WashU values a learning environment in which all university community members are respected and able to take part in academic, co-curricular and social activities free from discrimination and harassment.
The Discrimination and Harassment Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and sexual assault), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or genetic information.
Emergency situations
If you are concerned about your immediate health and safety or that of someone else, do not complete the online form. Please call 911 or WashU Police at 314-935-5555
Office of Institutional Equity
The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) works closely with the CDI and other campus partners when addressing students’ concerns related to discrimination, harassment or related retaliation in all aspects of the university’s programs and activities. OIE advises students, staff and faculty on these concerns and facilitates informal resolutions and formal investigations in response to complaints and reports of suspected violations of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
Reporting Options
The Washington University Reporting Hotline provides our community, including students, with a way to submit reports to OIE at any time online or by phone. OIE reviews each promptly and thoroughly. Reports received alleging gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault and other Title IX prohibited conduct are referred promptly to the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office.
Reporting a concern to the WashU Reporting Hotline or to OIE directly does not automatically trigger a formal investigation. Often students contact OIE for information or guidance, and a formal investigation is not necessary or required. Concerns may also not fall under the scope of the Discrimination and Harassment Policy and could be better addressed through referral to another university partner. OIE will help connect students to the appropriate office.
Confidentiality
The university strives to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the confidentiality of persons reporting concerns and of those involved in the reported incident. Because the university may have an obligation to address certain reported incidents, the university cannot guarantee complete confidentiality where it would conflict with the university’s obligation to investigate meaningfully or, where warranted, take corrective action. Even when some disclosure of the university’s information or sources is necessary, it will be limited to the extent possible.
Protection from Retaliation
WashU prohibits retaliation against anyone who files a complaint of discrimination or harassment and those who participate in an investigation. OIE makes every effort to prevent retaliation by protecting the privacy of witnesses and information sources. We do not attempt to identify anonymous complainants and discourage others from doing so. Investigators remind all parties involved of the anti-retaliation policy. OIE encourages students to promptly report any suspected instances of retaliation in response to making a report, complaint or participating in an investigation.
Please contact us if you have any questions about our process or the Office of Institutional Equity’s Investigations Team.
Contact
To contact a member of the OIE team, please email oie-investigations@wustl.edu or contact Gillian Lawson, Director, gillian.boscan@wustl.edu or (314) 935-1139.