As part of Washington State University’s (WSU) resolution with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the Compliance and Civil Rights has revised their internal polices and procedural guidelines.
Although the revisions do not substantively change CCR’s investigative procedures, the revisions create a better understanding of the CCR process for all participants. The updates clarify that:
- Both the reporting and responding parties may present witnesses and evidence.
- Input will be requested from both the reporting and responding parties when determining the appropriate resolution path.
- The prohibition against sexual harassment and retaliation extends to individual students and advisors acting on behalf of student organizations at the University.
- Retaliation against participants in an investigation is prohibited; this prohibition applies to all participants of an investigation.
- Individualized and appropriate resources, including interim measures are available to both the reporting and responding parties.
The revised procedures also clarify the rights and responsibilities of a responding party in Section IV.B and IV.C.
WSU remains firmly committed to creating a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As such, discrimination in all its forms, including discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking, and other sexual violence), are prohibited and are not tolerated at Washington State University. Information on WSU’s policies and procedures for addressing discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct can be found in the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, Executive Policy 15 (EP 15) and in the CCR Procedural Guidelines.
Complaints under EP 15 may be filed with the Compliance and Civil Rights or the Title IX Coordinator.
Compliance and Civil Rights
French Administration Building, Room 225
Phone: 509-335-8288
Email: oeo@wsu.edu
Website: oeo@wsu.edu
Holly Ashkannejhad
Title IX Coordinator
French Administration Building, Room 225
Phone: 509-335-8288
Email: Titleix.coordinator@wsu.edu
EP 15 prohibits retaliation against participants in CCR processes. Retaliation includes any act that would dissuade a reasonable person from making or supporting a complaint or participating in an investigation. It includes action or threat of action that could negatively affect another’s employment, education, reputation, or other interest. Retaliation is a separate and distinct violation of EP 15. Retaliatory acts should be reported immediately to CCR.
The University vigorously enforces EP 15 . Persons determined to have violated this policy are subject to sanctions imposed using the procedures set forth in applicable University policies and handbooks (e.g., the WSU Faculty Manual, the Administrative Professional Handbook, WAC 357-40 (civil service employees), applicable collective bargaining agreements, or the WSU Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26), including any appeal procedures therein.