Exit Site

In 2015, the Minnesota Legislature added to the law that requires career colleges, colleges and universities that have more than 100 students to do certain things to end sexual violence on campus. The law is called Sexual Harassment and Violence Policy. It includes training for all employees, but specific training topics for campus administrators, campus security authorities, and employees involved in the investigation and disciplinary process. Institutions must also train students on specific topics, as well as inform them of the policy. The law requires institutions to provide the number of sexual assault incidents reported on campus, and what the institution did when they received the report.  It requires active participation in sexual violence prevention and response. 

Sexual violence prevention is when people and communities take steps to make sure sexual violence never happens in the first place.

Sexual violence response is when people and communities take steps to help victims who experienced sexual violence.  Response may be right away such as getting a victim to medical treatment.  It could also mean helping a victim learn about how to file a police report, or how to start a college disciplinary process.

The Office of Higher Education Sexual Violence Prevention and Response office provides training, resources, and technical assistance to career colleges, 2- and 4-year colleges and universities to make sure the institutions do everything possible to support students who are affected by sexual violence.

The Minnesota Sexual Assault Data Report collects information about sexual assault, but protects any information that may identify a person or persons.

MN Statute 135A.15 Sexual Harassment and Violence Policy

Contact information

Melissa Watschke MSW, LICSW
Title IX Administrator
651-259-3921
Melissa.watschke@state.mn.us

What Minnesota Institutions are Doing to Respond & Prevent Sexual Violence

Colleges and universities work hard trying to eliminate sexual violence on campus.  Some Minnesota Colleges applied for and received federal funds from the Office of Violence Against Women for their creative ways of responding and preventing sexual violence.

Office of Violence Against Women Grant Recipients 2012 - 2021

Macalester College (2021)
St. Paul College (2017, 2020)
College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University (2019)

• Climate Survey results (2020)

Winona State University (2013, 2016)
University of Minnesota (2014)

The College of St Scholastica (2012)

If you are in immediate danger, call 911     Exit Site

• RapeHelpMN.org Minnesota Coalition for Sexual Assault’s statewide resource list for victim/survivors
• RAINN National network that will connect you with support, advocacy, and hospital services wherever you are
• Stronghearts Native Helpline National Resource. Culturally appropriate, safe, and confidential crisis line for Native American and Alaska Native victim/survivors of sexual and domestic violence
• 1in6 National Resource and support for male survivors and victims of sexual assault
• Love is Respect National Resource for relationship violence and stalking for young adults
• Standpoint Attorneys and Advocates against domestic and sexual violence who assist with navigating the legal system

How to Report Incidents of Sexual Violence and Misconduct, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking:

• Contact your institution’s Title IX Coordinator by phone or file a report in person;
• Send an email to your institution’s Title IX Coordinator;
• Use your institution’s online reporting option;
• Report to Local law enforcement in your community or call 911. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

You have the right to report to the Office of Civil Rights Chicago Office:

U.S. Department of Education
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building
230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor
Chicago, IL 60604
Telephone: (312) 730-1560
Facsimile: (312) 730-1576
Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov