Complaint Resolution
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and individuals seeking employment or access to its programs, facilities, or services, and will not discriminate against these persons because of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation or gender identity.
If you encounter behavior that is discriminatory and/or harassing, take action. Do not accept as the “way things are.” Ignoring discrimination and/or harassment will not make it go away.
- Speak Up At The Time. Say “NO” clearly and firmly. Tell the person that his/her advances or behaviors are unwelcome/inappropriate and you want it stopped. Do not delay. If a person’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, say so – set boundaries early. If you do not feel comfortable confronting the harasser yourself, get help.
- Keep Records. Note the times, dates, places, witnesses and the nature of the discriminatory or harassing behavior – what was said, the tone and how you responded.
- Seek Advice. To determine whether your situation is discrimination or harassment, seek help – the earlier, the better.
In no case will a complainant be required to directly confront the person accused of misconduct. The Equal Opportunity Office has the informal and formal resolution processes available to any member of the University community who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination or harassment.
- Informal Resolution Process: Consists of informal assistance such as strategies for the individual to inform the offending party that his/her behavior is inappropriate and should stop; coaching the responding party to make them aware of an issue and remind them of expected behaviors and adherence to UTEP policy; or assisting a department with resolution of a possible issue.
- Formal Complaint: Consists of the complainant providing a written statement that describes the alleged conduct or incident. The responding party would then have an opportunity to respond. Based on the information received through this process, an investigation may be performed, and the findings would be part of a written report that may include recommendations. The complainant and responding party may respond to the findings and recommendations. The written report and responses would then be provided to the respective vice president for review and final determination.
The University strictly prohibits and condemns such conduct and will take prompt disciplinary action against any individuals, or organizations within its control who are found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment.
You may file an anonymous complaint by telephone, in writing or electronically at https://www.lighthouse-services.com/utep, or at https://www.utep.edu/TitleIX/Filing-a-Complaint.html. Your decision to remain anonymous, however, may greatly limit the University’s ability to stop the alleged conduct, collect evidence, or take action against parties accused of violating the Policy.
