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Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment FAQs

Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment FAQs

The following frequently asked questions and answers are intended to provide general information on the University’s policy for addressing complaints of discrimination and discriminatory harassment. For a comprehensive overview, see the University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct.

What conduct is prohibited by the University’s Policy?
The University’s Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct prohibits discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or other protected classes under the law. Discrimination on the basis of these characteristics is unlawful. The Policy also prohibits retaliation.
What is retaliation?

Retaliation is an adverse action taken against a person participating in a protected activity because of their participation in that protected activity. Retaliation against an individual for alleging harassment, supporting a party bringing a complaint, or assisting in providing information relevant to a claim of harassment is a serious violation of University policy and will be treated as another possible instance of harassment or discrimination. Acts of alleged retaliation should be reported immediately to Bridget Collier, Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator for the University.

How does the University address discrimination or discriminatory harassment when it is not based on a protected characteristic?

The University believes that all members of its community should be treated as autonomous individuals without regard to characteristics irrelevant to participation in the life of the University. Certain forms of identity and life experience, such as socioeconomic background, are not protected by law, and therefore, may not give rise to discrimination or discriminatory harassment under the University’s Policy. However, if you feel that you are being treated unfairly based on a characteristic that is not a protected characteristic by law, you may contact Equal Opportunity Programs.

What is Title IX?

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and its implementing regulations, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities operated by recipients of Federal financial assistance. Sexual harassment, which includes acts of sexual misconduct, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. For more information on Title IX, including prohibited conduct and the University’s obligations, visit the Office for Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Support page.

Who are confidential resources on campus?

Resources designated “confidential” are available to provide support, resources, and information. These individuals do not share identifying information about people or incidents without the person’s consent. Confidential resources on campus include the following:

For Students

  • Sexual Assault Deans-on-Call (SADoCs); 773.834.HELP 24/7 and 365 days/year
  • Student Counseling Service; 773.702.9800
  • Student Health Service; 773.702.4156
  • Director of Resources for Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP); 773.834.7738
  • Ordained Religious Advisors; spirit.uchicago.edu

For Staff, Faculty & OAAs

What are the reporting obligations of University staff, faculty, and other academic appointees?

All University employees not designated as confidential resources are considered Individuals with Title IX Reporting Responsibilities and must report all incidents of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking to the Title IX Coordinators. Individuals with Title IX Reporting Responsibilities must report such information regardless of where the incident occurred. The Title IX Coordinators for the University are Bridget Collier, Elizabeth Honig, Scott Velasquez, and Megan Heckel.

The University encourages all University employees not designated as confidential resources to report other incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment to Equal Opportunity Programs.

Bridget Collier
Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator for the University
773.702.5671
bcollier@uchicago.edu

Elizabeth Honig
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
773.702.4913
ehonig@uchicago.edu

Scott Velasquez
Deputy Title IX Coordinator
773.702.7994
svelasquez@uchicago.edu 

What are the reporting obligations of residential staff (RAs, RHs, and RMs)?

All residential staff, including student employees, are considered Individuals with Reporting Responsibilities and must report all incidents of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking to the Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX Coordinator for the University is Bridget Collier. The University encourages all University employees not designated as confidential resources to report other incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment to Equal Opportunity Programs. Bridget Collier, Associate Provost for Equal Opportunity Programs and Title IX Coordinator for the University, can be reached at 773.702.5671 or bcollier@uchicago.edu.

How can I report an incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment?

All members of the University community are encouraged to report incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment. To raise concerns or to file a complaint under our Policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct, you may report an incident online, by phone (773.834.6367), or by email (equalopportunity@uchicago.edu).

What can I expect if I report an incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment?

A person reporting an incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment can expect to receive an email outreach with information on resources, including confidential resources, from Equal Opportunity Programs. For reports sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, this email outreach to students will outline Title IX rights and responsibilities, information on confidential resources, supportive measures, resolution options, and referrals. Students are not obligated to respond to this outreach or to engage with Equal Opportunity Programs. A person may choose not to move forward with any resolution options, but still receive support services. In some instances, the University may need to move forward with an investigation based on information already received. If this happens, the person reporting the incident will be notified.

Is there a time limit for reporting an incident?
There is no time limit for reporting incidents. We do encourage reporting an incident as soon as possible in order to maximize our ability to respond promptly and effectively.