Western has revised its Discrimination Complaint Procedure
The revised Procedure is available at: https://policy.wwu.edu/PRO-U1600.02A-Discrimination-Complaint-Procedure.pdf
The revised Procedure:
- Enhances greater transparency of the process;
- Is updated to reflect actual practices;
- Provides prompt timeframes;
- Ensures clearer notification by senior leadership of sanctions/discipline resulting from substantiated complaints;
- Contains flowcharts to facilitate easier navigation of process.
Overall, this revised procedure (including links to two flow charts) aims at increasing transparency of the discrimination complaint process. In addition, this revised procedure, among other things, more clearly references the Office for Student Life appeal process, more clearly spells out interim measures available during the complaint process, and more clearly outlines specific steps for the complainant and respondent in the filing of a complaint.
Over the last months, Sue Guenter-Schlesinger, vice provost for Equal Opportunity and Employment Diversity, Title IX/ADA Coordinator has vetted this procedure with important stakeholders and has been responsive to input. These individuals include: members of the University’s Work Group on Sexual Violence Prevention and Response; Associated Students (AS) Vice President (VP) for Academic Affairs, ASVP for Student Life, and ASVP for Diversity; Deans and Vice Presidents; Ted Pratt, Dean of Students; Michael Sledge, Assistant Dean of Students; Jessica Stillwell, Case Manager/Conduct Officer; United Faculty of Western Washington; Faculty Senate; Human Resources; Western’s classified unions; the Professional Staff Organization; Assistant Attorneys General Kerena Higgins and Melissa Nelson.
It is anticipated that there will be additional revisions to this procedure after the new U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights proposed Title IX regulations are finalized.
If you have experienced discrimination, contact Western’s Equal Opportunity Office:
Old Main 345
(360) 650-3307