{"id":726,"date":"2026-06-16T23:11:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T23:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stagewp.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/?page_id=726"},"modified":"2026-06-16T23:18:56","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T23:18:56","slug":"equal-opportunity-civil-rights-eocr-policy-faqs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/equal-opportunity-civil-rights-eocr-policy-faqs\/","title":{"rendered":"Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy FAQs"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"hero-secondary\">\n  <div class=\"relative bg-black\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"adhere object-cover\" src=\"\/media\/otixeo\/images\/westernu_esplanade-04-4.jpg\" srcset=\"\/media\/otixeo\/images\/westernu_esplanade-04-4.jpg 1200w, \/media\/otixeo\/images\/westernu_esplanade-04-4-300x195.jpg 300w, \/media\/otixeo\/images\/westernu_esplanade-04-4-1024x666.jpg 1024w, \/media\/otixeo\/images\/westernu_esplanade-04-4-768x499.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"100vw\" alt=\"Students and staff walk to or from the Health Education Center on the WesternU campus Esplanade.\">\n      <div class=\"adhere gradient-overlay\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"relative container pt-56 md:pt-112 pb-144 md:pb-192\">\n      <div class=\"md:flex md:justify-between px-12\">\n        <div class=\"sm:w-8\/12 md:w-6\/12 xl:w-5\/12 px-12\">\n                      <div class=\"mb-20\">\n              <div class=\"block font-sans font-bold text-14 text-white leading-130\">\n  <span class=\"inline-block\">\n    <a href=\"\/\" class=\"block hover:underline\">WesternU<\/a>\n  <\/span>\n      <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\" class=\"inline-block hover:underline\">Office of Title IX &#038; Equal Opportunity<\/a>\n          <span class=\"inline-block mx-6\">\/<\/span>\n    <span class=\"inline-block\">Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy FAQs<\/span>\n  <\/div>            <\/div>\n                                        <h1 class=\"t-h1-sans  text-white\">Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy FAQs<\/h1>\n        <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2><strong>Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>This page provides answers to common questions about WesternU\u2019s Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy. These FAQs are intended to help students, employees, applicants, and other community members better understand what the policy covers, how to seek support, how to make a report, and what to expect if a concern is addressed through the university\u2019s EOCR process.<\/p>\n<p>The EOCR Policy addresses concerns involving discrimination, harassment based on protected characteristics, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct defined in the policy. It also explains available supportive measures, reporting options, and the university\u2019s resolution processes.<\/p>\n<p>For ease of use, these FAQs are organized into topic-based sections.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#section01\"><em>What Does the EOCR Policy Cover?<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section02\"><em>Reporting Concerns and What Happens After a Report<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section03\"><em>Privacy, Confidentiality, and Support<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section04\"><em>Supportive Measures and Interim Actions<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section05\"><em>Informal Resolution and Formal Administrative Resolution<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section06\"><em>Rights of the Parties and Fair Process Protections<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section07\"><em>Outcomes, Sanctions, Remedies, and Retaliation<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section08\"><em>Scope, Jurisdiction, and Special Situations<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#section09\"><em>Good-Faith Reporting, False Information, and Amnesty<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section01\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 1: What Does the EOCR Policy Cover?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is the EOCR Policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Equal Opportunity Civil Rights (EOCR) Policy is WesternU\u2019s policy for addressing discrimination, harassment based on protected characteristics, retaliation, and certain other forms of prohibited conduct defined by the policy. It is designed to help ensure that WesternU\u2019s programs, activities, admissions, and employment environments remain free from unlawful discrimination and related harm.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What kinds of concerns are addressed under this policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The EOCR Policy addresses concerns involving discrimination, harassment based on protected characteristics, retaliation, and other prohibited conduct defined by the policy. It is the university\u2019s primary internal process for concerns involving civil rights-based discrimination and related misconduct covered by the policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What protected characteristics are covered?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>WesternU prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics including race (including traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration status, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), military or veteran status, and other legally protected classes. The policy also protects against discrimination based on perceived protected characteristics and association with someone in a protected group.<\/p>\n<p><strong>How is the EOCR Policy different from the Sexual Misconduct (SIM) Policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The EOCR Policy generally addresses discrimination, harassment based on protected characteristics, retaliation, and related civil rights concerns. The SIM Policy addresses sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, and other sex-based misconduct specifically covered under that policy. If you are unsure which policy applies, you do not need to determine that on your own before reaching out.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section02\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 2: Reporting Concerns and What Happens After a Report<\/h2>\n<p><strong>How do I report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You can report concerns to the university office responsible for Title IX and equal opportunity compliance. If you are unsure whether something falls under the policy, you can still reach out to discuss the situation and available options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who can make a report?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Reports may come from students, employees, applicants, or others affected by or aware of possible prohibited conduct. Because the policy applies broadly to university programs and activities, concerns may involve a range of community members and affiliated individuals.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the difference between a report and a complaint?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A report is the act of sharing information about possible prohibited conduct. A complaint is a more formal step that may initiate the university\u2019s complaint resolution process. In some situations, the university may initiate a complaint when appropriate under the policy, even if the impacted person does not wish to move forward with a formal process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What happens after I submit a report?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In many cases, the first step is outreach to provide information, discuss supportive measures, and explain available options. Depending on the circumstances, this may include supportive measures only, informal resolution, or a formal process if appropriate.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does making a report automatically start an investigation?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>No. A report does not automatically mean there will be a formal investigation. Depending on the circumstances, the response may involve supportive measures only, informal resolution, or no further action under this policy if the matter does not fall within its scope. In some cases, a matter may instead be referred to another university process.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section03\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 3: Privacy, Confidentiality, and Support<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is the difference between confidential and private support?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Confidential support generally means speaking with a resource that is not required to share information with the university except in limited circumstances. Private support means information is shared only with those who need to know in order to assess the concern, provide support, or carry out the policy process. Not all university offices are confidential resources.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will my report be kept confidential?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The university seeks to protect privacy and will share information only as needed to respond appropriately, offer support, and carry out any necessary process. However, reports to university officials are not always fully confidential in the same way as communications with designated confidential resources.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I receive support even if I do not want to file a complaint?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Supportive measures may be available regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. You do not have to participate in a formal process in order to ask about support options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who will know about my report?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Information is generally shared on a need-to-know basis with those involved in assessing the concern, implementing supportive measures, or carrying out a resolution process. In some situations, relevant university departments may coordinate in order to respond effectively and consistently.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section04\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 4: Supportive Measures and Interim Actions<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What are supportive measures?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Supportive measures are individualized, reasonably available steps intended to help preserve or restore access to the university\u2019s education program or work environment, support safety, and reduce disruption while a concern is being addressed. They are not disciplinary and do not reflect a finding that a policy violation occurred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I receive supportive measures without filing a complaint?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Supportive measures may be offered whether or not someone chooses to file a complaint or participate in a formal resolution process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What types of supportive measures may be available?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Depending on the situation, supportive measures may include changes to academic or work arrangements, schedule adjustments, course or registration changes where appropriate, counseling or EAP referrals, safety planning, contact limitations, or other reasonable steps designed to preserve access and reduce disruption.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is a no-contact directive or other safety-based restriction?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A no-contact directive is an administrative measure that restricts contact between individuals to help prevent unwanted or disruptive interactions and support safety and wellbeing. It is not disciplinary and does not reflect a determination that a policy violation occurred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are emergency removal or administrative leave?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The policy includes provisions for emergency removal and administrative leave in appropriate circumstances. These are serious interim measures used only when the university determines they are necessary under the policy and applicable law.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section05\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 5: Informal Resolution and Formal Administrative Resolution<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What is informal resolution?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Informal resolution is a voluntary option that may allow concerns to be addressed without completing a full formal investigation. Depending on the circumstances, informal resolution may include facilitated conversations, educational interventions, agreed-upon terms, or other appropriate measures permitted by the policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is informal resolution voluntary?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Informal resolution is voluntary and only used when permitted by policy and appropriate under the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is Formal Administrative Resolution?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Formal Administrative Resolution is the policy\u2019s formal investigation-based process for addressing a complaint under the EOCR Policy. It may include an initial evaluation, notice of allegations, investigation, fact-finding, a written outcome, and referral for sanctioning or corrective action depending on the respondent\u2019s role and the applicable university process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What happens during a formal investigation under EOCR?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A formal investigation may involve notice to the parties, interviews with parties and witnesses, collection and review of relevant information, and a written determination. If the matter proceeds through formal resolution, the parties are informed of the outcome and any next steps available under the applicable process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can a complaint be dismissed or referred to another process?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. If a complaint does not fall within the scope of the EOCR Policy or does not meet the policy\u2019s standards for prohibited conduct, it may be dismissed from this process. In some cases, the matter may still be referred to another university process if appropriate.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section06\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 6: Rights of the Parties and Fair Process Protections<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What rights do complainants and respondents have during the process?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Both parties are entitled to a prompt, fair, and impartial process under the policy. Both may receive supportive measures, participate in the process as applicable, and receive appropriate notice of outcomes when required by policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can I have an advisor?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. Parties may have an advisor of their choice in the resolution process. An advisor may accompany a party to meetings related to the process and help them understand what to expect.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What standard of proof does WesternU use?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>WesternU uses the <strong>preponderance of the evidence<\/strong> standard. This means the university determines whether it is more likely than not that a policy violation occurred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if I need disability accommodations or language access during the process?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The university provides reasonable accommodations and support to help qualified students, employees, or others participate in the process. This may include disability-related accommodations, language services, or other reasonable support needed for access.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if I\u2019m concerned about bias or a conflict of interest?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The policy requires that the resolution process be managed with independence and impartiality. Concerns about bias or conflicts of interest can be raised through the channels identified in the policy.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section07\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 7: Outcomes, Sanctions, Remedies, and Retaliation<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What happens if a policy violation is found?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If a policy violation is found, the parties receive a written outcome. Depending on the respondent\u2019s role, the matter may then move into a separate sanctioning or corrective action process under the applicable student, employee, or other university procedures.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the difference between sanctions and remedies?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sanctions or corrective actions are consequences imposed on a respondent when applicable. Remedies are steps taken to restore or preserve equal access, address the effects of the conduct, and help prevent recurrence. Remedies may sometimes be provided even when no formal finding is made, depending on the circumstances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Can either party appeal?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Under this policy, the determination of responsibility itself is generally not appealed through the EOCR process. However, sanctions or corrective actions may be subject to appeal depending on the respondent\u2019s status and the applicable university process.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is retaliation, and is it prohibited?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Retaliation is prohibited. The university protects individuals from retaliation for making a good-faith report or complaint, participating in an investigation or resolution process, assisting someone else in doing so, or refusing to participate in a process under the policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What happens if someone violates sanctions or informal resolution terms?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Failure to comply with sanctions, corrective actions, responsive actions, or informal resolution terms may result in additional action under the applicable university process.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section08\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 8: Scope, Jurisdiction, and Special Situations<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Does this policy apply off campus or online?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes, in some situations. The policy may apply not only on university property, but also in university-related or sponsored programs and activities, through university technology, and in off-campus or online situations that have a sufficient connection to the university or create continuing effects within the university environment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does it apply to internships, clinical placements, conferences, or other outside settings?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Yes. The policy may apply in university-related or sponsored educational, clinical, professional, or other activities regardless of location. That can include internships, clinical placements, externships, travel, conferences, or similar settings connected to the university.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if the other person is not a WesternU student or employee?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The policy may still apply. It can cover conduct involving affiliated or third-party individuals, such as vendors, consultants, patients, visitors, preceptors, or others participating in or connected to university programs or activities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Are disability-related concerns handled under EOCR or somewhere else?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>It depends on the issue. Student grievances about disability status and\/or the provision of accommodations are generally handled through the Harris Family Center for Disability &amp; Health Policy (CDHP). Employee grievances about disability status and\/or the provision of accommodations are generally handled through Human Resources. However, allegations of disability-based discrimination, including situations where accommodations may have a discriminatory effect, may still be addressed under the EOCR Policy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is there a time limit on reporting?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The policy includes a section on time limits on reporting, but individuals are still encouraged to reach out even if time has passed. Available options may depend on the circumstances and the university\u2019s ability to respond.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"relative my-48 md:my-72\" id=\"section09\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n    <div class=\"lg:flex px-12 lg:justify-center\">\n      \n      \n                  \n                  \n      <div class=\"w-full px-24 wysiwyg-content xl:w-10\/12 2xl:w-9\/12\">\n        <h2>SECTION 9: Good-Faith Reporting, False Information, and Amnesty<\/h2>\n<p><strong>What if I\u2019m not sure whether what happened \u201ccounts\u201d under the policy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You do not need to decide that on your own before reaching out. If you are unsure whether a concern falls under the EOCR Policy, you can still ask questions, describe what happened, and learn more about available options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Will I get in trouble for minor alcohol or drug use if I report or participate?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The policy includes an amnesty provision intended to encourage reporting and participation. In some cases, parties and witnesses may be offered amnesty for minor policy violations related to the incident, such as underage alcohol use. Amnesty does not apply to more serious misconduct.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What if someone makes a knowingly false report or provides false information?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Good-faith reporting is protected, even if the university does not ultimately find a policy violation. However, knowingly false or malicious reports, or intentionally false evidence, may violate university policy and may result in action under the applicable process.<\/p>\n\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-726","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=726"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":758,"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/726\/revisions\/758"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westernu.edu\/otixeo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=726"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}