Say Hi to Title IX: Kean University’s Anti-Harassment Policies 

By: Melanie Seepersad | Publish Date: October 26, 2026

Since September 2026, Cornell University’s sexual harassment case in which seven members of a fraternity were accused of sexual assault has been raising questions for other universities and their fraternities and sororities regarding what actions they are taking to prevent cases like this.  

Kean University has a strict anti-harassment and no-bullying policy that applies to all students and members of the university community. By policy, students are prohibited from engaging in harassment, intimation, or bullying and will be found responsible for their actions, according to Kean’s Official Policy on Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying page. 

Kean University’s Greek Life Policies 

The Title IX policy incorporates anti-harassment rules to protect those affiliated with the houses and who participate in the houses’ events. Kean University’s Title IX Coordinator, Catricia Shaw, works in coordination with the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS).  

“My office is responsible for investigating the actions of the individuals involved; however, as CLS is responsible for group recognition, there may be a need to take action against the organization as a whole depending on the totality of the case,” Shaw says.  

Also, Kean University does not support hazing and has policies set in place to prevent hazing. The Hazing Policy, which can be found on Kean University’s official website, states that organizations, their members, and potential members are not allowed to engage in or encourage others to engage in activities that are classified as hazing on purpose, knowingly, or recklessly. 

According to Kean’s Student Leadership Criteria, to be a president of a fraternity and sorority, a person needs to be accountable for maintaining Kean University policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, the Student Code of Conduct, the Drug and Alcohol Policy, the Posting Policy, the Hazing Policy, and the General Procedures Governing Use of University Facilities and Grounds. 

The president of Sigma Beta Tau, Sean Conway, who is currently a junior, majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology, faces the responsibilities of a president, protecting his members and the chapter’s reputation, while also prioritizing the safety of others and explaining that priority to the members.  

“During our new member education process, we emphasize respect, consent, and accountability. We make it clear that being part of a fraternity does not excuse inappropriate behavior, and we expect all of our brothers to uphold those standards,” Conway said.  

Conway also explained if a person were to allege sexual harassment with a brother, his priority would be making sure that they feel safe and supported, while also directing the person to the appropriate university resources for situations like this.  

“We encourage our brothers to speak up if they see something wrong,” Conway said. “As president, I believe guest safety is everyone’s responsibility. We expect our brothers to look out for one another and our guests and to make sure everyone feels safe and respected at our events.”  

For Delta Phi Epsilon’s president Carolyn Jacinto, the Cornell case resulted in a full team discussion about the case and how important it is that the sisters look out for each other. 

“From this case, I actually took the time to address it to my entire chapter. As president, I felt I could not let this go unsaid,” Jacinto said. “I highlighted the terrible events that took place at Cornell, and stressed the importance of looking out for each other. No one should have to be thinking ahead, but the reality of the situation is, we must.”  

Reporting Harassment

Jacinto also took the time to praise Kean’s guidelines for Greek Life. Additionally, Shaw explained that there are various ways in which students can complete an incident report that can be found on the Kean website. Also, emailing TitleIX@kean.edu, or reporting to the vast majority of employees at the institution are highly recommended.  

“Our confidential employees on campus are our licensed professional counselors, health service providers, Student Support Services Advocates, clergy working within the scope of their ordination, and the director of Sports Medicine,” Shaw said. “Please note that the incident report and email method of reporting can be done anonymously; however, anonymous reports limit the actions the university can take on behalf of individuals involved.” 

Kean University has access to services within the Kean Wellness Center and academic and student services support. Kean commuting students are also provided information regarding the support services in their local area.  

“We provide resources that are already covered by student fees or find those that are available at free or low cost to students,” Shaw said.  

Kean also provides programs to help their students with sexual harassment cases and similar cases. The university continues to enforce regulations that prevent cases like these from happening while also keeping the campus safe for all students and staff.  

For more information on Kean’s official policies on harassment, bullying, and hazing issues, please check the following below: 

• TItle IX PDF (2025): https://www.kean.edu/media/title-ix-poster

• Kean’s Sexual Harassment Policy: https://www.kean.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Sexual%20Harassment%20Policy%20%26%20Procedures%20%28Aug%202025%29.pdf  

• To report concerns pertaining to potential violations of Kean’s Sexual Harassment Policy, please use: Title IX Violation Reporting Form 

• If you are a complainant, wishing to file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, please use: Formal Complaint Under Title IX Form 

• Office Location: East Campus, Room 204 (215 North Avenue Hillside, NJ) or Townsend Hall 

• Phone: (908) 737-5983 or (908) 737-3330