Complaint Review and Resolution
In the course of their education or employment, individuals may have complaints or concerns about University of Washington School of Law personnel, policies, or procedures. Resources that provide opportunities to express concerns and for the Law School to respond and improve.
Complaints Related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UW Law is dedicated to nurturing a student-centered, culturally competent, collegial community. UW Law is guided by the University of Washington's (UW) diversity commitment which says: “At the UW, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.” UW and UW Law value diversity and are committed to promoting the rights and privileges of others, the understanding and appreciation of human differences, and the constructive expression of ideas.
As our law school seeks to live out the UW’s diversity commitment, and to create an inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion, there will be times that we will face challenges in meeting these goals. We commit to a process through which our community members, students, faculty or staff may bring complaints and concerns to our attention. As described below complaints can be made in person, in writing or anonymously. While we understand that anonymity may be important in certain circumstances and we will honor that request to the extent possible, complainants should note that anonymity may limit our ability to respond directly to these complaints. Additionally, depending on the conduct at issue and the existence of any imminent or ongoing threat, disclosure may ultimately be required.
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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).
The ADS or the 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.