Leadership Notes > Creating a culture of respect and safety

Creating a culture of respect and safety

By Molly Lamping Fleck / October 7, 2026 / Twitter / Facebook

​​​Dear Faculty, Staff and Students, 

Every member of our community has the right to safety from the threat of discrimination, harassment, and violence based upon sex or gender. Recent national conversations about sexual violence on college campuses are an important reminder of our shared responsibility to support survivors, understand consent, and know where to turn for help. I’m writing today to share important information on reporting options, ways to seek support, and policies that help foster a culture of respect and safety.
 
You may have heard about recent announcements from the federal government regarding Title IX. Please know that DePaul’s policies addressing discrimination/harassment and sexual and relationship violence will continue to provide extensive and robust protections against harm on the basis of sex and gender consistent with applicable law, including the Illinois Preventing Sexual Violence in Higher Education Act.
 
Grounded in our Vincentian commitment to valuing the dignity of every individual, DePaul supports a culture of respect and safety and does not tolerate sexual and relationship misconduct and violence.

Familiarize yourself with DePaul’s policies
 
The Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedures addresses discrimination and harassment, including that based upon sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, parental status, or family relationship status.
 
The Sexual and Relationship Violence Prevention and Response policy outlines the university’s response to reports of sexual and relationship violence, such as sexual assault, stalking, and domestic and dating violence, as well as on- and off-campus resources available to students impacted by sexual and relationship violence. 

The Formal Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures applies to specific conduct that takes place within DePaul’s educational programs or activities and meets other criteria set forth per guidelines issued by the United States Department of Education. 

The Student Pregnancy Modifications Policy outlines rights for pregnant students and encourages employees to refer pregnant students to the Office of Gender Equity for support. 
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I also encourage you to review DePaul’s definition of consent here. Sex requires consent. Consent is defined as unambiguous and freely given agreement to move forward with a specific sexual request, act, or experience.  

DePaul has many resources for our community about preventing sexual and relationship violence as well as ways to support survivors. Please review the reporting information and resources below. 

The safety of our campus community is of paramount importance. We appreciate you taking the time to read this information. Should you have any follow-up questions, do not hesitate to contact me or the resources above. 

Thank you and take care,  

Molly Lamping Fleck   
Director, Office of Gender Equity  
Title IX Coordinator 
 
Reporting and Resources
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Students may submit non-emergency reports to the Office of Gender Equity directly. Students may also be able to use confidential resources such as a Survivor Support Advocate, and seek counseling through the Center for Counseling and Wellness.  

If you experience discrimination, harassment, or misconduct on the basis of sex or gender, you can report via this link or by contacting the Office of Gender Equity directly at titleixcoordinator@depaul.edu or 312-362-8970. 

Responsible Employees

All DePaul faculty, staff, and student employees are Responsible Employees, except those who are explicitly designated as Confidential Reporting Resources and only when acting in that capacity. Unless otherwise designated as a confidential reporting resource, all DePaul faculty, staff, and student employees are required to promptly report to the Title IX Coordinator/Office of Gender Equity all incidents of sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual and relationship violence, that are reported to them.
  
You can report: 
Confidential Resources for Students

Individuals who wish to discuss options regarding sexual or relationship violence in a confidential setting have a variety of options at DePaul. The University takes steps to protect the confidentiality of survivors of sexual and relationship violence to the extent possible by law.

  • Survivor Support Advocates in DePaul's Center for Counseling and Wellness. Students can schedule an appointment online or by emailing wellness@depaul.edu or calling 773-325-CARE (2273). 
  • Trauma Care Specialists in the Center for Counseling and Wellness. Active and enrolled students may schedule appointments online or in person at CCW suite on the 3rd Floor of the Lincoln Park Student Center, or by calling 773-325-CARE (2273) and selecting # 2 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). 
  • Mission and Ministry’s religious leaders engaging in pastoral care are available for confidential reporting as defined by the religious leader's professional confidentiality obligations. 
Reporting to Public Safety 

Reporting sexual or relationship violence to Public Safety documents the incident and allows for immediate response by the University. Reports can be made immediately to DePaul Public Safety, which has dispatch offices on both campuses that are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

Lincoln Park Campus office:    
Centennial Hall Rm 304  
2345 N. Sheffield    
773-325-7777 

Loop Campus office:                 
Lewis Center  
25 East Jackson 
Lower Level 103 
312-362-8400