UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
500 WEST MADISON ST., SUITE 1475
CHICAGO, IL 60661-4544

REGION V
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
MINNESOTA
NORTH DAKOTA
WISCONSIN

August 3, 2017
Theodore C. Stamatakos
Senior Associate General Counsel
Office of Legal Counsel
University of Chicago
Edward H. Levi Hall, Suite 619
5801 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
OCR Case No. 05-15-2437
Dear Mr. Stamatakos:
On March 30, 2015, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
received a complaint against the University of Chicago (University) alleging discrimination
on the basis of sex, in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 when the
University failed to provide a prompt and equitable response to XXXX. On February 3,
2016, OCR opened an investigation into the complaint because it raised an issue of whether
the University met its obligations under Title IX to determine whether a hostile environment
existed in its programs and activities.
OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX),
20 U.S.C. §§ 1681-1688, and its implementing regulation at 34 C.F.R. Part 106, which
prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in programs and activities operated by recipients
of Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (the Department). The
University receives funds from the Department and is subject to the Title IX and its
implementing regulation.
On July 21, 2017, OCR received a written request to withdraw the complaint.
Under Section 110(l) of OCR’s Case Processing Manual, OCR will administratively close an
investigation when the Complainant withdraws the complaint and there are no systemic
issues that warrant continuing the investigation. OCR has determined that there are no
systemic issues pending that were raised by the complaint allegation, and is, therefore,
administratively closing the complaint.
This letter sets forth OCR’s determination in an individual OCR case. This letter is not a
formal statement of OCR policy and should not be relied upon, cited, or construed as such.
OCR’s formal policy statements are approved by a duly authorized OCR official and made
available to the public.

The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness
by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
www.ed.gov

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The Complainant may have the right to file a private suit in federal court whether or not OCR
finds a violation.
Please be advised that the University may not harass, coerce, intimidate, retaliate, or
discriminate against any individual because he or she has filed a complaint or participated in
the complaint resolution process. If this happens, the individual may file another complaint
alleging such treatment.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, it may be necessary to release this document and
related correspondence and records upon request. In the event that OCR receives such a
request, we will seek to protect, to the extent provided by law, personally identifiable
information, which, if released, could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy.
If you have any questions about this letter or seek further information, you may contact
Michael O’Donnell of my staff at 312-730-1636 or michael.odonnell@ed.gov.

Sincerely,

Dawn R. Matthias
Team Leader