Center for Civil Rights
The Center for Civil Rights provides holistic support and specialized services to students, faculty, and staff in the areas of discrimination, harassment, bias, and restorative justice. The Center ensures compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and university policies and increases the capacity for DEIJ+ work at Western.
Title IX
Western’s Title IX policies protect all members of the university community –including students, employees, and visitors –from sexual discrimination or harassment. Click the link below to learn more about how Western upholds Title IX by providing services for pregnant and parenting students and responding to reports of sexual misconduct.
Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action
Western abides by federal equal employment opportunity and affirmative action guidelines. Click the link below to learn more about how Western ensures that applicants and employees are treated equitably and are given a place to voice any employment concerns related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
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.
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
To connect with an Ombudsperson, please contact Marita Whalen by email at mwhalen@western.edu, or by telephone at 970.943.3145.
Restorative Justice Initiatives
The Center for Civil Rights works in collaboration with Student Affairs on initiatives that invite the campus professionals to explore and implement restorative approaches in their work with students.
- Academic Year 2023 – 2024 | Professional Development | The RJ Solution
- Academic Year 2024 – 2025 | Work Group | Student Conduct: Philosophy & Approach
For more information on Restorative Justice Initiatives at Western, please contact Marita Whalen by email at mwhalen@western.edu, or by telephone at 970.943.3145.
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