Under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and other federal and state laws, individuals have the right to participate in educational programs free from discrimination on the basis of sex.
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Federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on: Sex Sexual orientation Gender Gender identity or expression Pregnancy and related conditions LGBTQ identity
These laws impose legal requirements and protections are a foundation on which the University of Washington has created policies, practices, services, and programs that work in concert to advance equity for students, staff, and faculty of all identities. These laws also prohibit sexual misconduct such as sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and sexual harassment.
If you or someone you know may have experienced any form of sex- or gender-based discrimination or any form of sexual misconduct, the University offers support and resources. You are encouraged to make a Civil Rights & Title IX Report and connect with a Civil Rights Case Manager. Case managers will:
- Listen to your concerns.
- Help you navigate the situation.
- Coordinate supportive measures.
- Provide information on available resolution options.
- Offer referrals to additional resources, both on and off campus.
Know Your Rights & Resource Guide
The Know Your Rights & Resources (KYRR) guide is for anyone in the University community who has experienced sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, sexual harassment, or sex- or gender-based discrimination. It provides information to help individuals make informed choices for themselves.
Confidential Advocacy
If you have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, or stalking and are seeking confidential support, consider contacting a University confidential advocate.
FAQs
Two additional University resources available for support and safety planning include:
Confidential advocates: Available to all students and employees during regular University business hours at no cost. Confidential advocates keep information reported to them confidential and share information with others only with your express permission or when required by law.
SafeCampus: Provides consultation and support when you have safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others. You can request anonymity when you contact SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 or safecampus@uw.edu
The UW Sexual Assault website and the Know Your Rights & Resources guide also outline information about medical, disability, and mental health resources.
Confidential advocates keep information reported to them confidential and share information with others only with your express permission or when required by law.
The Civil Rights Compliance Office strives to safeguard individual privacy and only shares information as needed to respond to the requests of those who have been harmed, to assess and ensure community safety, and, if necessary, to investigate and remedy policy violations.
Medical care after experiencing sexual assault or intimate partner violence may help treat or prevent illness and injury. It is also a way to preserve evidence. Generally, you may want to get medical care as soon as possible. Learn more about available options in the Know Your Rights & Resources guide and on the Medical Care page of the Sexual Assault website.
Filing a police report is your right and personal choice. You can file a police report and also make a report to the University’s Civil Rights Compliance Office. To contact your local police department, call 911.
A protection order is a type of “restraining order” you can file against another person. It is a civil court order that may be issued by a judge at your request, and is not available through any University process.
Consider connecting with a confidential advocate or a Civil Rights Case Manager to discuss your options and learn more.
The Know Your Rights and Resources guide provides information on resources and reporting options so individuals can decide what feels right for their situation.
Information can also be found on the UW Sexual Assault Resources website, as well as through national organizations such as RAINN and the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Anyone named as a respondent in a University investigation can access help to understand their rights and navigate the process.
- Student respondents can work with the Community Standards and Student Conduct’s Respondent Resources Program.
- Employee respondents can request assistance from a human resources consultant, the Faculty Liaisons Program, the Office of the Ombud, and the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.