Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Information about filing a discrimination complaint

WCSU NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT

Western Connecticut State University (“WCSU” or University”) is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer, fully committed to the goal of providing equal opportunity and full participation in its educational programs, activities and employment without discrimination because of age, color, religious beliefs or association, gender/sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, race, sexual orientation, physical disability, including but not limited to blindness, learning disability or mental retardation, past or present history of mental disorder, or prior conviction of a crime, in accordance with state and federal laws. To that end, this statement of policy has been put forth to ensure that no qualified person be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the university.

To file a complaint of discrimination, or for inquiries concerning the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy Statement, related laws and regulations for Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, please contact either:

Jennifer Labate, J.D., Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/Title IX Coordinator

Scott A. Towers, Pride Center Coordinator/Deputy Title IX Coordinator

Old Main (Midtown Campus), Room 302, phone#: (203) 837-8444, TTY (203) 837-8284, or by email at ode@wcsu.edu.

 

Discrimination Complaint Forms

 

WCSU Discrimination Complaint Form (Online Form new as of 8.18.2022)

WCSU Title IX Complaint Form (Online Form new as of 8.18.2022)

WCSU Discrimination Withdrawal Form (PDF)

WCSU Waiver of Representation Form (PDF)

WCSU Discrimination Complaint Procedures (PDF) (rev. 5. 5. 2023)

 

Protection from Adverse Action

All individuals shall be free from all restraint, interference, coercion or reprisal on the part of their associates, supervisors and all others in making any complaint or appeal, in serving as a representative for a complaint, in appearing as a witness, or in seeking information. The above principles apply with equal force after a complaint has been resolved. Should these principles be violated, the facts shall be brought to the attention of the Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/Title IX Coordinator by the aggrieved party, his/her representative or any person affected. The Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/Title IX Coordinator shall bring all such situations to the attention of the President for confidential discussion, review, the potential for early proactive intervention and appropriate action.

Individuals are advised of their legal options to file complaints with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, and any other agencies, state, federal or local, that enforce laws concerning discrimination.

Confidential counseling is also available. For more information, please contact Jennifer Labate, J.D., Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Old Main (Midtown Campus), Room 302, telephone: (203) 837-8444, TTY (203) 837-8284, email: ode@wcsu.edu.

 

Report Sexual Harassment/Misconduct

Jennifer Labate, J.D., Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/Title IX Coordinator, is responsible for overseeing and monitoring (in conjunction with other university affiliates) all Title IX programming, resources and services related to sexual harassment and violence, investigating all Title IX claims and filed complaints.

Fred Cratty, Chief Human Resources Officer, is responsible for investigating and monitoring all (employee-related) Title IX filed complaints.

Please review the below linked documents and webpage(s) on the following applicable Title IX policies:

CSCU Sexual Misconduct Reporting, Supportive Services and Processes Policy (PDF)

WCSU Title IX Complaint Procedures (PDF)

United States Department of Education Overview of Title IX Changes (PDF web link) (effective 8.14.2020)

If you wish to discuss a known concern or file a sexual harassment complaint, you may contact Mr. Scott Towers, Deputy Title IX Coordinator, Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Old Main (Midtown Campus) Room 302., telephone: (203) 837-8444, TTY (203) 837-8284, email: ode@wcsu.edu.

 

University’s Interpersonal Violence Policy

Western Connecticut State University (“WCSU” or “University”) asserts that all students have the right to be free from interpersonal violence such as stalking, intimate partner violence, and sexual harassment or assault. To treat all violence with the utmost seriousness, all non-confidential WCSU employees (including faculty) are required to submit an Anonymous Report Form when aware of any interpersonal violence; although student information will remain secure, it may be shared with the appropriate WCSU officials. Confidential, on-campus locations not required to report include the Counseling Center, The Center for Empowerment and Education, and Health Services. More information is available at www.wcsu.edu/diversity/CaRRT

Additional links to resources on: