Discrimination & Harassment

The University of Connecticut is committed to creating and maintaining a campus environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

The Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights (OICR) works with the University community to promote a respectful, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment in all University programs, activities, and learning and working spaces. Incidents of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and retaliation should be directed to OICR.

How OICR Addresses Discrimination & Harassment:

  • Receives and responds to reports of discrimination and harassment.
  • Provides guidance on policies, procedures, and reporting options.
  • Conducts assessments and investigations when appropriate.
  • Coordinates supportive measures and corrective actions.
  • Helps maintain compliance with civil rights laws and University policies, including the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence.
  • Offers education, training, and resources on discrimination, harassment, and civil rights obligations.
  • Foster a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment.

Civil Rights Contact Form

Contact OICR’s Civil Rights Compliance team with questions, concerns, or reports related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, accessibility, Title IX, or any other civil rights matter. This form may also be used to fulfill employee reporting obligations under the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence.

OICR Civil Rights Contact Form

Other Civil Rights Compliance Areas:

Access the forms below to report a bias-related incident or fulfill University requirements regarding amorous relationship disclosures.

Bias Incident Report Form

A bias-related incident is an act that targets, intimidates, or threatens an individual or group based on a protected characteristic. This may include harassing or intimidating graffiti, images, or other conduct.

Bias Incident Report Form

Amorous Relationships Disclosure Form

“Amorous relationships” include intimate, sexual, or romantic relationships, whether casual or serious, short- or long-term. Faculty, staff, or graduate students involved in a relationship prohibited by the Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence must immediately disclose it to OICR.

Amorous Relationships Disclosure Form

Relevant Policies

Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence

Policy Purpose: The University’s Policy brings all rules related to discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation, and inappropriate relationships into one document, making it easier for students, faculty, and staff across all campuses to understand their rights, responsibilities, and reporting options. The Policy is designed to promote a safe, respectful learning and working environment and identifies the offices responsible for addressing these concerns.

Policy Link: Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence

Policy Owner: Office for Inclusion and Civil Rights

Related Documents:

Related Policies:

Non-Retaliation Policy

Policy Purpose: UConn is committed to protecting members of the University community from retaliation. The University encourages individuals to report suspected violations of university policies or laws and ensures they can do so without fear of retaliation.

Policy Link: Non-Retaliation Policy

Policy Owner: Office of the President

Related Documents:

Related Policies:

Visit OICR’s Policies and Procedures page for additional policies and guidance.

 U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

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, trainings, wages, or any other terms, privileges or conditions of employment.

Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CCHRO)

The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CCHRO) enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit transactions.  The mission of the CCHRO 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.

U.S Department of Labor

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.

OICR also assists with developing and implementing the University’s non-discrimination and affirmative action policies, procedures, and programs and offer information, consultation, and training to the University community on these areas of focus. The Affirmative Action Plans for Employment for both the Storrs/Regional and UConn Health campuses are available in archived form at the University’s Affirmative Action Plan for Employment (https://equity.uconn.edu/aaeeoatuconn/plan-for-employment/) and can be provided in other formats upon request to OICR.  Information concerning complaint procedures and data is available in the Discrimination Complaint Process section of the plans.