If you have experienced, been made aware of, or observed discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, unwanted sexual contact, dating or domestic violence, stalking, hate crimes, violation of discrimination laws, or any other civil rights concern, you can report it in several ways.
You do not need to know which option is right for you ahead of time. CCR is here to help you understand your options and support you through the process.
For emergencies or immediate safety concerns, please contact 9-1-1.
WSU employees with questions about their reporting responsibilities should review Employee Responsibilities.
Use the online form to tell CCR about a concern. This option is helpful if you want to:
- Ask for supportive help
- Learn about the reporting or complaint process
- Share something that happened to you or someone else
- Document a concern
- Are not sure if you want to submit a formal complaint yet
CCR will review your report and follow up with information and support options for your consideration.
If you do not want to share your name or contact information, you can make an anonymous report.
- You do not need to identify yourself.
- CCR will still review your report.
- Without your contact information, CCR may not be able to follow up with you directly.
To report anonymously, fill out the form below and do not include your name or contact information. You can leave those sections blank or write “anonymous.” You can also consult with CCR anonymously by calling 509-335-8288 and letting us know you’d like to discuss a concern anonymously.
You can also report by phone, email, mail, or in person:
Compliance and Civil Rights
French Administration 220, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pullman, WA 99164
509-335-8288
When CCR receives a report, we will:
- Review the information
- Reach out to you by email and offer to meet, or contact the affected person if you reported for someone else
- Offer supportive measures
- Explain different reporting and resolution options
- Answer your questions
If an investigation is needed, CCR will follow the formal procedures described in CCR’s Procedural Guidelines.
A formal complaint starts the university’s official grievance process for concerns implicating the WSU Policy Prohibiting Discrimination and Harassment. This indicates to CCR you want to pursue a formal response, such as an investigation or a negotiated resolution.
This process may lead to:
- An investigation
- Possible disciplinary action or remedies
- Negotiated resolution options when appropriate
If you are unsure whether to file a complaint, start by filing a report (see above). CCR can explain the steps and answer your questions before you decide.
Learn more about what happens after you file a formal complaint and Understand the WSU CCR Formal Grievance Process at the link. Please note, there are other separate complaint avenues available; individuals may choose one or more grievance paths, as needed.
If you want to file a report outside of WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) office, here are other options:
Report at WSU
A comprehensive list of available reporting options at WSU is available at Report at WSU. This includes reporting avenues for concerns of research misconduct, safety concerns, ethics violations, academic integrity concerns, and other behavior that may violate WSU policies. The site helps you choose the right reporting option and connects you to the correct WSU office.
Individuals in a collective bargaining unit may also have additional reporting avenues through their union or bargaining agreement.
Law Enforcement
Hate crimes, criminal harassment, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic violence can be reported to law enforcement. Reporters are urged to preserve any evidence and to also seek medical and counseling services. Law enforcement can assist with filing criminal charges or pursuing a no-contact order.
- Pullman
- WSU Police Department | 509-332-2521
- Pullman Police | 509-334-0802
- Tri-Cities
- Richland Police Department | 509-942-7340
- Benton County Sheriff’s Department | 509-786-5615
- Everett
- Everett Police Department | 425-257-8700
- Vancouver
- WSU Vancouver Police Department | 360-546-9001, Text number: 360-690-1527
- City of Vancouver Police Department | 360-487-7400
- Spokane
- WSU Spokane Campus Security | 509-358-7995
- Spokane Police Dept Help Line | 509-411-5980
State and Federal Agencies
You may also choose to report discrimination, harassment, civil rights, or employment issues to a state or federal agency. Examples include:
- U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- U.S. Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division
- U.S. Department of Justice – Office On Violence Against Women
- U.S. Department of Education – Office for Civil Rights
- Washington State Human Rights Commission
- Washington State Department of Enterprise Services
- Washington State Auditor
- National Institutes of Health: Applicants, participants, and beneficiaries on NIH grants have the right to file a complaint with NIH alleging discrimination or misconduct.
- National Science Foundation: Applicants, participants, and beneficiaries on NSF grants have the right to file a complaint with NSF alleging discrimination or misconduct.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Current and potential applicants, participants, and beneficiaries with on USDA grants have the right to file a complaint with the USDA alleging discrimination. Information on how to file a complaint and USDA procedures is available online:
Reporting to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
WSU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Any person, including prospective students, current students, staff, faculty, or individuals outside of WSU, can submit a complaint about the WSU internal complaint and grievance processes with our accreditor by following this link: Complaints Regarding Member or Candidate Institutions.
There are several ways to report accessibility concerns, depending on the issue you are experiencing.
Digital Accessibility
WSU is committed to providing equal access to digital tools and information for all students, staff, faculty, and visitors with disabilities, in line with UPPM 10.45. If you have trouble accessing a WSU website, online form, software, video, or other digital content, you can report a digital accessibility issue using the reporting options listed below.
Some digital accessibility issues may take time to fix. While the issue is being addressed, students and employees are encouraged to contact their disability service provider to request reasonable accommodations or other support.
If you are unable to access digital content, you can report a digital accessibility issue.
Report a Physical Accessibility Issue
Physical accessibility barriers can include broken elevators, damaged or missing curb cuts, inaccessible restrooms, or door openers that do not work. Some physical issues may take time to resolve.
While the issue is being fixed, students and employees are encouraged to contact their disability service provider to request reasonable accommodations or support. Physical accessibility issues can be reported using the Physical Accessibility Barrier form, which is sent to your campus facilities team.
Report Discrimination or Harassment
Discrimination or harassment based on a disability, or related to requesting accommodations, medical leave, service animals, or emotional support animals, can be reported to CCR.
Concerns About Student Accommodations and Disability Services
Students who are registered with Student Accommodations and Disability Resources or Access Services and believe they have been negatively affected by staff actions, policies, or procedures, or who feel their approved accommodations are not being provided, have several options.
Students can talk with their advisor, follow the department’s grievance process, or file a discrimination report with Compliance and Civil Rights. More information is available on the Student Accommodation Grievances webpage.