Know Your Rights
What is Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance (CRTC)?
Western Washington University (WWU) Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance (CRTC) implements University policies that prohibit discrimination and ensure compliance with state and federal civil rights obligations. CRTC is a central intake and referral resource for all matters that potentially involve protected class discrimination, sex & gender-based violence, or civil rights compliance. All employees are required to report known or suspected incidents of sexual harassment or sex & gender-based violence to CRTC, and all supervisors are required to report all forms of discrimination to CRTC. CRTC implements the university’s discrimination grievance procedure and may help to resolve concerns through an investigation, informal resolution, or by providing support measures. CRTC also provides consultation to departments, employees, and students to help ensure that programs and services comply with civil rights obligations.
University policy includes the following protected statuses:
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Color
- National Origin
- Age
- Citizenship or Immigration Status
- Use of Protected Leave
- Genetic Status
- Marital Status
- Creed
- Religion
- Veteran or Military Status
- Disability
- Use of a Trained Dog or Service Animal by a Person with a Disability
- Sex
- Sex-Based Characteristics
- Sex-Based Stereotypes
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity
- Pregnancy and Related Conditions
Discrimination, Harassment, and Sex & Gender-Based Violence
WWU faculty, staff, students, applicants for employment or admission, volunteers, contractors, visitors, and recipients of University services who believe they have been discriminated against or harassed on the basis of a protected characteristic listed in this brochure, may discuss their concern or file a complaint with CRTC staff.
WWU’s Civil Rights Grievance Policies and Procedures
Retaliation is Prohibited!
Title IX and Western policy prohibit retaliation against individuals who raise concerns about sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual violence, or other forms of discrimination, or who participate in an investigation regarding discrimination.
Title IX
Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs, university activities, and employment. Under Title IX, sexual violence – including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking – is a form of illegal sex discrimination. Survivors of sexual violence have the right to file a discrimination complaint or seek advice and assistance from CRTC. WWU Survivor Advocacy Services is also available as a confidential resource.
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides civil rights protections to ensure qualified individuals with disabilities have access to University programs, activities, services, and employment.
EEO/AA
Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action. Executive Order 11246, VEVRAA, and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 require federal contractors (like WWU) to take affirmative actions to identify and remove barriers to equal employment opportunity. Rather than utilizing quotas, which are expressly forbidden, affirmative actions include good faith efforts such as training programs, outreach efforts, and other positive steps to achieve a diverse and representative workforce.
