The following message was sent by President Ana Mari Cauce, Provost Tricia Serio and Vice President and Chief Compliance and Risk Officer Jane Yung to faculty, staff and academic personnel across the University of Washington on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Dear UW Community,
The University of Washington is dedicated to fostering a community that ensures equal access; prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity and ancestry; and is welcoming to all so that we can learn, work and live together in safety and dignity. To that end, we are writing to provide you with education and information about Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Please take the time to review this important message.
As we said in our announcement on Jan. 15, 2025, the University has been actively taking steps, including those outlined below, to satisfy its obligations under the resolution agreement with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights and strengthen its Title VI compliance.
Title VI education and resources
We encourage all students and employees to visit our new Title VI Information and Education webpage, which is designed to educate employees and students about the protections offered under Title VI and the University’s responsibilities. The page includes:
- Key definitions and examples of conduct that may violate Title VI
- Information on how the UW addresses reports and supports those impacted
- Scenarios involving both on- and off-campus or online conduct that could create a hostile environment
Title VI protections apply to discrimination or harassment based on actual or perceived:
- Race or national origin–related physical traits
- Skin color or complexion
- Ancestral country or region
- Limited English proficiency or English learner status
- Shared ethnic or ancestral background
These protections extend to behavior that occurs off campus or online if it limits an individual’s ability to participate in UW programs or activities.
Reporting and response
Information about how to make a report can be found on the Make a Report webpage. Retaliation for filing a report or participating in related processes is strictly prohibited under Title VI and University policy.
When a report is received, the UW will:
- Review the report and assess any immediate safety concerns
- Identify appropriate response options
- Contact the impacted individual (if disclosed) to offer support and resources
- Evaluate whether a hostile environment may have been created and take necessary action
Campus Climate Survey
If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the Campus Climate Survey by May 22, which now includes questions about the University’s climate relating to race, color, national origin, ethnicity and ancestry. Your input will help the University better understand and improve the climate around these and other issues.
Civil Rights Compliance Office
Effective July 2025, the UW will launch a newly consolidated Civil Rights Compliance Office within Compliance and Risk Services. This office will house the Title IX and ADA Coordinators, as well as the investigations and case management team. It will also include a Title VI Coordinator, who will oversee Title VI compliance and support broader civil rights initiatives. This role reflects the University’s ongoing commitment to equitable access to education and employment, and to preventing and addressing discrimination and harassment.
This work depends on all of us, so we thank you for doing your part to contribute to a safe, welcoming and respectful environment at the UW.