EO & Title IX Investigations

Prohibited conduct:

• Discrimination: Differential or unfavorable treatment because of an individual’s protected category that adversely affects the terms and conditions of their employment, education, or participation in a university program or activity.

• Harassment: Unwelcome conduct that is based on an individual’s protected category that is severe or pervasive enough to interfere with to interfere with an individual’s academic or work performance or create a hostile academic or work environment.

• Retaliation: Suffering an adverse action because an individual, in good faith, reported, filed a complaint, or participated in an investigation or related proceeding regarding allegations of discrimination, or otherwise opposed a discriminatory practice.

Protected categories include:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Sexual Orientation
• Gender Identity
• Gender Expression
• National Origin
• Age
• Disability
• Genetic Information
• Veteran Status

• You are alleging that you have experienced conduct prohibited by the Nondiscrimination Policy (UTDBP3090). -and-

• You want to initiate the Complaint Resolution Procedure under this policy.

Any individual who believes they have experienced discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of the UTD’s Nondiscrimination Policy (UTBP3090) may file a complaint with Institutional Compliance. Formal Complaints may only be filed by a Complainant (i.e., individual who experienced the alleged conduct). It is recommended that the Complainant provide the following information:

• Name and UTD Identification;
• Number of the Complainant(s);
• Contact information, including address, telephone, email;
• Name of person(s) directly responsible for alleged violation(s);
• Date(s) and place(s) of alleged violation(s);
• Nature of alleged violation(s) as defined in this policy;
• Detailed description of the specific conduct that is the basis of alleged violation(s);
• Copies of documents pertaining to the alleged violation(s);
• Names of any witnesses to alleged violation(s);
• Action requested to resolve the situation; and
• Any other relevant information.

The following communications do not constitute a complaint and will not be investigated or resolved pursuant to the complaint resolution process:

• Courtesy copies of correspondence or a complaint filed with others;
• Inquiries that seek advice or information only; and/or
• Pre-complaint consultations and informal resolution activities.

Submit an Incident Report if you would like to learn more about the complaint resolution process, other resolution options, and supportive measures.

Prohibited conduct:

• Sex Discrimination: Occurs when an individual is treated less favorably on the basis of that person’s sex (including gender), which may also include on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or a sex stereotype. Sexual harassment, as defined in this Policy, is a form of sex discrimination.

• Sexual Harassment: Title IX-defined sexual harassment is conduct on the basis of sex that satisfies one or more of the following:
  • Quid pro quo: An employee of the institution conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of the University on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
  • Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal access to the University’s education program or activity; -or-
  • Sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking as defined in this Policy.

• Sexual Exploitation: Conduct where an individual takes non-consensual or abusive sexual advantage of another for their own benefit, or to benefit anyone other than the one being exploited.

• Other Inappropriate Sexual Conduct: Conduct on the basis of sex that does not meet the definition of “sexual harassment” under this Policy, but is prohibited inappropriate or unprofessional sexual conduct.

• Additional Conduct Violations under and defined by this Policy.
  • Retaliation
  • False Information and False Complaints
  • Interference with the Grievance Process
  • Failure to Report for Responsible Employees