required to unnecessarily repeat a description of the incident;
  8. Be protected from retaliation by the institution, any student, the accused and/or Respondent, and/or their friends, family and acquaintances within the jurisdiction of the institution;
  9. Access to at least one level of appeal of a determination;
  10. Be accompanied by an advisor of choice who may assist and advise a reporting individual, accused, or respondent throughout the judicial or conduct process including during all meetings and hearings related to such process; and
  11. Exercise civil rights and practice of religion without interference by the investigative, criminal justice, or judicial or conduct process of the institution.

Prevention

Juilliard is committed to fostering a culture of prevention and awareness around discrimination, harassment, bias/hate crimes, and sexual misconduct.


Events and Tabling

Join us at events and campus tabling! Topics covered include healthy relationships, affirmative consent, bystander intervention, healing, safety-planning, self-care, resources, rights, and related topics. Events and tabling are shared by email, the Student E-blast, social media, and flyers.

We also welcome students, faculty, and staff to collaborate on prevention initiatives with us, as well as requests for customized training and programming, such as workshops, panels, and discussions. Please contact us if you are interested.


Student Training

All new students, student leaders, and student employees are required to complete an annual virtual training designed by B-TIX. Required participants will be notified by School email.


Employee Training

All employees are required to complete an annual virtual training designed by B-TIX. Required participants will be notified by School email.


Bias Response and Title IX Team Training

Employees who help administer the Title IX formal resolution process are required to complete specialized training on how to conduct fair, trauma-informed, and compliant investigation and adjudication. To comply with this requirement, in 2023, the Title IX team will complete comprehensive training through the SUNY Student Conduct Institute. More information.


Campus Climate Survey

Juilliard administers a campus climate survey on a biennial basis in accordance with New York State law. The survey assesses the understanding of resources, support services, and the Sexual Misconduct Policy, and to evaluate the perceptions of students, faculty, and staff on the School’s efforts around response, reporting, adjudication, and sexual misconduct prevention. Results are used by internal stakeholders to inform Juilliard’s response, prevention, and policy development.
 

Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey 2022 Results
Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey 2020 Results

Sexual Misconduct Campus Climate Survey 2018 Results


EDIB

B-TIX honors Juilliard’s efforts to support equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. In collaboration with the Juilliard community, the School’s EDIB Initiative has created a list of recommended resources posted as a LibGuide for internal use. We encourage all community members to engage in continuous learning and understanding systemic injustices and promote inclusion.

Resources

Bias and Hate Crimes

The following NYC community resources provide specialized support for individuals impacted by bias/hate crimes:


Gender-based Violence and Sexual Misconduct

Support is available for mental health, medical care, safety planning, law enforcement, legal services, and other advocacy. Below includes contact information, descriptions of services, and indicates which resources are confidential. Many of these services are free of cost.

Support Services

*Asterix indicates confidential services are available.


Advocacy, Mental Health & Legal Services


Law Enforcement


Medical

Safety Information

Alcohol and Drugs


Bystander Intervention


Cyber/Digital Abuse


Intimate Partner Violence


Sexual Assault


Stalking

Wellness & Equity

Consent


Healthy Relationships


LGBTQIA+