Sexual assault reported on Cal Poly Humboldt campus

Noelle Doblado September 5, 2025September 5, 2025 0 Comments

This story was originally published in our print edition on Sept. 3, and has been updated. The print edition cover teaser said a student reported the sexual assault. El Leñador was informed late Thursday, Sept. 4, that those facts cannot be confirmed by the university. This is a developing story.

An alleged sexual assault was reported in the Pepperwood Residence Hall of Cal Poly Humboldt on Aug. 22, the Friday before the fall semester began. The incident was reported to the University Police Department (UPD) at 8:42 p.m. according to the UPD’s Daily Crime Log. The university confirmed that the Arcata Police Department was not involved.

“We can confirm an alleged sexual assault was reported to campus on a previous date and was determined to be a Clery reportable rape on August 22,” said Iridian Casarez, from the university’s Marketing and Communcations team, via email on Aug. 29.

Casarez explained that the campus community was not notified of the incident because it was determined not to be an ongoing threat.

“Based on the circumstances of the incident, it was determined not to be an ongoing threat to campus based on Clery Act guidelines; otherwise, the campus would have been notified via email and text message,” Casarez said.

Casarez said on Thursday, Sept. 4, the university cannot share any further details about the incident because it is confidential information.

What is the Clery Act?

For U.S. colleges and universities, the Clery Act requires campuses to disclose their crime data and safety information to the public. This includes statistics of any current or prospective students and employees.

In the most recent available 2024 Clery report for CPH, the data discloses annual crime statistics for reports of rape from 2021 to 2023. In 2023 there were six reports of rape in campus residence and one statuatory rape in campus residence. In 2022, there were four reports in campus residence and in 2021 there was one.

The reporting process

The Title IX and Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation Prevention Office (DHR) reviews reports regarding sexual assault or other types of sexualized violence, discrimination and harassment. UPD responds to reports and handles criminal investigations 24/7, providing resources and other options to address the report. When UPD receives a sexual assault report, they contact the Campus Advocate Team to provide additional support to the survivor.

Casarez explains two primary ways students can report any type of sexualized violence or harm to the university.

“Two main methods are directly contacting the UPD, which is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and through the Title IX and DHR Office’s online reporting form at https://hum.link/TitleIXReport.”

If students are unsure of how to start the reporting process they can contact the 24/7 Campus Advocate Team at (707)-445-2881. This provides students with free and confidential support.

“This team, made up of advocates from the North Coast Rape Crisis Team, offers support regardless of when or where the harm occurred and provides bilingual services in Spanish. They can offer peer counseling, accompany the student to meetings or evidentiary exams, or request support from the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office on the student’s behalf,” Casarez said.

Casarez said survivors have choices regarding whether to work with the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office, receive supportive measures, request an investigation, and/or file a criminal complaint with the UPD. Casarez highlighted that reports to the Title IX and DHR Prevention Office generally do not automatically initiate an investigation.

Resources on campus

Casarez emphasizes that the reporting and support process is tailored towards the individual’s needs and comfortability.

“Supportive measures are individualized based on what the complainant/survivor finds helpful,” Casarez said. “The Title IX & DHR Prevention Office works with survivors or the Campus Advocate Team to determine appropriate options based on circumstances.”

Confidential Resources (no reporting obligations to the Title IX & DHR Prevention Office):