Dear Students,

Early this morning, Temple Police received a report of an alleged sexual assault involving two students who knew each other. The incident occurred at an off-campus residence.

While we cannot comment on the specifics of this matter, we can share that we are working directly with the student who reported the incident helping them navigate through this experience. It takes courage to report, and we are committed to working with every student who experiences sexual misconduct, ensuring they are supported and made aware of all available resources. Reports like this one are addressed through applicable law enforcement and university processes. Those found responsible are held accountable.

Separately, over the past few weeks Temple Police also have been investigating a report of an individual not associated with the university exposing himself at the Howard Gittis Student Center. Additional security walkthroughs have been implemented at the Student Center and security staff there have been provided with a photo of a potential suspect and have been instructed to call Temple Police immediately should the individual return.

Anyone who witnesses concerning behavior like this or has information about this incident is encouraged to contact Temple Police at 215-204-1234.

As we approach Halloween weekend, we would like to take a moment to remind our community of the vital importance of consent and the safety and support resources that are available.  

What is consent?

At Temple, a culture of consent starts by clearly defining what consent means and respecting one another’s boundaries.

Whether on a date or at events with friends, we want you to be informed and empowered to navigate social situations with respect for one another. With that in mind, below are important reminders as it relates to consent. Remember, if you’re unsure whether you have consent, then you don’t have it. Stop what you’re doing, ask your partner before moving forward, wait for their response and respect their choice.  

Consent requires clear communication. When engaging in any form of sexual activity whether kissing, touching or intercourse, consent must be explicit -- it requires an affirmative yes, not the absence of a no. A person who is asleep, unconscious or significantly impaired by alcohol or drugs cannot give consent. Silence or the absence of resistance does not constitute consent.  

Consent can also change. An interaction that began as consensual can become non-consensual. Anyone can change their mind, and consent can be withdrawn at any time.  

• Consent is a clear, voluntary and informed agreement between participants to engage in specific sexual activity.
• Consent must be given freely, never assumed, coerced or obtained through pressure, manipulation or intimidation.  
• Consent must be ongoing through sexual activity and can be revoked at any time.
• Consent given during previous sexual activities does not imply consent for current or future activities. 

Consent is not:  

• Silence or the absence of a no.
• An assumption about a person’s willingness because they have given consent for previous sexual activities.
• Pressuring someone through fear or intimidation.  
• Assuming consent when someone does not have the capacity to provide knowing and voluntary agreement.  
• Assuming it is okay to move forward when an intellectual or other disability prevents a person from having the capacity to give consent. 

Support resources

If you have experienced sexual assault, please know that we are here to support you. You deserve to be heard, and no matter what happened, an assault is not your fault. Incidents of sexual assault are deeply unsettling, and we are committed to helping our students navigate traumatic situations with compassion.  

Resources to support sexual assault victims are available here. Any member of the Temple community or the public can also submit an anonymous report at helpline.temple.edu. Students can seek support and learn about their options without having to make an immediate decision about filing a formal complaint or involving law enforcement. Confidential support is also available.

Temple reporting contacts

Temple Police (215-204-1234, [click-for-email]) 
Title IX Coordinator (215-204-3283, [click-for-email]) 
The Dean of Students Office (215-204-7188, [click-for-email]).

Safety resources

Temple has many safety resources for your wellbeing, such as the TUSafe app, which features direct communication with Temple Police. We also want to remind you of ways to stay safe when attending social events.

While these are important general safety reminders, responsibility for sexual assault always rests with the person who commits it, regardless of the circumstances. 

• Plan ahead for nights out: Make arrangements for getting home, charge your phone and check in with friends regularly.
• Stay aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the people and activity around you and limit distractions that make it harder to notice what is happening nearby.
• Plan your route: Whenever possible, use well-lit, well-traveled paths and avoid isolated shortcuts, especially after dark.
• Walk with others when possible: Travel with friends late at night rather than going alone.
• Trust your instincts: If a situation or location makes you uncomfortable, move toward a populated, well-lit area and contact someone who can help.
• Look out for one another: Don’t leave a friend behind. If someone appears to be in a dangerous situation, get help.

Our medical amnesty policy states that no student will be subject to university discipline for seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use, and this amnesty will be granted to both the intoxicated student and the student seeking help for an intoxicated student.

Sexual assault and interpersonal violence are not tolerated at Temple. The university has recently convened a Sexual Assault Advisory Group comprised of students, faculty and staff to review our current practices and make detailed recommendations to university administration. The group met for the first time last week. As their work progresses, there will be additional opportunities for students and others to share their experiences, perspectives, and recommendations.

Together, we are committed to fostering an environment where all members of our community are safe and supported.

Sincerely,

Jodi Bailey Accavallo  
Vice President for Student Affairs

Denise Wilhelm 
Interim Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police