UCIRO (Civil Rights Investigation Office)

View UCIRO (Civil Rights Investigation Office)

The Civil Rights Investigation Office investigates complaints made about university employees and students that raise concerns relating to civil rights such as protection from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct. 

Types of Complaints / Topics Addressed

With respect to University employees, the Investigation Office investigates allegations that a University employee may have violated the University’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment, retaliation, sexual misconduct, and relationship conflict of interest. This includes complaints of discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, or creed; religion; national origin or citizenship status; sex; pregnancy; age; marital status; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; disability; and veteran status, as well as complaints against employees regarding domestic violence, relationship violence, stalking, sexual assault, retaliation, and relationship conflict of interest. 

With respect to students, the Investigation Office investigates complaints that a University student may have engaged in conduct that violates any of the sexual misconduct provisions of the University of Washington’s Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121), including sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, indecent exposure, relationship violence, stalking, and domestic violence. 

The Investigation Office also investigates both employees and students who are alleged to have engaged in conduct that may have violated Title IX, including the Title IX regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Disclaimers

Retaliation protection:
University of Washington policy prohibits retaliation against people who bring a complaint or participate in the complaint process. An employee who engages in retaliatory conduct is subject to appropriate corrective action, including dismissal. 

Exception to confidentiality:
Any information shared in emails, tools, or reports may be subject to public records requests or released under federal and state law. 

Process

What information you need to submit, what happens after

Anyone at any time can contact the Investigation Office about their concerns via email (cr-investigations@uw.edu) or by leaving a voicemail (Phone: 206-616-2028). When you contact the Investigation Office please let them know whether you are raising concerns about an employee, a student, or both. This will help ensure the information you provide is routed to the correct individual. An investigator will contact you to set up an intake meeting to discuss your concerns, answer any questions you might have about the process, discuss next steps, and provide other campus referrals or resources that may be available to you. Please consult the What to Expect page for more information. 

When does reporter hear back?

When possible, investigations are completed within 60 days of being reported. 

Point of Contact Info

Email: cr-investigations@uw.edu
Phone: (206) 616-2028

Other Considerations

In general, the Investigation Office does not review complaints related to patient care in medical or healthcare settings. These complaints are addressed through the patient care process. It also does not investigate other forms of student misconduct. These complaints are addressed through other student conduct processes.