What to Report

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, staff, and faculty, 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

Discrimination is treating someone differently based on a protected class. KU prohibits discrimination on the basis of our 16 protected classes: age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, parental status, sexual orientation, race, religion, sex, and veteran status.

Harassment

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 

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 or 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

Retaliation can 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 taken by individuals involved in an OCRTIX case or others acting on their behalf. 

Information to Include in a Report

Include the following, to the extent known and available, in your report:  

• Name and contact information (i.e., address, telephone, email) for the complainant. The complainant is the person alleged to have experienced discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.  
• Name and contact information for the respondent(s). The respondent is the person alleged to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.  
• Names and contact information for any witnesses to the alleged violation(s).  
• Date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the alleged violation(s).  
• Nature of the alleged violation(s) (i.e., disability discrimination, racial harassment, retaliation, etc.)  
• Detailed description of the specific conduct that is the basis of the alleged violation(s).  
• Copies of any documents or other tangible items pertaining to the alleged violation(s).  
• Any other relevant information.