Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as amended by the Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act, which require each institution of higher education to disclose information concerning registered sex offenders.
Policy
The federal Campus Sex Crimes Prevention Act (“the Act”) requires institutions of higher education to issue a statement advising the campus community where law enforcement information provided by a state concerning registered sex offenders may be obtained. It also mandates sex offenders already required to register in a state to provide notice of each institution of higher education in that state at which the person is employed, carries a vocation or is a student. Unlawful use of the information for purposes of intimidating or harassing another is prohibited by law.
In compliance with the Act, it is the policy of Lynn University to notify students and employees of the location of information pertaining to individuals employed or enrolled on campus who have been convicted of violent sex offenses or criminal offenses against minors. The website address for the sexual and violent offender registry is: https://www.nsopw.gov/en/.
The Act also requires convicted sex offenders to notify the state and police in the jurisdiction in which they live if they are enrolled, carry on a vocation or are employed in a post-secondary institution. Further, convicted sex offenders who attend the university, or who are employed or carry on a vocation at the university, either on a full or part-time basis, must register with Campus Safety.
Definitions
Convicted sex offender—a person convicted of a crime involving a sexual offense that is required to register with government authorities.
Minor child—a child under the age of 18, with the exception of properly enrolled students and employees.
Procedures/Guidelines
I. Sex offender registration procedure
All registered sex offenders are required to self-report their status to Campus Safety upon employment or enrollment at Lynn University. If designated as a registered sex offender after employment or enrollment, the self-reporting must occur within three (3) working days of the designation. Failure to self-report may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or enrollment.
II. Employment and enrollment of sex offenders
A. Employment
Registered sex offenders are not barred from employment or enrollment at the university. Limitations and restrictions on employment and enrollment must be reasonable, job related (for employees), and directly related to areas of potential risk. Registered sex offenders are, however, prohibited from working in or being on the premises, without proper authority, of any area of the university that is designated to provide service/care to minor children. They are also prohibited from working in the university residential housing and being present in the living areas of residential housing. Other locations on campus and/or events may be added at the discretion of the administration.
B. Enrollment
Registered sex offenders are prohibited from living in university residential housing and being present in the living areas of university residential housing. Other locations on campus and/or events may be added at the discretion of the administration.
To learn more about this policy or the supporting procedures, please contact Campus Safety.