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Discrimination or Harassment

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What is discrimination?

Discrimination is treating someone differently because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, height, weight, or any “protected classes.”

Examples of Discrimination

  • Refusing to hire or promote someone because of their membership in a protected class;
  • denying someone a tangible employment benefit, such as a raise or a bonus, because of their membership in a protected class;
  • reducing someone’s job responsibilities because of their membership in a protected class;
  • denying someone access to an educational program based on their membership in a protected class;
  • denying someone access to a University facility based on their membership in a protected class.

What is harassment?

Harassment is conduct that aims to substantially interfere with, limit or deprive a member of the community from accessing/participating in the academic or employment environment, and/or substantially interfering with an individual’s academic performance or work performance; or create an academic or working environment considered intimidating, hostile, or offensive.

Examples of Harassment

  • Offensive jokes related to a protected class;
  • the use of slurs and stereotypes related to a protected class;
  • name calling related to a protected class;
  • intimidation, ridicule, or mockery connected to a protected class;
  • displaying or circulating offensive objects and pictures that are based on a protected class.

Reporting Obligations

All University employees have certain obligations in regards to reporting discrimination or harassment.

With the exception of the confidential resources, all University employees (including student employees) and graduate students with teaching or supervisory authority are obligated to promptly report to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance any incidents of discrimination or harassment of which they become aware in the scope of their work for the University.

Note that the reporting responsibility does not require a person experiencing harm to report the incident. 

How to report discrimination or harassment

Report to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX Compliance

Reporter: Any individual may report discrimination or harassment.

Confidentiality: The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will keep your information as private as possible but confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.

Discrimination or Harassment Report

File an Anonymous Report

Reporter: Any individual can use EthicsPoint, which has anonymous reporting options./p>

Confidentiality:While such complaints will retain anonymity, the University’s ability to investigate and respond to anonymous complaints is limited.

File an EthicsPoint Report

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who will see my report?

Northwestern has designated the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance to oversee complaints of discrimination and harassment at the University.

What will happen to me after I report?

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will contact and provide support, resources, and information to the person who may have experienced misconduct. Those receiving outreach can choose whether to engage with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. They may request supportive measures even if they do not choose to participate in the University’s complaint resolution process.

What are the next steps?

An Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance staff member contacts the person who may have experienced discrimination of harassment to provide information about resources and options and extend an invitation to meet.

Who can I talk to if I have questions?

The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX team is available to help address any questions. For general inquiries: OCR@northwestern.edu

Know your rights: Northwestern's Non-Retaliation Policy

Northwestern's Policy on Non-Retaliation strictly prohibits retaliation against any member of its community for reporting or inquiring in good faith about suspected wrongful or unlawful activity, or participating in an investigation or proceeding related to such activity. The University considers such actions to be protected activities in which all members may freely engage without worry of negative consequences.