Title IX, University Policies and Title IX Coordinator
Title IX is a federal law that prohibits discrimination based on the gender of employees and students of educational institutions which receive federal financial assistance. Title IX's prohibition of gender discrimination includes prohibition of sexual harassment and sexual violence. Sexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and can include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, including rape and sexual assault.
The University of Connecticut does not tolerate gender discrimination, sexual harassment or sexual violence of any kind. To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, the University has designated Elizabeth Conklin as the University's Title IX Coordinator. She is charged with monitoring compliance with Title IX and ensuring that reports of gender discrimination are investigated and addressed by the University. The University has also developed the following internal policies that prohibit gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence:
Policy Statement on Harassment
Policy Statement: Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity
Sexual Assault Response Policy
Any student, faculty, or staff member with questions or concerns about these policies or who believes that he or she has been the victim of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual violence is encouraged to contact the University's Title IX Coordinator. Individuals with questions or concerns about the Student Code specifically should contact the Office of Community Standards and also may want to review the Office of Community Standards' Sexual Assault Page.
In accordance with these policies and Title IX, the University is responsible for taking timely and effective steps to respond to sexual violence, which includes physical sexual acts performed against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent. Any employee, except those who are empowered by law to maintain confidentiality, who witnesses or receives a report of sexual assault must report the incident as soon as possible to at least one of the following offices: the Title IX Coordinator, the Office of Community Standards, or the Office of Diversity and Equity. Also, the University’s Community Response Team, is available to provide assistance to survivors of sexual assault, stalking, sexual harassment and dating or domestic violence. Assistance may include counseling, advocacy, medical care, academic interventions as well as referrals to the University's Police and campus student conduct system.
Filing an Internal Complaint
Individuals who believe that they have been discriminated against on the bases of protected qualifications, including gender discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence may file a complaint with the University by following the Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment Complaint Procedures, filling out the Discrimination and/or Discriminatory Harassment Complaint Form, and/or contacting the Title IX Coordinator or Office of Diversity and Equity. Allegations of discrimination made by students against other students, including gender discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual assault, should be directed to the Office of Community Standards.
Policy Against Retaliation
The University encourages individuals to bring forward information and/or complaints about violations of University policies. Retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports or participates in the investigation of alleged violations is strictly forbidden.
Filing an External Complaint
There are also federal and state offices where employees, students, and visitors to the campus can direct their concerns about gender discrimination. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (“OCR”) enforces Title IX. Generally this covers students, employees, and visitors to the campus involved in University sponsored educational programs or activities. OCR can be reached at:
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
5 Post Office Square, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02109-3921
Telephone: (617) 289-0111
Fax: (617) 289-0150
Email: OCR_Boston@ed.gov
Information concerning OCR’s procedures and coverage can be found at: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/howto.html?src=rt .
To file a complaint of gender discrimination involving employment at the University, you may contact:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
475 Government Center
Boston, MA 02203
Telephone: 1-800-669-4000
Fax: (617) 565-3196
Information concerning EEOC’s procedures and coverage can be found at: http://www.eeoc.gov/field/newyork/charge.cfm
The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (“CHRO”) enforces laws that prohibit gender discrimination in employment within the State of Connecticut. The CHRO can be reached at:
Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities
25 Sigourney Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Telephone: (860) 541-3400 or toll free: 1-800-477-5737
Fax: (860) 246-5068
Information concerning CHRO’s procedures and coverage can be found at: http://www.ct.gov/chro/cwp/view.asp?a=2524&Q=315884&chroPNavCtr=|#45571
