UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Ramon OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS vigijfgi IOWA 500 WEST MADISON ST.. SUITE. I475 MINNESOTA CHICAGO. IL 60661-4544 NORTH DAKOTA WISCONSIN February 3, 2016 Dr. Robert Zimmer President University of Chicago 5801 S. Ellis Ave. Suite 501 Chicago, Illinois 60637 Re: OCR Docket 05-15-2506 Dear President Zimmer: This is to notify you that the US. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil Rights (OCR), has received and evaluated the above-referenced complaint ?led with OCR on gainst the University of Chicago (University) alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, and also alleging retaliation. We conducted the evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manual to determine whether to open the complaint for investigation. Speci?cally, the complaint asserts that the University?s practices, policies, and procedures do not meet its obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide prompt and equitable responses to reports of sexual violence. in addition, the complaint asserts that the University retaliated against Student A when it limited her access to campus administrators because she engaged in protected activity. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688, and its implementing regulation, 34 C.F.R. Part 106. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education pregram or activity operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. Title IX also prohibits retaliation. As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department, the University is subject to the provisions of Title IX. Accordingly, OCR has jurisdiction over this complaint. Because OCR has detemiined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led timely, it is opening the allegations for investigation. Please note that opening allegations fer investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact-?nder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. The Department of Education?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Page 2 OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally suf?cient and is diSpositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. In addition, when apprOpriate. a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation if the recipient expresses to OCR an interest in resolving the allegations and OCR determines that it is appropriate to resolve the allegations with an agreement during the course of the investigation. In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. Please read the enclosed document entitled Complaint Processing Procedures,? which includes information abOut: 0 Regulatory prohibitions against retaliation and intimidation of persons who ?le complaints with OCR or participate in an OCR investigation; and 0 Application of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act to OCR investigations. OCR intends to conduct a prompt investigation of this complaint. The regulation implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, at 34 CPR. 100.6(b) and requires that a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance make available to OCR information that may be pertinent to a compliance determination. Pursuant to 34 C.F.R. 100.6(0) and 34 CPR. of the regulation implementing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. 123 2g, OCR may review personally identi?able records without regard to considerations of privacy or con?dentiality. OCR notes that you previously provided information relevant to this case in connection with investigation of OCR Docket 05-1 342373. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. OCR may need to request additional information and interview pertinent personnel. If an on-site visit is necessary, we will work to schedule a mutually convenient time for the ViSit. Page 3 OCR is committed to prompt and effective service. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Alexander, Attorney, at 312-730-1597 or by email at Karen Mines Chief Attorney Enclosure CC: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION mm IOWA 500 WEST MADISON 8?12, SUITE 1475 l-llC AGO, lL 6066l-4544 NORTH WISCONSIN February 3, 2016 Non Responsive Re; OCR Docket 05-15-2506 Non Responsive Dear This is to notify you that the US. Department of Education (Department), Of?ce for Civil (?ghts) )9 has received and evaluated the above-referenced complaint ?led with OCR on I: A against the University of Chicago (University) alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, and also alleging retaliation. We conducted the evaluation in accordance with Case Processing Manual to determine whether to open the complaint for investigation. Speci?cally, the complaint asserts that the University?s practices, policies, and procedures do not meet its obligations under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 to provide prompt and equitable responses to reports of sexual violence. In addition, the complaint asserts that the University retaliated against Student A when it limited her access to campus administrators because she engaged in protected activity. OCR is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 U.S.C. 1681-1688, and its implementing regulation, 34 CPR. Part 106. Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis ot?sex in any education program or activity Operated by a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance. Title 1X also prohibits retaliation. As a recipient of Federal ?nancial assistance from the Department, the University is subject to the provisions of Title IX. Accordingly, OCR hasjurisdiction over this complaint. Because OCR has determined that it has jurisdiction and that the complaint was ?led timely, it is opening the allegations for investigation. Please note that opening allegations for investigation in no way implies that OCR has made a determination with regard to their merits. During the investigation, OCR is a neutral fact~finder, collecting and analyzing relevant evidence from the complainant, the recipient, and other sources, as appropriate. OCR will ensure that its investigation is legally suf?cient and is dispositive of the allegations, in accordance with the provisions of Article of the Case Processing Manual. The Department ofEducation?s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. ?a w.cd.g0v Page 2 In addition, when appropriate, a complaint may be resolved before the conclusion of an investigation if the recipient expresses to OCR an interest in resolving the allegations and OCR determines that it is appropriate to resolve the allegations with an agreement during the course of the investigation- In such cases, a resolution agreement signed by the recipient and submitted to OCR must be aligned with the complaint allegations or the information obtained during the investigation and it must be consistent with applicable regulations. Information about this is in the enclosure to this letter. Please read the enclosed document entitled Complaint Processing Procedures,? which includes information about: 0 Regulatory prohibitions against retaliation and intimidation of persons who tile compiaints with OCR or participate in an OCR investigation; and 0 Application of the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act to OCR investigations. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick Alexander, Attorney, at 312-730-1716 or by email at Since ely, Karen Mines Chief Attorney Enclosure