Dear Students and Colleagues,

In recent days, we have seen national headlines related to deeply concerning allegations of sexual assault at Cornell University. Since then, additional news coverage has highlighted incidents that have occurred across the country.

These allegations are both horrific and appalling. They are difficult to read. They are even harder to digest.

These allegations also have raised important questions involving the processes for supporting victims and responding to incidents of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct.

To ensure that our processes are as rigorous, comprehensive and humane as possible, I will be convening a Sexual Assault Advisory Group comprised of students, faculty and staff to review our current practices and make detailed recommendations to university administration. I have asked Jodi Bailey Accavallo, vice president for student affairs; Jennifer Ibrahim, dean of the College of Public Health; and Monika Williams Shealey, dean of the College of Education and Human Development to co-chair this group. Temple remains committed to fostering a safe environment for all members of our community and an intensive, objective review is an important first step in this process.

As you may have seen, Laura Sinko, an associate professor of nursing and the faculty adviser to Temple’s chapter of Students Activists Against Sexual Assault, recently authored the following op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer, which offers recommendations for how universities can improve their processes for supporting sexual assault victims.

Professor Sinko has spent years working as a sexual assault nurse examiner, and the message of her piece is important and timely. I have already reached out to Professor Sinko to ensure her expertise will be leveraged to keep Temple current with national best practices when it comes to handling cases of sexual assault.

We recognize that each and every case of sexual assault and interpersonal violence is extremely traumatic for those impacted. We work with students and community members to navigate their journeys, and we strive to ensure they feel supported and are aware of all available resources, while holding perpetrators accountable. It is our institutional responsibility to continue to adapt and improve.

Sexual assault and interpersonal violence are not tolerated here at Temple, and we continue to be deeply committed to fostering an environment where all members of the community are safe and welcome.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President