The following message was emailed to the campus community on November 13, 2020.
Dear Santa Clara Community,
With the audit of Campus Safety Services well underway, I write to provide a brief update on the work being conducted by Judge LaDoris Cordell (ret.). As I wrote in September, the audit is a comprehensive review of the practices, policies, and impact of our Campus Safety Services. This review serves as a constructive tool, and from the outset, Campus Safety Services (CSS) has welcomed this audit and served as a valuable and engaged participant. The outcome of the audit will help us learn more about how we can improve as an institution.
We are grateful to those who provided input to inform the audit. The feedback collection period is now closed, and Judge Cordell is in the process of following up with individuals as necessary.
To clarify the scope of work, I'd like to reiterate what Judge Cordell has been reviewing and evaluating:
- Present practices, policies, and records of Campus Safety Services.
- Personal accounts from students, faculty, staff, and alumni about interactions and experiences with CSS.
- Interviews and input from CSS staff.
- CSS’ history, hiring and procedures for CSS officers, as well as job requirements, training, officer demographics, and budget.
- The CSS complaint process and policies regarding discipline of CSS officers, and the history of complaints and officer discipline.
- Policies and procedures of security services at comparable academic institutions to determine best practices.
The audit is expected to be completed next month when Judge Cordell will provide a report to Fr. O’Brien. The report will be used to inform future decisions regarding CSS. Judge Cordell’s findings and recommendations will be made available to the community.
I also want to take this opportunity to clarify that the audit is separate and distinct from the investigation that Fr. O’Brien announced on August 22. The goal of the audit is a holistic assessment of the CSS department, whereas the goal of the investigation is to obtain all the material facts necessary for the University to make an informed decision regarding a specific incident. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX is overseeing the investigation, which is proceeding in accordance with the Interim Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Policy, developed through a collaborative process of students, staff and faculty.
As liaison to Judge Cordell in the audit process, I have observed that Judge Cordell has taken an objective, fair and inclusive approach to the audit, an approach that reflects who we are as a University community. We value and respect all members of the University community and recognize that each of us contributes to the good of the University in our own way.
Once again, thank you to everyone who provided feedback, and please feel free to contact me should you have any questions about the audit process.
Sincerely,
Molly A. McDonald
Chief of Staff
Office of the President