How to report discrimination, harassment and bias at UW-Madison
What is Harassment, Discrimination and Bias?
What is Discrimination, Harassment and Bias?
Generally, this form is for reporting unwelcome conduct that targeted someone based on their belonging to a specific group or “protected class, ” Protected classes at UW-Madison include age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, national origin (including shared ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, and military service or veteran status.
Examples of unwelcome conduct may include isolated incidents involving microaggressions, slurs, degrading language or intimidation. This unwelcome conduct may also be ongoing behavior repeated behavior that ultimately interferes with someone’s education or work environment.
The submitted form will be distributed to relevant staff in the Office of Compliance and the Office of Student Assistance and Support (formerly named the Dean of Students Office). The university highly values privacy, and only “need to know” information is shared with appropriate contacts in order to implement necessary university response.
What is Harassment and Discrimination?
Offensive or insensitive acts towards an individual, group, or their property that based on their belonging to a specific group or “protected class,” including race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, shared ancestry, or disability.
Examples of behavior include: microaggressions, slurs, degrading language, epithets, graffiti, vandalism, intimidation, symbols, or assault.
Single or isolated acts of discrimination or harassment may be formally investigated by the Office of Compliance when the alleged misconduct is “so subjectively and objectively offensive and is so severe or pervasive that it limits or denies a person’s ability to participate in or benefit from the university’s education program or activity.”
Student Support
If you are a student at UW–Madison who experienced or witnessed harassment or discrimination on or near campus, we encourage you to reach out to someone. The Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) connects students with campus and community resources and can help in the healing process. Reporting your experience to the university also helps the university understand what is happening or what may be needed on campus to support a more inclusive environment.
When a form is submitted
Submit harassment/discrimination form
1 – Acknowledgement of Report. A staff member will acknowledge receipt via the email address submitted with the harassment or discrimination concern form.
- If the report is submitted anonymously or the person affected is unknown, the university’s ability to respond may be limited
2 – Support for the targeted person. During the optional support meeting, they will have the opportunity to express how the reported concern impacted them and learn about support resources available to help them. The staff member will also share optional next steps.
3 — Help navigating the next steps. If the affected person would like to pursue further action, including an investigation, staff will support them with next steps.
Example support services offered to students
The services offered to students are based on the circumstances of the situation
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Individual or community support
- Resources through UHS Mental Health Services
- University Housing may issue a community letter for bias concerns reported in a residence hall
- Processing spaces or town halls for those impacted by bias, hate, discrimination or harassment
Connection
- With a mentor in your field of study or interest area
- With a campus/community organization (including those affiliated with the Multicultural Student Center)
- With an academic dean or those who do campus and climate work across campus
- Leadership opportunities
Guidance
- Education about reporting to law enforcement and assistance reporting to law enforcement
- Information about academic grievance processes
Assistance
- Reporting an incident to law enforcement
- Reporting an incident to local businesses, corporations, or agencies
- Drafting impact statements
Facilitated Conversations
- Educational conversations with those who engaged in the alleged biased conduct
Referrals
- If a matter rises to the level of a potential policy violation, individuals may be connected with the Office of Compliance for Civil Rights Investigations. If the student code of conduct is violated, the Office of Conduct and Community Standards may initiate an investigation and will determine possible sanctions
- If criminal activity is believed to have occurred, UWPD or Madison Police Department are notified and may pursue their own investigation and respond accordingly
Questions?
Contact the Office of Compliance at OC_CaseManager@wisc.edu
Contact
Office of Student Assistance and Support
How can we help?
Call us at:
608-263-5700
Email us at:
osas@studentaffairs.wisc.edu
Office of Student Assistance and Support
70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive Madison, WI 53706-1380
Monday-Friday: 8:30am - 4pm
After Hours Contacts
Crisis response:
Call Mental Health Services
608-265-5600 (option 9)
Emergencies:
Dial 911 for immediate help from the
UW Police Department
UWPD Non-emergency line: 608-264-2677