To the Editor:
In “A University’s Widely Hailed Alternative to Mandatory Reporting Ends With New Title IX Rule” (The Chronicle, August 2), you indicate that the University of Oregon, and presumably many other campuses, struggle with the U.S. Department of Education’s directive of mandatory reporting. They also struggle with identifying a group of employees who could be designated as confidential employees who would not be required to report but instead be a resource to victims and be able to give information about how and where to report and leave the ultimate decision of reporting up to the survivor.
Organizational ombuds meet exactly that need. Organizational ombuds are designated confidential resources that, when the role and office are set up correctly, are not mandated reporters. Organizational ombuds adhere to specific standards of practice, including a high level of confidentiality that to the maximum extent permitted by law the ombuds shall protect confidential information. What this means for victims of sexual assault is that we are able to be a trusted confidential resource that will provide individuals with information on how and where to report allegations of sex discrimination, harassment, or retaliation while providing them the space to decide if, and when, they report.
There are several benefits establishing an organizational ombuds in your respective institution helps. One, victims become comfortable and better understand the reporting process. Victims of any type of alleged abuse hesitate to immediately report situations because they sometimes need to understand a process, what it will mean to them, what the consequences for them (and the perpetrator) might be. In the absence of information we become uncertain about what taking a certain course of action might mean and so we might end up not taking action for fear of making matters worst. Ombuds provide a space where individuals can get informed about policies and procedures and, in turn, victims can take action from an informed mindset.
Additionally, victims often need to think matters through before they decide. Apart from becoming more informed about how and where to report, victims quite often are trying to simply decide and need a confidential space as they weigh the potential benefits, and potential downsides, of reporting. You would think only good can come from reporting a concern but some of the concerns not talked about as often include the fear of retaliation, the embarrassment many victims suffer, the alienation that sometimes impacts a victim from their friends and colleagues, the fear of what happens if the alleged perpetrator is not found culpable or even the possibility that the alleged perpetrator is indeed found culpable but the sanction is not substantial in the eyes of the victim. If victims don’t have the psychological safety to have conversations about the “unspoken,” matters do not ultimately get reported. Ombuds provide a safe where individuals can think through decisions and there can be a candid conversation about their fears and concerns. In my experience, many take the courageous step of reporting.
Mauricio Ramos
Director, University Ombuds Office
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg
