Center for Civil Rights

Supporting Equity, Rights, and Justice at Western.

The Center for Civil Rights supports students, faculty, and staff by addressing discrimination, harassment, and bias. It also promotes restorative justice, ensures compliance with laws and university policies, and strengthens diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ+) efforts across campus.

University Resources

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Title IX

Western’s Title IX policies protect students, employees, and visitors from sexual discrimination and harassment. The university provides support for pregnant and parenting students and responds promptly to reports of sexual misconduct.

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Equal Opportunity Office

Western’s Equal Opportunity Office ensures fair treatment in the workplace and upholds policies that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

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Impartial and Confidential Ombuds Services

As part of Western’s Conflict Resolution Policy, found in Section 2.09 of the Handbook for Professional Personnel, faculty and staff may choose to engage with an Ombudsperson who can offer impartial and informal counsel for faculty and staff regarding workplace concerns, including issues of potentially unethical or illegal behavior.

The Ombudsperson holds information that is shared with them in confidence unless given permission by the employee, or in the event of risk of harm, or as required by law or policy.

To connect with an Ombudsperson, please contact Marita Whalen by email at mwhalen@western.edu, or by telephone at 970.943.3145.

An Ombudsperson can:

• Advocate for a fair process and just outcomes for all parties
• Listen, discuss issues and concerns, and answer questions
• Help identify a range of options to address concerns
• Explain Western’s policies and procedures
• Facilitate communication between people and mediate disputes to seek mutually satisfactory resolution of problems
• Identify trends or systemic problems to administrators with recommendations for institutional improvements

An Ombuds person may not:

• Advocate for any individual or entity
• Determine “guilt” or “innocence”
• Carry out disciplinary actions or make administrative decisions
• Receive official notice of claims or be responsible for filing an official Complaint or Grievance, except in the event of risk of harm, or as required by law or policy.
• Offer official legal or psychological advice
• Keep records on behalf of the institution

Restorative Justice Initiatives

The Center for Civil Rights collaborates with Student Affairs on initiatives inviting campus professionals to explore and implement restorative approaches in their work with students. For questions or ideas, contact the Equal Opportunity Officer.

 

Marita Whalen

Equal Opportunity Officer

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity

Contact Information

970.943.2456

deii@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Gunnison, CO 81230