We enter this work with the understanding that experiences of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct impact individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, races, religions, abilities, citizenship statuses, and other identities. And, we know that discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct often impact not only the individual who experienced the harm but also the communities in which they live, study, and work.
Civil Rights Steering Committee
The Civil Rights Steering Committee, established by President Robert J. Jones, is charged–consistent with the University of Washington’s mission and values–with ensuring compliance with federal and state civil rights laws.
The committee provides strategic guidance to the Civil Rights Compliance Office and oversight for the University’s coordinated system of policies, programs, and services that collectively protect educational access, and prevent and respond to sexual misconduct, and to discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics. The committee further supports the Civil Rights Compliance Office with its outreach, education, response, resolution, coordination, and collaboration efforts across the University.
Committee Charge
The Civil Rights Steering Committee will provide oversight, coordination, and guidance:
- In establishing strategic priorities to both guide and focus the University’s commitment to continuous improvement as it relates to preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment based on all protected classes.
- In identifying and adjusting appropriate roles, systems, and protocols that reflect and promote shared obligations and accountability for fostering a culture of inclusion for all students, staff, and faculty and ensuring program access for individuals with disabilities.
- For the review and implementation of policies and procedures that ensure the University’s compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the VAWA amendments to the Clery Act, ADA/Section 504, and other relevant laws and regulations.
The Committee will also:
- Establish and receive recommendations from and provide guidance to relevant work groups to advance institutional change and continuous improvement.
- Present recommendations for action to executive leadership in the form of coordinated, institution-wide policies, projects, and initiatives.
The charge of this committee encompasses any activity relevant to compliance with federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination, retaliation, and harassment based on protected characteristics, advance access, and prohibit sexual misconduct. It also includes work that builds upon compliance and is directed toward the University’s commitment to access, inclusion, and equity.
- Valery Richardson (chair), Assistant Vice President for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
- Aarti Bhat, Faculty Senate Chair, AY 25-26
- Caroline Titan, Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, UW Bothell
- Denzil J. Suite, Vice President, Student Life
- Erin O’Connell, Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Operating Officer
- Frank Hodge, Dean and Chair of Board of Deans and Chancellors
- Frederick Nafukho, Vice Provost, Academic Personnel
- Heather Horn, Vice President, UW Human Resources
- Jack Martin, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
- Jane Yung, Vice President, Compliance and Risk Services
- Jason Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Provost
- Joy Williamson-Lott, Dean, Graduate School
- Kristin Esterberg, Chancellor, University of Washington Bothell
- Lauren Lichty, Chair of Faculty Council on Gender, Equity, and Justice
- Margaret Peyton, Chief of Staff, UW Medicine
- Monte Mills, Chair of Faculty Council on Race, Equity, and Justice
- Paula Houston, Associate Vice President and Chief Equity Officer, School of Medicine
- Rickey Hall, Vice President, Office for Minority Affairs & Diversity and University Diversity Officer
- Sally Clark, Vice President, Campus Community Safety
- Sheila Edwards Lange, Chancellor, University of Washington Tacoma
- Tanya Velasquez, Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity & Inclusion, UW Tacoma
- Hasoni Pratts, Chief of Staff to the President
Civil Rights Community Partners
Civil Rights Community Partners brings together representatives from offices and programs that the Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC) routinely collaborates with to foster a safe, respectful, and welcoming University community. The group provides a forum to exchange information on civil rights and Title IX, request feedback on CRC-led initiatives, and highlight emerging trends. Through this work, community partners build upon compliance efforts to advance the University’s commitment to access, equal opportunity, and inclusion.
Purpose
The purpose of the Civil Rights Community Partners is to:
- Share and discuss UW initiatives that prevent and respond to discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics and sexual misconduct.
- Identify and elevate questions or issues for discussion and consideration by the group and University leadership.
- Cultivate a space where a range of stakeholders’ perspectives, particularly those of students, can help shape and inform ongoing initiatives, practices, and policies.
- Support the dissemination of civil rights and Title IX updates across the offices, departments, schools, and units represented by members.
Membership
Civil Rights Community Partners strives to include representatives from all University of Washington locations. Membership may evolve in response to the University’s changing needs. CRC will consider recommendations for additional members as appropriate. Individuals from specific offices who do not regularly attend the Civil Rights Community Partners meetings may be occasionally invited based on the meeting agenda.
If you have any questions about the meeting or membership, please email civilrights@uw.edu
Advisory Groups
Accessibility Services & Operations Advisory Group
The Accessibility Services & Operations (ASO) Advisory Group provides information and seeks guidance on topics including, but not limited to:
- Access and accommodation barriers within the UW enterprise
- Emergent disability-related issues
- Disability included within diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
- Implementation of accessibility policy, guidelines, and/or practices
- ADA/504 Coordinator-led initiatives and programs
The ADA/504 Coordinator appoints as members key University positions and/or offices that play a significant role in operations relevant to the obligations of the ADA and related federal and state laws.
- Campus Architecture & Planning
- Disability Resources for Students (all campuses)
- Disability Services Office, HR
- Environmental Health & Safety
- Office of Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action
- UW IT Accessible Technology Services
- UW Medicine Healthcare Nondiscrimination & Regulatory Affairs
Disability Access & Inclusion Advisory Group
The Disability Access & Inclusion (DAI) Advisory Group provides information and seeks guidance on topics including, but not limited to:
- Access and accommodation barriers within UW systems
- Emergent disability-related issues
- Disability included within diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts
- Implementation of accessibility guidelines and/or practices
- ADA/504 Coordinator-led initiatives and programs
The Disability Access & Inclusion Advisory Committee membership is primarily staff, faculty, and students with disabilities across all campuses.
- Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW)
- Academic Personnel
- Classified Staff
- Disability and d/Deaf Cultural Center (D-Center)
- Disability Staff and Faculty Association (DSFA)
- Graduate and Professional Students
- Professional Staff
- Students with disabilities at large