Frequently Asked Questions
Why did UW Law implement a process for reporting and addressing diversity, equity and inclusion concerns?
As the UW Law community aspires to value diversity, equity and inclusiveness, reality may not always match rhetoric. It is our professional responsibility to build a community where all voices are respectfully heard; this requires listening to and learning from those who have been left out, isolated, or otherwise disenfranchised. The information gathered will be used to educate the community about concerns and to help build a respectful, inclusive environment.
What kind of incidents can I report?
You may report any kind of incident that you find offensive or disrespectful, including those based on ethnicity, race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. If a complaint or grievance falls outside the scope of diversity, equity and inclusion, a referral will be made to the appropriate person or entity (for example, the Dean for Academic Administration for grading issues).
How can I report an incident concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Student complaints or concerns may be delivered in person or submitted through an anonymous form. The form will be delivered to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADS).
Faculty and staff complaints or concerns may be delivered in person or submitted through the same online form, which will be delivered to the Director of Human Resources, Equity and Engagement (DHR).
Do I have to report an incident? Can I choose not to report an incident?
While it is your decision whether or not you choose to report an incident, remember that one of the primary purposes of the policy is education. Reporting incidents may help someone realize that his/her/their behavior is harming someone else. The reporting program assists UW Law in promoting an environment that fosters civility and mutual respect.
Can anyone submit a report? Even if you weren’t the target of unprofessional conduct?
Yes. A report can be submitted by the aggrieved party as well as by anyone who was present or witnessed the incident.
What is the method used to handle reports?
Upon receiving a report, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADS) and the Director of Human Resources, Equity and Engagement (DHR) shall follow this process: (1) acknowledge receipt of the complaint or concern within five business days and notify the Dean that a complaint has been received; (2) review each submission within two weeks and whenever possible meet or correspond with the individual who raised the complaint or concern; (3) address each concern as appropriate, including referral to applicable university resources; (4) if further investigation is needed, provide the student with information about what steps are being taken to the investigate the complaint and the estimated date for the completion of the investigation; and (5) prepare a monthly report of concerns for the Dean’s review.
The ADS and/or the DHR shall discuss the reports of concerns with the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and/or the Faculty Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in order to determine further measures to take to improve UW Law’s diversity, equity and inclusion climate.
Will my privacy be protected?
All reports and complaints will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect. Those who receive, investigate and work on responding recognize the sensitive nature of reports and complaints and will follow a response process that is confidential and respectful. When the responding party meets with the reporting or complaining party, the responding party will discuss what level of privacy the reporting or complaining party is comfortable with maintaining. Other than in an extreme emergency, the responding party will not reveal reporting party’s identity to anyone without first obtaining their permission.
Can I keep my report anonymous?
UW Law understands that anonymity may be important in certain circumstances and you will not be required to reveal your identity. However, our ability to respond to incidents may be limited without the ability to discuss the incident with the reporting or complaining party. In addition, anonymous reports may keep UW Law from addressing the issues directly with the involved parties and may limit their ability to learn from and resolve the issue. Other than in an extreme emergency, the responding party will not reveal the reporting party’s identity to anyone without first obtaining their permission.
Can I choose to have no action taken on my report?
If, after you have made a report and have met with a responding party, you wish not to have any action taken, the responding party will respect this wish. A summary of the incident will be shared with the Dean, Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Faculty Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Your identity will be kept anonymous unless you have given permission to share your identity.
How will my information be used?
Each report and follow-up notes from the designated responding party will be used for investigation purposes. Only designated respondents will have access to these confidential materials. However, information from each report may be aggregated to track patterns of bias.
How will the information in my report be reported back to the law school community?
The ADS and the DHR will prepare a quarterly report summarizing the types of incidents that have occurred and the actions taken. This report will not contain specific names or locations, to protect the privacy of the reporting individual(s) and the individuals the complaints are against. The ADS and the DHR will distribute their respective findings to the Dean, the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Faculty Committee on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. in a quarterly report and/or informational session. At the end of the school year, a yearly report will be compiled and submitted to the Dean.