Dear Carolina Community,
The University has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) that resolves a complaint filed in April following the “Conflict over Gaza: People, Politics and Possibilities” conference.
As part of that agreement, I reaffirm the University’s commitment to creating a place where every member of our community feels safe and respected and can thrive in an environment free from anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination and harassment.
To that end, University policies exist to help support an inclusive and welcoming campus. Simply put, the University does not tolerate acts of prohibited harassment based on age, color, disability, gender, gender expression or identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or genetic information by University students, faculty, staff, and/or third parties in the University environment, including all academic, extracurricular, and University-sponsored programs or activities. We’re counting on every member of the community to uphold these policies to ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn, work and thrive at the University.
We encourage any community member who believes they have been subjected to prohibited harassment to report it to the University. Additional information is also provided about confidential resources such as Campus Health Services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), the Employee Assistance Program, the University’s Gender Violence Services Coordinators, and the University Ombuds Office.
Please visit the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office website to review the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy Statement and learn more about relevant policies and procedures. You can also find more information about the variety of trainings the campus offers relating to discrimination and harassment, including trainings that are mandatory for all students, faculty, and staff. This website includes contact information for available reporting options such as the University’s Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office, Title IX Compliance Coordinator, and UNC Police.
Also, as part of the OCR agreement, we will review our policy training module and hold a listening session next semester so that students, faculty and staff can discuss with administrators any concerns about harassment. We will offer another session during the 2020-2021 academic year as part of our long-term commitment to addressing these issues. We will share updates with you when they are available.
We all have a role in creating a welcoming and safe environment at Carolina. Your help in this effort will make us an even stronger community.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Interim Chancellor