UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
so EEALE s11, sum 72m) .
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 Sile'cfizfit

 

APR 2 72015

(In reply, please refer to case no. 09~1 6-2128.)

Dear Mr.-

On March 24, 2016, the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR),
notified the University of Southern California (University) of OCR's investigation of your
complaint. Your complaint alleged that the University discriminated against you (the
Complainant) based on sex when it failed to prdvide you with a prompt and equitable
response to a sexual harassment/assault complaint filed against you and to a sexual
harassment/assault complaint you filed against a fellow student; and you were denied
counseling for sexual trauma at the Center for Women and Men.

in the course of the OCR investigation, we have become aware that your complaint is
asserting allegations on both individual and systemic bases. Specifically, your
complaint alleges that:

(1) the University failed to provide you a prompt and equitable response to a
sexual harassment complaint filed against you by a female student, and to the
sex harassment/assault complaints you filed against the same female student;

(2) the University fails to provide a prompt and equitable response to sexual
harassment/assault complaints; and

(3) the University denies counseling to men for sexual trauma at the Center for
Women and Men based on their sex.

With respect to the second allegation, OCR is already investigating this claim in OCR
docket number 09-13-2294, and this allegation will be also be considered in that
investigation. With respect to the third allegation, we find that it is a systemic allegation
appropriate for investigation under the laws enforced by OCR. We are simultaneously
notifying the University of the additional allegations.

OCR routinely advises recipients of Federal funds and public education entities that
Federal regulations prohibit intimidation. harassment or retaliation against those filing
complaints with OCR and those participating in the complaint resolution process,

The Department of Education's mission is to promote student achievement pmpaxmon tax global competitiveness
by rastenng educational excellence and ensuring equal access



{09-16-2128) Page 2

Complainants and participants who feel that such actions have occurred may file a
separate complaint with OCR.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, it may be necessary to release this document
and related records upon request. In the event that OCR receives such a request, it will
seek to protect, to the extent provided by law, personal information that, if released,
could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
Your cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Civil Rights
Attorney Laura Welp at laura.welp@ed.gov or 415-486-5577.
Sincerely,

~~'/Md
Team Leader