Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct and Related Retaliation 

OCRTIX responds to reports from anyone potentially experiencing harassment, discrimination, sexual misconduct or related retaliation while attempting to access the educational opportunities of the university. Affected persons may include, but are not limited to, current students, faculty, and staff, individuals applying for enrollment or employment with the university, individuals with visiting appointments, and those receiving university services or participating in university programs and activities. 

Discrimination is treating someone differently based on a protected class.

Harassment is a form of discrimination based on a protected class which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, stereotyping, or hostility. 

Sexual Misconduct is an act of physical and/or emotional violence that involves the use of power and control to harm and/or intimidate another person. Sexual misconduct includes, but isn't limited to, non-consensual sexual intercourse, non-consensual sexual contact, sexual harassment (i.e., jokes/teasing of a sexual nature, physical closeness, commentary about one's body or sexual activities, stalking, etc.), sexual exploitation, dating/domestic violence and stalking, and occurs when there is an absence of consent. Please see the Sexual Misconduct Definitions page for more information on sexual misconduct and consent. 

Retaliation could take many forms, but generally involves an adverse action taken against an individual who has engaged in a protected activity, with a causal connection between the adverse action and the protected activity. Protected activities include submitting an OCRTIX incident report or formal complaint, or participating in OCRTIX processes. Adverse actions may include but are not limited to unwanted contact, including attempts to discuss the OCRTIX case, assigning additional work, unreasonable course assignments, poor grades, disciplinary action, harassment, unsupported performance evaluations, or other adverse changes in the conditions of employment or the educational environment. Adverse actions can be done by individuals involved in an OCRTIX case, or others acting on their behalf. 

KU prohibits discrimination on the basis of our 16 protected classes:  

Age, Gender Identity, Religion, Ancestry, Genetic Information, Sex, Color, Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, Disability, National Origin, Veteran Status, Ethnicity, Parental Status, Gender Expression, Race