Dear Campus Community,

The most recent story published in the LA Times yesterday may be both disturbing and potentially triggering to those in our community. First and foremost, we want to make clear that we stand in support of victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) and any form of discrimination.    

Now more than ever, it is important to clarify and emphasize that we condemn the actions of those who have corrupted our campus environments that were intended to be spaces of safety, empowerment, and growth. 

The safety of our community and our relationship with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are of paramount importance. In partnership with the other State Maritime Academies (SMAs), Cal Maritime is working with our federal partners to harmonize any new reporting obligations regarding SASH incidents with current Department of Education and CSU requirements under Title IX.  

As we’ve disclosed to the LA Times on multiple occasions, Cal Maritime has communicated with MARAD regarding incidents consistent with our current Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). Currently, Cal Maritime communicates any serious ship-related accident or injury, death, any damage to or caused by the TSGB, and any damage to the marine environment. Our current MOA is explicit about our obligation to communicate such incidents; however, MARAD has recently brought forward an additional reporting requirement for SASH incidents. Our campus and the other SMAs are actively working with MARAD on the revisions to the MOA, and we will adhere to any new requirements. While we work to implement any new reporting requirements to MARAD or the USCG, we remain mindful of the intersection with the federal privacy rights of our students and confidentiality requirements of Title IX.

read the full message here