COMPLAINT OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS

The following options are available to you as a student for addressing allegations of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct. See the reverse side of this form for additional contact information and related resources.

INTERNAL:

Department Head or Dean of College

A student alleging discrimination or harassment against a university employee is encouraged to discuss the allegation with the head of the department or dean of the college in which the alleged act occurred. This step is to facilitate an informal resolution of the matter whenever appropriate. It is not necessarily suggested in cases of sexual harassment, and is not appropriate in cases of sexual assault. In the event that an informal resolution is not reached, or the student chooses not to address the issue via the method described above, the student may always consult directly with the Office of Compliance and Equity Management to seek resolution.

Office of Compliance and Equity Management (OCEM)

OCEM receives reports and complaints concerning alleged violations of civil rights and works toward resolution through investigation, mediation, and other methods. OCEM oversees compliance with various federal and state laws, including, but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act, Executive Order 11246, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

EXTERNAL:

Iowa Civil Rights Commission (ICRC)

The ICRC receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve individual complaints alleging discrimination in violation of Iowa’s anti-discrimination law, the Iowa Civil Rights Act of 1965 as amended. A complaint must be filed with the ICRC within 300 days of the alleged act of discrimination.

Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

The OCR enforces several statutes that protect the rights of beneficiaries in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. These laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), and age (Age Discrimination Act of 1975). OCR also has responsibilities under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits state and local governments from discriminating on the grounds of disability. A complaint must be filed with the OCR within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination.

State and Federal Courts

Complaints of discrimination may be brought to state or federal courts.

I hereby verify that I have reviewed the above information regarding available options for filing a complaint. I have also been provided with a copy of UNI Policy 13.02 Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct.

______Signature of Complainant Date

Contact Information
Office of Compliance and Equity Management
University of Northern Iowa
117 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028
Phone: (319) 273-2846
FAX: (319) 273-7045
https://equity.uni.edu / Office for Civil Rights – Chicago Office
U.S. Department of Education
Citigroup Center
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475
Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: (312) 730-1560
FAX: (312) 730-1576
TDD: (877) 521-2172
Email:
www.ed.gov.ocr
Safety at UNI
https://safety.uni.edu
Go to Safety website for information on reporting counseling and support, personal safety, campus safety, health resources, and UNI policies.
Iowa Civil Rights Commission
Grimes State Office Building
400 E. 14th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: (800) 457-4416
(515) 521-4121
FAX: (515) 242-5840
TTD: (877) 521-2172
www.state.ia.us/government/crc

Additional Resources

Student Disability Services
103 Student Health Center (upper level)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0385
Phone: (319) 273-2373
For deaf or hard of hearing use Relay 711
FAX: (319) 273-6884
https://uni.edu/resources/disability
Contact with requests for accommodations / Dean of Students
118 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0010
Phone: (319) 273-2332
FAX: (319) 273-5832
Email:
Contact regarding student responsibilities
Riverview Center
Sexual Assault Crisis Line
Phone: (888) 557-0310
Office Phone: (319) 939-9599
http://riverviewcenter.org/Home.aspx
Waypoint Services
Phone: (800) 208-0388
http://www.waypointservices.org/
Relationship Violence/Harassment/Stalking Crisis Line
Department of Public Safety
030 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0023
Phone: (319) 273-2677
FAX: (319) 273-7253
https://publicsafety.uni.edu
Contact with criminal or safety concerns
Counseling Center
103 Student Health Center (upper level)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0385
Phone: (319) 273-2676
FAX: (319) 273-6884
https://counseling.uni.edu
Contact for counseling services / Amani Community Service
Phone: (319) 232-5600
Contact for African-American Community Advocates

No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, any educational program, or any activity of the University, on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University of Northern Iowa prohibits discrimination and promotes affirmative action in its educational and employment policies and practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws and University policies. The University of Northern Iowa prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and serves as the University Title IX Officer: Leah Gutknecht, Assistant to the President for Compliance and Equity Management, Office of Compliance and Equity Management, 117 Gilchrist Hall, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028, 319-273-2846,

05/2017