Discrimination Complaint Procedure

Overview

The University is committed to resolving complaints of illegal discrimination at the earliest and most informal level, conducting internal investigations in a timely and effective manner, adhering to the principles of due process in all investigations and hearings, and providing prompt corrective action if discrimination is found to have occurred.

 

No individual shall be penalized, or retaliated against in any way by a member of the University community for their participation in this complaint procedure. For a complete list of referral sources, contact Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance (CRTC).

 

There are two processes used by the CRTC to resolve concerns of illegal discrimination: informal resolution and formal complaint.

Legally Protected Characteristics

Western's Discrimination Complaint Procedure is limited to complaints which allege discrimination on the basis of:

  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Color
  • National origin
  • Age
  • Citizenship or immigration status
  • Pregnancy, or use of protective leave
  • Genetic status
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Gender identity
  • Gender expression
  • Marital status
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Veteran or military status
  • Disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability

Informal Resolution

The Informal Resolution process occurs when you discuss your concern with the party or parties involved and/or with the appropriate supervisor or department chair. You may use the CRTC to assist early in the process. If you do not achieve a satisfactory resolution, you may request help from the CRTC in seeking a resolution.

Formal Complaint

A formal complaint begins when an individual submits a complaint form to the CRTC that includes a written statement of the alleged act or acts of illegal discrimination. The CRTC will determine if it has jurisdiction within 10 working days. If the CRTC has jurisdiction then an investigation will be conducted. The respondent will be sent a copy of your complaint and given the opportunity to submit a written response.

The investigation and a written report of findings will be completed in 60 working days unless there is an extension. A Vice President will review the report and determine appropriate actions within 10 working days after receiving the investigative report. The Vice President’s action will be documented in writing and provided to appropriate parties.

External Agencies

 An individual may also choose to file a discrimination complaint by contacting one of the following agencies within their established time limits.

 

OFCCP

Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs

Pacific Region 

90 7th Street, Suite #18-300 

San Francisco, CA 94103-1516 

Phone: (415) 625-7800 

TTY: 1-877-889-5627

WSHRC

Washington State Human Rights Commission

711 S. Capitol Way, Suite 402 

P.O. Box 42490 

Olympia, WA 98504-2490 

Phone: (360) 753-6770 

Toll Free: 1-800-233-3247 

TTY: 1-800-300-7525

EEOC

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Seattle Field Office 

909 First Avenue, Suite 400 

Seattle, WA 98104-1061 

Phone: 1-800-669-4000 

TTY: 1-800-669-6820

Health & Human Services

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office for Civil Rights

2201 Sixth Avenue, Suite 900, MS: RX-11 

Seattle, WA 98121-1831 

Phone: (206) 615-2290 

TTD: (206) 615-2296

Department of Education

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights

915 2nd Avenue, Room 3310 

Seattle, WA 98174-1099 

Phone: (206) 607-1600 

TTD: (206) 607-1647