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 November 5 2 0 1 5 MONTANA NEVADA NORTHERN MARIANA Dr. Bruce Shepard OREGON PreSIdent WASHINGTON Western Washington University 516 High Street Bellingham, Washington 98225-5995 Re: Western Washington University OCR Reference No. 10152218 Dear Dr. Shepard: This letter is to notify you that the US. Department of Education, Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) has received a complaint against Western Washington University. The complaint alleges that the university discriminated against Nonrespons've (the student), on the basis of sex, when (1) it failed to provide the student with a prompt and equitable grievance process after she reported two incidents of sexual violence; (2) the university?s failure to provide a prompt and equitable response to the student?s reports subjected her to a hostile environment; and (3) university staff retaliated against the student after she reported two incidents of sexual violence by delaying responding to the student?s requests for updates and records. 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 ofEduca tion ?5 mission Is to promote studrmt achievement and pre are rim: {or global competitiveness by fostering educa from! excellence and ensuring equa access. gov Page 2 - OCR Reference No. 10152218 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. As OCR has a pending Title IX sexual violence investigation with the university, OCR Reference No. 10152129, OCR is not requesting policies as part of this data request. OCR is authorized to obtain information pursuant to 34 CF OCR is entitled to access information that may otherwise be protected as private or con?dential as provided by 34 CFR 99.3 and Please submit the following information by November 19, 2015: Page 3 - OCR Reference No. 10152218 4. Any other information the university believes would be helpful in resolving the allegations in this complaint. 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. 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. During the course of this investigation, we will conduct one or more mutually convenient on?site visits. 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) 607-1620, or by e-mail at caitlin.burks@ed.gov; or you may contact Amy Klosterman, attorney, at (206) 607-1622, or by e-mail at amy.klosterman@ed. gov. Sincerely, Nonresponsive Caitlin Burks Attorney 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 November 5 2 01 5 MONTANA NEVADA NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS OREGON WASHINGTON Nonresponsive Re: Western Washington University OCR Reference No. 101522 18 Nonresponsive De This is to notify you that the U.S. Department of Education, Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR) has completed its evaluation of the complaint you ?led against Western Washington University. 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 two incidents of sexual violence; (2) its failure to provide a prompt and equitable response to your reports subjected you to a hostile environment; and (3) university staff retaliated against you after you reported two incidents of sexual violence by delaying responding to your requests for updates and records. 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 U.S. 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 reflect 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 Resqution?); 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? 3 mission is to promote smdent achie vemenr and prepara tion for global competitiveness by fostering ed uca tional? excellence and ensuring equal access Page 2 - OCR Reference No. 10152218 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) 607-1620, or by e-mail at caitlin.burks@ed.gov; or you may contact Amy Klosterman, attorney, at (206) 607-1622, or by e-mail at amy.klosterman@ed.gov. Sincerely, Nonresponsive Caitlin Burks Attorney