UC enters voluntary agreement with the Department of Education

In entering this agreement with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, it’s important to note that OCR has not issued any specific findings of non-compliance nor of any wrongdoing on the part of the university related to Title VI and federal requirements around conduct that creates a hostile environment based on race, color or national origin (including shared ancestry).

As such, UC – like counterparts nationally – signed the voluntary resolution agreement in order to proactively enhance ongoing efforts to prevent discrimination and harassment. This includes reviewing our policies and procedures pertaining to all reports of discrimination and harassment and to further assessing the potential cumulative impact of specific incidents on overall campus climate. The university will also review past reports, continue to conduct training, campus messaging and climate surveys that relate to Title VI as well as continue coordination with OCR.

Bleuzette Marshall, vice president for equity, inclusion and community impact, affirmed, “The university is fortunate to have a large student population with diverse experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.  Productive and civil exchanges are essential to the academic environment.  Harassment is not. We all must work together to maintain an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.”

She added, “I want to thank my colleagues across campus who have worked tirelessly to support our university community. It’s our job to respond in good faith when allegations of harassment arise, and we have done so. However, there is always room for improvement to ensure that all members of our community feel safe and supported in seeking access and opportunity. This resolution presents an opportunity for us to build on our strengths in addressing any conduct that compromises the sense of belonging we strive to maintain.”

Today’s voluntary resolution agreement came as a result of an initial 2023 anonymous complaint to the agency alleging a defaced door of an off-campus Jewish fraternity house and allegations of verbal harassment of Jewish students. An OCR investigation was opened, one of more than 100 such Title VI investigations the agency has been making involving educational institutions nationally.

Upon learning of this complaint via OCR, the university investigated but could find no reports of defacement of a Jewish fraternity’s door nor any complaints of verbal harassment of Jewish students that the university had failed to address.

In follow up to this initial anonymous complaint, UC self-reported other Title VI-related allegations and reports made directly to the institution between October 2023 thru mid-summer 2024.

In all cases of these reported incidents, the university took steps to investigate and respond to each report of alleged discrimination and harassment, offering a variety of supportive measures to the campus community. Moreover, UC has consistently provided programming to students, faculty and staff on how to navigate challenging issues; actively encouraged productive conversations and offered to mediate discussions; shared resources on how faculty can identify students in need; and offered consultations on responding to and providing accommodations / resources to students.

In addition, the university has conducted multiple campus climate surveys, including the Community Experience Survey, to identify demographic-specific and broader campus climate concerns; engaged in discussions and collaborations with on- and off-campus partners to enhance the campus environment; held roundtable and town hall discussions with students to get a better understanding of the campus environment and what was needed to address student needs; and met with student organizations potentially engaged with current events.

This active outreach to individuals and communities who have reported concerns has been conducted in tandem with increases in police and security patrols as well as broad messaging denouncing hate, racism and prejudice, be it antisemitic or Islamophobic, while also respecting free expression.

UC’s Marshall continued, “We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive, respectful and supportive environment for all. The actions of a few will not undermine our efforts to build an inclusive and respectful community.”

She concluded, “Going forward, we invite members of our university community and university partners to join us in leading with courage and compassion, treating everyone with dignity and respect, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone with whom we connect.”  

Reports may be made to the Office of Equal Opportunity.

A report may be submitted anonymously via EthicsPoint:

EthicsPoint Anonymous Reporting Hotline
(800) 889-1547 or (800) 889-1547
Electronic Submission Form

Reports concerning safety concerns should be immediately reported to law enforcement. Reports may be made simultaneously to law enforcement and the non-criminal reporting options listed above:

University of Cincinnati Police Division (UCPD)
Three Edwards Center
51 West Corry Blvd.
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0215
Phone: (513) 556-1111
Dial 911 for Emergencies

The University prohibits retaliation against an individual for reporting in good faith complaints of alleged violations of University policies.  

• Policy on Harassment
• Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy
• Sex- and/or Gender-Based Misconduct Policy
• Discriminatory Harassment
• Student Code of Conduct
• CAMPUS Act Policy

Resources are available to provide support to those affected by these incidents.

• UCPD Victim Services: The Crime Victim Services Coordinator, is responsible for ensuring the rights of crime victims and witnesses by providing guidance and support as they navigate the criminal justice system and helping them access available resources provided by the university and Greater Cincinnati community.

Jennifer Rowe, Crime Victim Services Coordinator
(513)556-4905, jennifer.rowe@uc.edu

• Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): Students who would like to speak with a counselor may contact CAPS.

During Office Hours: (513)556-0648
Crisis Support or After-Hours Care: (513)556-0648 and follow the prompts to be connected to care

• Dean of Students Office: The Dean of Students team offers a variety of services and resources to support your safety, well-being, and success.  The team provides timely support through a variety of programs, including crisis management, conflict resolution, and emergency response.

Steger Student Life Center, Suite 630, open M-F, 8am-5pm
For support anytime, 513-556-4119 or deanofstudents@uc.edu

• Employee Resources: Faculty and staff can access mental health sessions, support and resources as part of their employment benefits. Details are on Bearcats Landing (UC login required).·