The university is committed to supporting complainants, providing fair processes to resolve complaints, and responding with compassion and prompt attention to complaints. Students are not required to provide additional information about the incident or participate in a university investigation in order to receive services. Our goal is to provide all students with information on reporting options so they can make an informed decision.
Make a report
Most employees are required to report disclosures of discrimination and harassment. While individuals always have the right to choose whether to report, you are strongly encouraged to report your own experiences so that you may receive support and assistance.
Talk to someone
Help is available. Students and employees may confidentially speak to someone in the Ombuds Program. Students also have access to confidential services at the UO Counseling Center. Students may also receive support through the Dean of Students Care and Advocacy Program. Employees have access to confidential support via Canopy, the University’s Employee Assistance Program.
Contact our office
The investigations office strives to respond to and resolve all reports in a prompt and equitable manner while providing support to all affected parties. If you are unsure of how to proceed or would like to learn more about investigation processes, you may request a consult or contact our office at oicrc@uoregon.edu.
What is Title VI?
Title VI is a federal statute that prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, and national origin in higher education. It provides that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under university-sponsored programs and activities.
What is Section 1557?
Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (Section 1557), prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics), in covered health programs or activities. The UO’s University Health Services complies with Section 1557.
Do Title VI and Section 1557 Prohibit Discrimination Based on Ancestry and Ethnicity?
Yes. Title VI and Section 1557’s protection from race, color, and national origin discrimination extends to individuals who experience discrimination, including harassment, based on their actual or perceived: (1i) shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics; or (2) citizenship or residency in a country with a dominant religion or distinct religious identity.
Title VI and Section 1557 prohibit discrimination against individuals, including those who are or perceived to be Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, or Buddhist, or of another religious group, if the discrimination or harassment is based on their ancestry or ethnic characteristics. It also prohibits race discrimination.
Are Ancestry, Color, National Origin, and Race Protected Under University Policy?
Yes. Here is a list of all protected characteristics under the University’s Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation Policy: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, family or marital status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law. Protections under this Policy include protection from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on characteristics and stereotypes associated with a protected characteristic (e.g., sex or racial stereotypes).
Does the UO Respond to Allegations of Discrimination and Harassment Based on Race, Color, National Origin, Ancestry and Religion in the Same Manner as Title IX Reports?
Yes. The University responds to and investigates allegations of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, and religion by meeting with complainants, taking steps to end the reported conduct and prevent its recurrence. And where the reported conduct may violate University policy, OICRC will investigate the reported conduct.
What are Examples of Incidents that could, raise concerns under Title VI and Section 1557?
- A faculty member consistently refuses to call on a student in class because the student is an international student, and the faculty member finds it difficult to understand the student.
- A student is denied mental health clinic services because the student because of his religious attire.
- There is a series of thefts of mezuzahs in the residence halls and no steps are taken by the university to address the thefts once reported.
Who May I Talk To About a Title VI Concern?
The university is committed to supporting complainants, providing fair processes to resolve complaints, and responding with compassion and prompt attention to complaints. Students are not required to provide additional information about the incident or participate in a university investigation in order to receive services. Our goal is to provide all students with information on reporting options so they can make an informed decision.