Overview

Overview

Cleveland Clinic is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs and activities, and to providing a learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. Consistent with the requirements of Title IX and related laws, Cleveland Clinic prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity in its educational programs and activities.

Cleveland Clinic has adopted a Sexual Misconduct in Education policy to address reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence and retaliation in its educational programs and activities.

Policy and Procedure

Policy and Procedure

Cleveland Clinic prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity in its educational programs and activities. The Sexual Misconduct in Education Policy prohibits:

  • Sex discrimination
  • Sexual Harassment
  • Sexual Assault
  • Relationship Violence
  • Stalking
  • Retaliation

The policy applies to all educational programs across Cleveland Clinic, including all certificate-granting programs offered by Cleveland Clinic or affiliates; degree-granting programs offered by affiliated colleges and universities; clinical rotations for degree-granting or certificate-granting programs; medical and other residency programs; research and medical fellowships; internships; and educational programs offered to middle school, high school, college and university students.

Anyone may make a report that sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation has occurred in an educational program or activity at Cleveland Clinic.

People who have experienced sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation in an educational program or activity are strongly encouraged to make a report. 

Except in limited circumstances, employees who work in educational programs or activities are required to make a report to the Title IX Coordinator if they learn of an incident of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation. Employees who are required to report include all program directors, administrators, supervisors, program and project managers, coordinators, clinical instructors, clinical educators, fieldwork instructors, fieldwork educators, principal investigators, mentors, preceptors, faculty members and student employees who receive reports in their roles as employees.

Cleveland Clinic has adopted procedures to address reports of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence and retaliation. Learn more about what happens when you report. 

How to Report Misconduct

How to Report Misconduct

All reports of Police emergencies should be made to 911 or, if on the Cleveland Clinic main campus, to Cleveland Clinic Police at 216.444.2222.

Reporting Options

Any person may report sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation in Cleveland Clinic’s educational programs or activities.

All participants in, or applicants to, Cleveland Clinic’s educational programs and activities who believe that they have been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation are strongly encouraged to make a report. Prompt reporting allows Cleveland Clinic to provide resources to the participant and facilitates an appropriate response. Reports may be made at any time, but delayed reports may limit the availability of evidence and witnesses, and make it difficult for Cleveland Clinic to respond in an effective and fair matter.

Duty to Report

Employees who work in educational programs or activities are required to make a report to the Title IX Coordinator if they learn of an incident of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation unless they are a counselor or healthcare provider acting in their role as a counselor or healthcare provider. Employees who are required to report include all program directors, administrators, supervisors, program and project managers, coordinators, clinical instructors, clinical educators, fieldwork instructors, fieldwork educators, principal investigators, mentors, preceptors, faculty members and student employees who receive reports in their roles as employees.

Report misconduct to:

Rachel King
Title IX Coordinator
216.317.6494
Lerner NA-31
TitleIX@ccf.org

Stephen Webster
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Cleveland Clinic main campus
216.445.3492
webstes2@ccf.org

Amanda Van Horn
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Cleveland Clinic Akron General
330.344.1456
vanhora@ccf.org

Debbie Perez
 Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Cleveland Clinic Florida
 772.201.8094
perezd10@ccf.org

Anonymous Reporting

Reports of discrimination or harassment may be made anonymously through the Office of Educational Equity's anonymous reporting portal. Reports made through the anonymous reporting portal will be sent directly to the Title IX Coordinator or their designee. The Title IX Coordinator will address the report to the extent possible with the information provided. 

Criminal Conduct

Incidents of prohibited conduct that also constitute criminal conduct (generally, sexual violence) may be reported to the Cleveland Clinic Police Department or other law enforcement agency. A decision whether to report to law enforcement is left to the complainant except in rare circumstances in which there is an ongoing threat to the Cleveland Clinic community. If requested, the Title IX Coordinator can help those who wish to make a report to law enforcement.

Report criminal conduct to:

Cleveland Clinic Police Department
Non-emergencies: 216.444.2250
ccpd@ccf.org

Confidential Resources

Cleveland Clinic employees who are licensed professional counselors, pastoral counselors or healthcare providers are considered confidential resources when they are serving in their capacities as counselors or healthcare providers. Confidential resources are not required to make reports to the Title IX Coordinator. They are available to provide advice, support and guidance about how to manage an incident of discrimination or harassment without initiating a response by Cleveland Clinic. A report to a confidential resource is not considered a report to Cleveland Clinic.

Professional Staff Assistance Program/ Licensed Professional Health Program/ Employee Assistance Program:

Ohio: 216.445.6970 or 800.989.8820
Florida: 800.624.5544
Nevada: 800.280.3782

Outside Agencies

Complaints of Title IX violations may be made to the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR) or other state or federal agency with jurisdiction over the relevant educational program or activity.

What Happens When I Report?

What Happens When I Report?

This page describes the Title IX process in summary terms. The full process is set forth in the Title IX Procedures. During all steps of the process, the parties have certain procedural rights. 

When the Title IX Coordinator receives a report of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation, the Title IX Coordinator or designee will reach out to the person who may have been subject to that conduct (the “complainant”) and invite them to meet.

At that meeting, the complainant will be offered resources (“supportive measures”) and information about how the report may be addressed. To the extent possible, the complainant may choose to remain anonymous, not pursue a report, pursue an informal resolution or pursue a formal investigation. A complainant’s request to remain anonymous or not to have a report pursued will be honored if it is possible to do so while also protecting the health and safety of the complainant and the Cleveland Clinic community.

If the complainant wants to pursue a report, or if Cleveland Clinic determines that an investigation may be necessary, a formal complaint is required. Once provided, the Title IX Coordinator will provide notice to the person who may have engaged in sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation (the “respondent”). The notice will include information about the report and the options for informal resolution and formal investigation.

Informal Resolution

If both parties are interested in an informal resolution, the Title IX Coordinator will work with them toward resolution. Participation in an information resolution process is voluntary, and parties must agree in writing to participate. Either party may refuse to participate in an informal resolution process or may end the process at any time. Informal resolution may include joint or separate mediation discussions, separation of the parties, referral to counseling programs, targeted education and training programs, or any other steps agreed by the parties. If agreement on an informal resolution is reached, the Title IX Coordinator will create a record of the resolution, inform the relevant offices or institutes of the resolution and monitor the resolution as required.

Formal Investigation

Initial Assessment. If a formal complaint has been filed and the parties do not pursue an informal resolution, the Title IX Coordinator will conduct an initial assessment of the allegations in the formal complaint to determine whether the conduct alleged could constitute a violation of the Policy. If it is determined through the initial assessment that a Policy violation could have occurred, the Title IX Coordinator will pursue an investigation. If it is determined through the initial assessment that the allegations, even if true, would not constitute a Policy violation, the resolution process under these procedures will conclude. If the allegations in the report may constitute a violation of another Cleveland Clinic policy, the report will be referred to the appropriate office for resolution. An initial assessment may be based on information provided by the complainant or may include a meeting with the respondent and review of any initial information provided by the parties.

Investigation. An investigation will be conducted by one or more trained investigators in a prompt, thorough and impartial manner. All parties will have equal rights to identify witnesses and present evidence to the investigator, and to review a summary of the evidence gathered by the investigator. The investigator shall prepare a final investigative report which will be submitted to a determination panel. The panel will determine whether there has been a policy violation.

If the investigation results in a determination that the policy has been violated, the determination panel will determine appropriate remedies. Either party may appeal the panel’s determination.

Where to Get Help

Where to Get Help

If you or someone you know has been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation, the following resources may help.

In situations involving sexual violence, victims should:

  • Ensure your/their safety
    Call 911 or the Cleveland Clinic Police Department if you need immediate help or safety resources.
  • Get medical help
    Whether or not you are ready to report the incident, and whether or not you believe you have been injured, you should seek medical help. You can preserve evidence so that it is available whenever you choose to report. If you go to the hospital for the collection of evidence, do not wash or take a shower before going and do not change your clothes; use a paper bag to preserve condoms, sanitary items or bed linens that were present at the assault.
  • Decide whether to report 
    A person who has been sexually assaulted in an educational program or activity has the right to report it to Cleveland Clinic or law enforcement and the right not to report. If a report is made, to the extent possible, the person may choose to remain anonymous, not pursue a report, pursue an informal resolution or pursue a formal investigation. A person’s request to remain anonymous or not to have a report pursued will be honored if it is possible to do so while also protecting the health and safety of that person and the Cleveland Clinic community.

CARING FOR CAREGIVERS RESOURCES

Ohio caregivers call:
216.445.6970 or 1.800.989.8820

Florida caregivers call:
1.800.899.3926

Nevada caregivers call:
1.800.280.3782

More information (employees only):

CAREGIVER SAFETY RESOURCES

Cleveland Clinic Police Department
Non-Emergency: 216.444.2250
Emergency: 216.444.2222 or 911
Email: ccpd@ccf.org

Safety Escort Program

  • Main Campus: 216.444.2250
  • Akron: 330.344.7604
  • Avon: 440.695.4090
  • Euclid: 216.692.7688
  • Fairview: 216.476.4344
  • Hillcrest: 440.312.3390
  • Lakewood 216.529.7276
  • Lutheran 216.363.2436
  • Marymount: 216.587.8180
  • Medina: 330.725.1000
  • South Pointe: 216.491.5588

When you call, you will be asked for the following information by our dispatchers:

  • Your first and last name
  • Your contact number
  • Your pickup location
  • Your destination

Requesters may be asked to verify their identity at pickup. If requesting an escort for a patient or visitor, please inform them to have their identification ready, if needed.

VICTIM ASSISTANCE RESOURCES

Ashley Withrow, LISW-S
Victim Advocate
216.636.1174
withroa@ccf.org

SANE/forensic nurses

Forensic nurses, or sexual assault nurse examiners (SANE), are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at three Cleveland Clinic hospitals to provide quality, trauma-informed, compassionate care to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, elder abuse, child abuse, human trafficking and strangulation consults.

Patients can present to any of the following emergency departments for a medical evaluation, forensic evidence collection, support and help with safety planning and community resources:

Akron General 
1 Akron General Ave.
Akron, OH 44307
330.344.6000

Fairview Hospital*
18101 Lorain Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44111
216.476.7000

Hillcrest Hospital*
6780 Mayfield Rd.
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
440.312.4500

*Fairview and Hillcrest hospitals also see pediatric patients.

Additional resources

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES:

Cuyahoga County Domestic Violence Child Advocacy Center
216.391.HELP (4357)
Hotline, shelter, counseling, support groups, advocacy

Ohio Domestic Violence Network
800.934.9840
Consultation, legal assistance program

The National Domestic Violence Hotline
800.799.7233
24-hour phone and chat support, educational resources

Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
216.619.6194
Hotline, counseling, support groups, advocacy, Project STAR

Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
oaesv.org
Local resource guide

National Human Trafficking Resource Center
888.373.7888
24-hour hotline

United Way First Call for Help
2-1-1
Community resources and referrals

Health Cares about IPV: Screening and Counseling Toolkit
ipvhealth.org

Summit County Battered Women's Shelter
330.374.1111
hopeandhealingresources.org/home-bws

Summit County Victim Assistance Program
330.376.0040
victimassistanceprogram.org/

LGBTQ RESOURCES

YOUTH SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

  • GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network)
  • GSA Network (advocacy)
  • PFLAG (Parents Friends of Lesbian Gay) (advocacy)

TRANSGENDER ORGANIZATIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Title IX?

Title IX is a federal law that prohibits sex and gender discrimination in educational programs and activities at institutions that receive federal financial assistance. Prohibited conduct includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, as well retaliation for reporting such conduct or participating in an investigation into such conduct.

Cleveland Clinic has adopted a Sexual Misconduct in Education Policy, which is its Title IX Policy.

How does Title IX apply to Cleveland Clinic?

Cleveland Clinic has numerous educational programs and activities that are subject to Title IX. These include degree- or certificate-granting programs offered by Cleveland Clinic and affiliated colleges and universities; clinical rotations for degree- or certificate-granting programs; medical and other residency programs; research and medical fellowships; internships; and educational programs offered to middle school, high school, college and university students. Participants in all of these programs fall under the protections of Title IX. Employees in these programs, except in limited circumstances, also have the responsibility to report instances of sex and gender discrimination in Cleveland Clinic’s educational programs and activities.

What programs fall under Title IX?

All Cleveland Clinic’s educational programs and activities fall under Title IX. The Sexual Misconduct in Education Policy defines “educational programs and activities” as any program or activity offered at Cleveland Clinic or by Cleveland Clinic employees in the scope of their duties that is educational in nature beyond on-the-job training, general interest or routine continuing education programs. Educational programs and activities include, without limitation, degree- or certificate-granting programs offered by Cleveland Clinic and affiliated colleges and universities; clinical rotations for degree- or certificate-granting programs; medical and other residency programs; research and medical fellowships; internships; and educational programs offered to middle school, high school, college and university students.

What if I am an employee?

The protections of Title IX and Cleveland Clinic’s Sexual Misconduct in Education Policy apply to all participants of educational programs and activities, including employees. Employees, and others, who have been subjected to sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation in a Cleveland Clinic educational program or activity are strongly encourage to make a report.

In addition, employees in educational programs and activities are required to make a report to Cleveland Clinic’s Title IX Coordinator if they learn about an incident of conduct prohibited by the Sexual Misconduct in Education Policy. Confidential resources – employees who are counselors or healthcare providers acting in their capacities as counselors or healthcare providers – are not required to make a report.

What should I do if I have been assaulted?

If you or someone you know has been assaulted, you should:

  • Ensure your/their safety
    Call 911 or the Cleveland Clinic Police Department if you need immediate help or safety resources.

  • Get medical help
    Whether or not you are ready to report the incident, and whether or not you believe you have been injured, you should seek medical help. You can preserve evidence so that it is available whenever you choose to report. If you go to the hospital for the collection of evidence, do not wash or take a shower before going and do not change your clothes; use a paper bag to preserve condoms, sanitary items or bed linens that were present at the assault.

  • Decide whether to report
    A person who has been sexually assaulted in an educational program or activity has the right to report it to Cleveland Clinic or law enforcement and the right not to report. If a report is made, to the extent possible, the person may choose to remain anonymous, not pursue a report, pursue an informal resolution or pursue a formal investigation. A person’s request to remain anonymous or not to have a report pursued will be honored if it is possible to do so while also protecting the health and safety of that person and the Cleveland Clinic community.

What are my rights if I have been accused of a Title IX policy violation?

All parties have rights in the Title IX process, including the right to a support person or advisor, the right to fully participate or not participate in the process, the right to present evidence in an investigation, and the right to accommodations (interim measures) during any process related to a report of a policy violation.

Parties' Rights

Parties' Rights

All parties to a report have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, consistent with Cleveland Clinic’s obligation to respond adequately to a report and to hold community members accountable for their conduct. To that end, parties have the following specific procedural rights:

  • To request and receive supportive measures as appropriate.
  • To have a support person or advisor of their choice present during any meeting or process related to a report of prohibited conduct. The support person or advisor may not be a party or witness to the report. The support person or advisor may attend and advise the party, but shall not actively participate or stand in place of the party.
  • To participate fully in the informal and formal resolution processes as applicable.
  • To decline to participate in any process related to a report. If a party declines to participate, Cleveland Clinic will still respond to a report based on the information available to it.
  • To have any investigation into a report conducted by an appropriately trained investigator and include an objective evaluation of all relevant evidence in which credibility determinations are not based on an individual’s status as a complainant, respondent or witness.
  • To receive updates on the progress of an investigation or other process and to be informed of the outcome of any process in a timely manner.
  • To not have information considered about sexual predisposition or past sexual conduct, unless the complainant’s prior sexual behavior is offered to prove that someone other than the respondent committed the prohibited conduct or information about specific incidents of the complainant’s prior sexual behavior with the respondent is offered to prove consent.