Complaints/Grievances
& Resolution Options
for
Prohibited Discrimination (For Students)
The following information describes grievance and complaint options for PSU students who feel they have been discriminated against.
What is Prohibited Discrimination?
Prohibited discrimination** is an act or policy that unreasonably differentiates among persons on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (includes gender discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation or veteran status.
**Not sure whether your situation involves prohibited discrimination? Drop in or call the Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Office to make an appointment for consultation.
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION & EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OFFICE: 122 CH, (503) 725-4417
The Affirmative Action & Equal Opportunity Office (AFM/EO) encourages students to come in for consultation about any discrimination complaint. Staff will explain the options open to the student, and if the student decides to make a complaint, the office will work with the student to resolve the problem or issue to the student's satisfaction. (TTY: 725-6503)
Informal Resolution of Complaints
All complaints go through the same investigative procedure; however, an issue or complaint about prohibited discrimination can often be settled without formal complaint proceedings if the parties are able to reach a mutual agreement. The AFM/EO Office will initially attempt to resolve any complaints informally.
Formal Resolution of Complaints
All complaints go through the same investigative procedure; however, if informal resolution has failed, or if a student feels strongly that informal settlement is not sufficient to remedy the problem, the student can make a formal complaint. In this case, the AFM/EO Office will determine whether or not, and if so to what extent, the rules/laws regarding discrimination have been violated, and issue a finding and recommendations. If the accused party is another PSU student, the finding and recommendation will be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs for possible sanctions under the Student Conduct Code.
Confidentiality & Protection From Retaliation
Confidentiality will be strictly preserved to the extent possible, and the student making the complaint will be protected from any retaliation.
OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS: 433 SMSU, (503) 725-4422
The Office of Student Affairs offers several processes for the resolution of complaints. It also provides information, counseling, referrals and formal investigation as provided for under the Student Conduct Code. If a student files a Student Conduct complaint against another student involving prohibited discrimination, the complaint will be forwarded to the Affirmative Action/EO Office for investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs for disciplinary action, if necessary, according to the provisions of the Student Conduct Code.
Other Campus Programs/Resources:
Campus Public Safety Office: 1939 SW Broadway, (503) 725-4404: For immediate assistance or protection (if a student fears imminent harm, or has been physically attacked.)
Campus Ombuds Office: 169 Cramer Hall, (503) 725-5901: Confidential, informal and safe office that offers options for problem resolution.
Center for Student Health & Counseling: 1880 SW 6th Ave., (University Center Building, Suite 200), (503) 725-2800: Provides counseling and referrals for students. Students who have been harassed or discriminated against sometimes need help to cope with their feelings.
For Informal Help or Consultation:
Sexual Harassment Resource Network:
A network of volunteers trained to listen and provide support, information and referrals on sexual harassment issues. (Look for fliers listing members.)
Safe Space Network:
A network of volunteers trained to listen and provide support, information and referrals on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues.
Interpersonal Violence Resource Network:
A network of volunteers trained to listen and provide support, information and referrals for victims of interpersonal violence. (Look for fliers listing members.)
External Resource:
The U.S. Department of Education provides information and formal investigation of student discrimination complaints as they relate to education: U.S. Department of Education, Region X; Office of Civil Rights; Jackson Federal Building; 915 Second Avenue, Room 3310; Seattle, WA 98174-1099, tel. (206) 220-7880.
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