Discriminatory Harassment

The University of Connecticut is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment that is free of all forms of discrimination. Any employee, student, or other member of the University community injured by the discriminatory behavior of an employee may file a complaint under the University's Discrimination Complaint Procedures. Similar complaints against students should be filed with the Dean of Student Affairs - Dean of Student Office.

University policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, sex (gender, sexual harassment), age, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disabilities, learning disability, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam Era, and any other group protected by civil rights laws. Each individual associated with the University is expected to conduct him or herself according to this standard and ensure that his or her actions comply with University policies and relevant laws.

Discrimination means unequal treatment or harassment based upon any of these group characteristics. Retaliation against a Complainant for filing a complaint, or against witnesses for providing testimony during an investigation, is also prohibited and can be filed as a separate charge under these procedures.

The University will make every effort to promptly investigate and resolve complaints of discrimination or harassment, with due regard for fairness and the rights of both the complainant and alleged offender (respondent), and to conduct all proceedings in the most confidential manner possible.

Any member of the University community who experiences discrimination or harassment should report the incident to ODE at (860) 486-2943. In cases where an individual reports alleged discrimination or harassment to an administrator, faculty member, or staff member, the person receiving the complaint should contact ODE immediately.

ODE has primary responsibility for resolving discrimination and harassment complaints. The internal investigation process may vary on a case by case basis. Each complainant will be informed of the University's process and his/her right to file a complaint with external civil rights agencies. The respondent in each matter will be notified of all charges and provided an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

If there is evidence of discrimination or harassment, the University will make every effort to ensure the discrimination and/or harassment immediately stops and does not recur.

Retaliation against any person who files a complaint of discrimination, participates in an investigation, or reasonably opposes a discriminatory employment or educational practice or policy is prohibited under University policy, and by state and federal law.

How to File a Complaint of Discriminatory Harassment

Complaints of discrimination may be filed in writing, by phone, or by visiting the office. A complaint may require an investigation and result in findings and recommendations. This procedure contemplates informal but thorough investigations, affording all interested persons, including the complainant and the person(s) against whom the allegation(s) of discrimination have been made (respondent), and their respective representatives, if any, an opportunity to submit information and documentation regarding the complaint allegations.

The investigation of discriminatory complaints is the responsibility of the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE). Complaints may be filed with ODE within 30 days after the discriminatory act by calling (860) 486-2943 or by filling out a Complaint In-Take Form.

You can email the form to odecm@uconn.edu or mail the form to ODE, Attn: Complaint Management Team, 241 Glenbrook Road, Wood Hall - Unit 2175, Storrs, CT 06269-2175.

Please remember that regardless of your contact with ODE, you retain the right to file a formal complaint with external civil rights enforcement agencies.

Questions or comments on Discriminatory Harassment

Should you have any comments or questions about UConn's anti-discrimination and harassment prevention policy or desire more information regarding the identification or prevention of discrimination, please contact ODE at (860) 486-2943 or (860) 486-6435 (TDD).

Thank you for your interest and involvement in helping to make our campus a discrimination-free environment.

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