Discrimination Complaint Procedures
The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) encourages all members of the University community to partner in ensuring an environment free of discrimination at all University-related activities and in the working and learning environment. To that end, incidents of discrimination or discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment) by University employees at Storrs and the Regional Campuses should be reported to OICR by any of the following:
Phone: (860) 486-2943 (Storrs)
(860) 679-3563 (UConn Health)
Email Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR): equity@uconn.edu
Visit Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) website: https://equity.uconn.edu/reporting-form/
OICR is responsible for reviewing, and where applicable, objectively investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment based on protected classification to determine if employee conduct violates the University’s non-discrimination policies. OICR is charged by Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46a-68(b)(4)(A)) with investigating complaints of discrimination made against University employees and mitigating any discriminatory conduct that is found to exist. OIE fulfills this mandate by conducting neutral investigations, pursuant to its Complaint Procedures, regarding allegations of discrimination and/or discriminatory harassment and ensures the equitable resolution of complaints. Where investigations reveal the presence of discriminatory or harassing behavior, OICR is responsible for making recommendations that are designed to mitigate the effects of discriminatory conduct.
Individuals interested in filing a complaint with OICR may complete a Discrimination and/or Discriminatory Harassment Complaint Form and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Any incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment (including sexual harassment) by a student toward any member of the University community should be reported immediately to the Office of Community Standards by calling (860) 486-8402.
Civil Rights Enforcement Agencies
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces several Federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in programs or activities that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. OCR is also responsible for Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 which prohibits disability discrimination by all public entities. (How to File a Complaint with OCR).
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces Federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, pregnancy, genetic information, religion, national origin, age, or disability, as well as retaliation protections for persons complaining of discrimination or participating in the investigation of discriminatory activity. These laws prohibit discrimination in the job application and hiring process, and in the context of terminations, promotions, training, wages, or any other terms, privileges or conditions of employment.
The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions. The mission of the CHRO is to eliminate discrimination through the enforcement of civil and human rights laws and to further the goals of equal opportunity and justice for all persons within the state through advocacy and education. Connecticut law provides protections against discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, race, criminal record, genetic information, disability, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or workplace hazards to reproductive systems, as well as retaliation protections for whistleblowers and persons complaining of discrimination or participating in the investigation of discriminatory activity.
The U.S. Department of Labor administers a variety of federal labor laws including those that guarantee workers’ rights to safe and healthful working conditions, a minimum hourly wage, and overtime pay. The Department of Labor is also responsible for enforcing comprehensive federal labor laws in areas such as record keeping, youth and special employment, family and medical leave, migrant workers, lie detector tests, protections in certain temporary worker programs, and the prevailing wages for government service and construction contracts. The Connecticut Department of Labor is responsible for a number of state labor programs, including unemployment insurance, wage and workplace standards, and the Connecticut Family and Medical Leave Act.
For more information about other entities that enforce state and federal non-discrimination laws, please go to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the U.S. Department of Justice or to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.