Employee FAQ

Resources for Reports of Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Harassment, Disability Discrimination or Racial and Ethnic Harassment

If a student or employee discloses an experience of sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, disability discrimination, or racial and ethnic harassment to any employee, that employee is required to report the concern to Cara Horstman. She has the primary responsibility for oversight and enforcement of the Title IX Policy, Sexual Misconduct Policy Disability Discrimination Policy and Racial and Ethnic Harassment Policy, as well as identifying and addressing any systemic problems that arise during the review of complaints. 

Cara Horstman may be contacted at 612.322.8908, or title-ix@bethel.edu.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF A STUDENT OR EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO YOU

1. Ensure the individual feels safe. 
2. Let the individual know that you are a responsible employee and as such, you need to share this information with Cara Horstman. Explain to the individual who Cara is and what her role is.  
3. Contact Cara to share about the report that has been made to you. Together, you and Cara will discuss next steps that will be most comfortable for the individual reporting. You can accompany the individual to their meeting with Cara if the individual so desires.

WHAT AN INDIVIDUAL CAN EXPECT IN THEIR MEETING WITH PEOPLE AND CULTURE

1. To hear about the purpose of the meeting:
   • The individual will be provided any needed immediate first steps to ensure the individual feels safe. 
   • The individual will learn about options for next steps. 
   • No decisions need to be made at this meeting.
2. To hear more about who Cara Horstman is and what her role is in the process. 
3. To share what has happened, to the degree the individual feels comfortable.
4. To be provided with the following:
   • Copy of the policy 
   • Assistance with reporting to law enforcement as applicable
   • Information on how to preserve evidence
   • Information regarding available support services
   • Supportive or interim measures options
   • Their rights under the law
   • Options for next steps
   • Timeline for next steps
5. To receive a follow-up email with the information covered at the meeting.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

• Bethel University and Bethel Foundation Title IX Policy
• Bethel University and Bethel Foundation Sexual Misconduct Policy
• Disability Discrimination Policy
• Racial and Ethnic Harassment Policy