Message on three recent campus safety incidents
Student Affairs, the SHARE Title IX Office, and the Department of Public Safety send a message to all students regarding three recent campus incidents of concern.
Dear students,
We are writing today with information about an unusual set of occurrences on campus. We know this may be difficult news to receive as the academic year begins, but we feel students should be aware of these incidents, and we want to remind you about relevant university resources.
During the first weeks of September, three different female students reported that a male they did not know approached them in or near student residences and immediately asked if they wanted to have sex. None of the women were touched; each rebuffed the unwanted, harassing behavior, and then the male left. In one of the incidents, the male showed what appeared to be a Stanford ID. In a different incident, he verbally indicated he was a student.
Stanford does not tolerate the type of conduct reported by the three women and we want to thank those who have come forward and reported this behavior so it can be addressed. Students with additional information are encouraged to contact our Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (650) 723-9633 or the department’s 24/7 communications center at (650) 329-2413. Alternatively, students can report inappropriate and unwanted behavior to the SHARE Title IX Office. As these incidents occurred at residence halls, we ask all students to refrain from allowing strangers into our residences, and to ensure exterior doors close and lock behind you at all times.
To be clear, harassment like this is completely unacceptable. Stanford University strives to provide a place of work and study free of discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, and other forms of sexual misconduct. The behavior described in this message is most certainly antithetical to these goals and out of the ordinary on our campus. Reporting such incidents helps us respond effectively. Please reach out to DPS and the SHARE Title IX Office as needed.
Sincerely,
Susie Brubaker-Cole
Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Stephen Chen
Title IX Coordinator and SHARE Office Director
Laura Wilson
Stanford Police Chief