Through a new resolution endorsed by the University Senate, faculty at Western Kentucky University are expressing concerns about how the university responds to complaints of sexual misconduct.

The resolution, which was introduced during the senate’s final meeting of the semester Thursday, was in response to a recent article in WKU’s student-run newspaper, the College Heights Herald, that detailed harassment claims from student body president Andi Dahmer.

Dahmer told the newspaper that she was the target of anonymous, insulting messages, including a note left on her car that read “Go f— yourself.” Dahmer said she began altering her routines out of fear for her life and that she got little help from WKU officials.

The resolution claims the episode “highlights structural problems with the implementation of the university’s Title IX policies and procedures.”

Honors Academy professor Elizabeth Gish described what she sees as pervasive problems with how WKU handles complaints under Title IX, which is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in any education program that receives federal money.

“Everyone I talk to on campus has stories of Title IX going not well,” she said.

The resolution asks WKU’s administration to “respond to complaints appropriately and take reasonably calculated action to protect and end harassment against those who file Title IX complaints.”

The resolution also asks WKU President Timothy Caboni to share the results from a new committee that is examining the university’s equal employment opportunity, Title IX and student conduct policies and processes.

Caboni announced the group’s creation in a statement originally published by WKU Public Radio.

“No student – or employee – should feel threatened or unsafe on our campus,” Caboni said.

“While disagreements and differences of opinion are common, particularly on a university campus, we expect members of the WKU community to maintain professionalism, collegiality and respect as they interact and engage with others …

“If there are improvements that need to be made, we will make them. And while we cannot discuss specific Title IX, student conduct or EEO cases, we will be transparent and open about all of our processes,” he said.

Although faculty discussed whether the resolution was too harsh or one-sided, it ultimately passed with broad support.

In other business, faculty unanimously endorsed a resolution related to a provision in the state’s budget bill that allows universities to fire tenured faculty with 10 days notice in the event of program closures.

The senate supported Caboni’s recent announcement that he will continue to follow guidelines established by the American Association of University Professors when it comes to program closures and downsizing faculty.

– Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.