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 July 21, 2017 Dr. Robert J. Jones, Jr. Chancellor University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign 300 Swanlund Administration Building 601 E. John Street M/C 304 Champaign, IL 61820-5711 Re: OCR Case No. 05-16-2306 Dear Dr. Jones: On July 12, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education (Department), Office for Civil Rights (OCR) received a complaint against the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign (University). The complaint alleged that the University discriminated against XXX on the basis of sex XXX when the University failed to promptly and equitably respond to XXX, thereby fostering a sexually hostile environment. 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 May 26, 2017, OCR received a written request XXX to withdraw the above-referenced complaint against the University. 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. 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 Page 2 OCR’s formal policy statements are approved by a duly authorized OCR official and made available to the public. 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 Melissa Katt of my staff at 312-730-1617 or melissa.katt@ed.gov. Sincerely, Dawn R. Matthias Team Leader