Describing how investigators are selected

Many students worried that universities may be primarily concerned with protecting their reputations and bottom lines rather than deciding cases fairly (see also the recommendation “Working with SANE nurses”). Given this concern, the prospect of having an internal investigator appointed may raise red flags. In addition to having all SV/SA reports adjudicated by external investigators, the qualifications of potential investigators and the process by which investigators are chosen should be clearly articulated. When the complainant and/or respondent is a culturally marginalized student, those responsible for appointing the investigator should aim to appoint someone who shares the culture of the student concerned, or if this is impossible, someone with a background in cultural competency and anti-racism.