UB resources regarding sexual violence cases

UB officials are aware of a social media post by a former student describing her traumatic experiences after an alleged sexual assault four years ago, which, the TikTok video notes, was reported to local law enforcement.

In a statement issued Wednesday, university leaders emphasized that “UB has zero tolerance for incidents of sexual assault or harassment of any kind.”

The statement further read that “Federal and state privacy laws prevent UB from commenting on the details of this incident, but when we were made aware of this matter in 2022, we acted urgently and followed established policies. These policies are designed to protect victims and respect their wishes. The safety of our students is our number one priority, and we take seriously our responsibility to ensure victims of sexual violence are supported.”

The university is committed to providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for students and all members of the university community. 

Members of the UB community who may be affected by recent news and conversations regarding sexual assault are encouraged to connect with on-campus resources for support. UB students should contact or visit Counseling Services. UB’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all faculty and staff and provides confidential consultations and support.

In addition to providing support for victims of sexual assault, UB works to build a community in which sexual violence is not tolerated. All new UB students are required to complete violence prevention programming, which includes an online sexual assault prevention course and in-person programming. Student-athletes, student leaders and members of fraternities and sororities also must complete ongoing, multi-year training.

Employees are required by New York State to complete a sexual harassment prevention training annually. This training includes the obligations of faculty and staff to report sexual violence to UB’s Title IX Coordinator, and EDI offers guidance on what to do when students disclose an incident of sexual violence. 

Sexual violence and sexual assault violate UB’s Student Code of Conduct, as well as criminal laws. Title IX and New York State’s Enough is Enough law both require colleges and universities such as UB to address reports of sexual violence to protect members of the university community.

Generally speaking, when UB officials receive information from a student regarding an incident of sexual violence, the student is provided with information on their reporting options and rights, in addition to supportive measures the university can provide. The law requires UB to honor a person’s request about how to proceed unless not acting could result in harm to the student or others.

Students have a number of options for reporting sexual violence, including contacting University Police (call 716-645-2222), the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and the anonymous web-reporting form available on the University Police website.

Students can seek support and accommodations whether or not they decide to file a formal university report, pursue student-conduct action or make a criminal complaint.

UB’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — which also acts as the university’s Title IX office — can help connect students with supportive measures, explain their reporting options and coordinate assistance.

Information on how reports of sexual violence are investigated is available on the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion website.