UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ALASKA AMERICAN SAMOA 915 2ND AVE, SUITE 3310 GUAM SEATTLE, WA 98174-1099 HAWAII IDAHO May 2 7 2 1 5 MONTANA NEVADA NORTHERN MARIANA Dr. Charles Staben . OREGON PreSIdent WASHINGTON University of Idaho PO. Box 443151 Moscow, Idaho 83844-3 151 Re: University of Idaho OCR Reference No. 10152058 Dear Dr. Staben: This is to notify you that the US. Department of Education, Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) has received a complaint ?led against the University of Idaho. The complaint alleges that the university discriminated against?(the student) on the basis of sex when (1) it failed to provide the student with a prompt and equitable grievance process after the student reported an incident of sexual violence; (2) the student was subjected to a hostile environment because of the university?s failure to provide a prompt and equitable response to the student?s report; and (3) the university retaliated against the student after she ?led a sexual assault complaint with the university. OCR enforces title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal ?nancial assistance from the US. Department of Education. The university is a recipient of federal ?nancial assistance from this Department and is, therefore, required to comply with Title IX. OCR has accepted this complaint because the allegations raise a possible violation of Title IX. acceptance of the allegations does not re?ect an opinion by OCR regarding the merits of the allegations or the university?s compliance status with respect to federal civil rights laws. Complaint allegations may be resolved in a variety of ways, including: 0 an OCR-facilitated resolution between the university and the complainant (?Early Complaint Resolution?); The Department of Educa lion ?5 mission is to promote student achievement and preparation {or global competitiveness by fostering educa tional excellence and ensuring equal access. gov Page 2 - OCR Reference No. 10152058 0 a voluntary written agreement in which the university agrees to take remedial actions that OCR determines fully resolve the allegation consistent with applicable legal standards; or 0 an investigation by OCR, resulting in ?ndings and a determination as to whether the university is in compliance with the applicable legal standards and, in the event noncompliance is found, a written agreement between OCR and the university in which the university commits to take speci?c steps to comply with applicable laws and regulations. It is responsibility to address the allegations in a fair and impartial manner consistent with the regulatory requirements and Case Processing Manual. Enclosed with this letter is additional information about OCR's case processing procedures. As part of its investigation, OCR is requesting information from the university. OCR is authorized to obtain information pursuant to 34 CFR As OCR is currently investigating the university for a similar complaint, OCR Reference No. 10132066, OCR is not requesting policies as part of this data request. OCR is entitled to access information that may otherwise be protected as private or con?dential as provided by 34 CF and Please submit the following information by June 10, 2015: Speci?c to this complaint Page 3 - OCR Reference No. 10152058 Page 4 - OCR Reference No. 10152058 9. Any other information that the university believes may assist OCR in resolving this complaint. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. In addition to the information requested above, OCR may need to request additional information and interview pertinent personnel. To the extent that any responsive documents or information are published on the university?s publicly-accessible website, the response may consist of the exact web address where the relevant information is located. To the extent that other documents or information are available in electronic format, please provide them electronically. In addition, to the extent possible, please refrain from using staples when submitting paper copies or documents to OCR. OCR is committed to resolving complaints as as possible. I will contact you or your designated representative soon to discuss the allegations and the complaint resolution process. If you have any questions, please contact me at (206) 607-1671 or by e-mail at samantha.wilson@ed.gov or Amy Klosterman, attorney, at (206) 607-1622 or by e-mail at amy.klosterman@ed.gov. Sincerelv Nonresponswe Samantha Wilson Equal Opportunity Specialist Enclosure UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION REGION OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS ALASKA AMERICAN SAMOA 915 2ND AVE, SUITE 3310 GUAM SEATTLE, WA 98174-1099 HAWAII IDAHO May 2 7 2 0 1 5 MONTANA NEVADA NORTHERN MARIANA Nonresponsive OREGON WASHINGTON Re: University of Idaho OCR Reference No. 10152058 Dear Nonresponsive This is to notify you that the US. Department of Education, Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) has completed its evaluation of the complaint you ?led against the University of Idaho. In the complaint, you allege that the university discriminated against you on the basis of sex when (1) it failed to provide you with a prompt and equitable grievance process after you reported an incident of sexual violence; (2) you were subjected to a hostile environment because of the university?s failure to provide a prompt and equitable response to your report; and (3) it retaliated against you for ?ling a sexual violence complaint with the university. OCR is responsible for enforcing title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal ?nancial assistance from the US. Department of Education. The university receives federal ?nancial assistance from the Department and is, therefore, required to comply with Title IX. OCR has accepted this complaint because the allegations raise a possible violation of Title IX. acceptance of the allegations does not re?ect an opinion by OCR regarding the merits of the allegations or the university?s compliance status with respect to federal civil rights laws. Complaint allegations may be resolved in a variety of ways, including: 0 an OCR-facilitated resolution between you and the university (?Early Complaint Resolution?); 0 a voluntary written agreement in which the university agrees to take remedial actions that OCR determines fully resolve the allegation consistent with applicable legal standards; or The Department of Education ?5 mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. gov Page 2 - OCR Reference No. 10152058 0 an investigation by OCR, resulting in ?ndings and a determination as to whether the university is in compliance with the applicable legal standards and, in the event noncompliance is found, a written agreement between OCR and the university in which the university commits to take speci?c steps to comply with applicable laws and regulations. It is responsibility to address the allegations in a fair and impartial manner consistent with the regulatory requirements and Case Processing Manual. OCR is committed to resolving complaints as as possible. OCR will be contacting the university to discuss the allegations. If you have any questions, please contact me at (206) 607-1671 or by e-mail at samantha.wilson@ed.gov, or Amy Klosterrnan, attorney, at (206) 607-1622 or by e-mail at amy.klosterman@ed. gov. Sincerely; Nonresponsive Samantha Wilson Equal Opportunity Specialist