Reaffirmation of Policy on Sexual Harassment and Sexual Offenses

To the Anteater community:

As we begin a new academic year, it is imperative that we act as a community to prevent sexual harassment and sexual violence and to report it when it occurs. Only by working together as active bystanders to prevent and oppose sexual harassment and sexual violence will we effect real change in our community.

On August 14, 2020, the University of California issued a revised Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy. The revision was required to comply with Title IX regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), which became effective on the same date. Much of the prior SVSH Policy remains unchanged. The same conduct that was prohibited by the policy prior to August 14, 2020, is still prohibited. A subset of this conduct is now covered by the DOE regulations and the policy details the grievance process for these cases. Further information about UCI’s compliance with the DOE-Title IX Regulations can be found here.

Under the UC SVSH Policy and UCI Guidelines on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment, all university employees (including staff, faculty and student-staff) must make a report to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity when they learn through the course of their employment of an incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence (including sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and other sexual misconduct) involving students. Supervisors, faculty, Human Resources, and UCIPD have a further duty to report all incidents involving any other person affiliated with the university. This includes patient complaints of sexual misconduct made to UCI Health. Reporting to OEOD ensures a consistent university response and that those affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence can learn about their rights and options and be given access to all the assistance and support services available. To request training, make reports or seek assistance, see OEOD or contact at 949-824-5594 or oeod@uci.edu. Additionally, the UCI Police Department can help with emergency situations, safety escorts, and criminal complaints.

Those affected by sexual harassment or sexual violence can receive confidential support and assistance through the Campus Assault Resources & Education (CARE) office. Those accused of engaging in sexual harassment or sexual violence can receive information and assistance through the Respondent Services Office. Helpful information and resources are available to all of our community at http://soinfo.uci.edu.

All supportive services and reporting options, including with UCIPD, OEOD, CARE, Complainant Support Services, and Respondent Services, continue to be available remotely at this time.

At UCI, our leadership takes proactive steps to address sexual harassment and provide services and resources for those impacted. We remain committed to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty are able to participate in their education and employment free of sexual harassment.

Thank you for your commitment and contribution to making UCI a safe and harassment-free space.

Chancellor Howard Gillman