Who is protected from discrimination?
University of Rhode Island employees, vendors, and any individual participating in or benefiting from University of Rhode Island programs and activities. Individuals who work part-time, full-time, seasonally, or temporarily.

What is the scope and jurisdiction of the Office of Equal Opportunity?
The Office of Equal Opportunity leads and monitors the University of Rhode Island’s overall implementation of federal and state civil rights compliance, including planning, coordinating, and managing program activities, and providing direction to University leaders in complying with the provisions of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other related laws and regulations.

The Office of Equal Opportunity investigates complaints of discrimination or harassment in service delivery and employment on the basis of race, color, national origin (including language access), disability, religion, age, and protected veteran.

The Office of Equal Opportunity investigates complaints of discrimination and harassment in employment on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity or expression, and investigates some retaliation complaints.

Who should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity to file a discrimination or harassment complaint?
Faculty, staff, graduate assistants, research assistants, internal payroll employees, students identifying a faculty or staff as the Respondent, or individuals identifying the University of Rhode Island as the Respondent.

How do I begin the complaint-filing process?
The process begins when you contact the Office of Equal Opportunity about a potential civil rights violation. We will invite you to attend a consultation meeting where you will be able to provide a detailed account of the events. At this meeting, a determination will be made regarding whether your complaint is covered by the laws enforced by the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If your complaint is covered, the Office of Equal Opportunity will ask you to complete the incident report form.

Should I file a civil rights complaint without scheduling a consultation with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
Individuals interested in reporting discrimination or harassment may exercise their right to file a complaint at any time by submitting a completed incident report form to equalopportunity-group@uri.edu.

There are many benefits to scheduling a consultation prior to filing the complaint. The goal of consultation meetings is to educate the individuals about their rights and responsibilities, the scope and jurisdiction of the Office of Equal Opportunity, and the internal and external resources available to them, and to provide examples of direct and indirect evidence individuals may include with their complaint.

Is there are fee for filing a discrimination or harassment complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
No.

Do I need an attorney to file a discrimination or harassment complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
No.

Who will know I filed a complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
The Respondent, who is the individual named in your complaint, will be afforded due process and will be notified they have been charged with your complaint. The Respondent will receive an acknowledgment letter and redacted incident report form.

How much time will I have to file a complaint with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
To provide adequate opportunity for a prompt investigation that enables access to the most current evidence, the parties are encouraged to file complaints as soon as possible. All complaints must be filed within one (1) year after the last alleged discriminatory act. The University’s ability to respond to complaints filed beyond this time is limited.

However, complaints involving allegations of continuing unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may be thoroughly investigated, including occurrences beyond the one-year time frame, so long as the last act of alleged discrimination occurred within the prescribed filing deadline of one (1) year.

Does the Office of Equal Opportunity have a time limit to complete the investigation of my complaint?
The final investigative report will normally be issued to the parties within ninety (90) days after the complaint is filed. When more than ninety (90) days are needed to complete the investigation, the investigator shall notify the parties and proceed as expeditiously as possible.

Does the Office of Equal Opportunity offer mediation?
Yes. Mediation is offered to Complainants wishing to engage in the informal complaint process.

What will happen if the person I charged does not cooperate with the investigation?
The investigation will continue without their involvement or cooperation.

What if I change my mind after filing a complaint?
You may withdraw your complaint at any time. Depending on the allegations reported, withdrawal may be an option. In some cases, the University of Rhode Island may be obligated to investigate the matter reported.

What happens if the Office of Equal Opportunity does not find a violation of my rights as outlined in the Procedures for Policy on Nondiscrimination?
If no violation is found, the Office of Equal Opportunity will dismiss the complaint. Whenever possible, recommendations will be made to improve the service or work environment.

If the Office of Equal Opportunity finds that I have been subject to discrimination and harassment, what actions will be taken?
The Office of Equal Opportunity will make recommendations, which may include, but are not limited to, disciplinary action, termination, suspension, mandatory training, changes to the work or service environment, changes to current practices or policies, and reinstatement.

What should I do if I experience retaliation due to filing a complaint or meeting with a member of the Office of Equal Opportunity?
Filing a complaint or meeting with a member of the Office of Equal Opportunity to exercise your rights under the Civil Rights Act, or other applicable civil rights laws and regulations, is considered a protected activity.

Retaliation against any Complainant, Respondent, or witness is prohibited and shall be treated as a separate violation of the Policy on Nondiscrimination. Specifically, no officer, employee, or agent of the University shall retaliate, intimidate, threaten, coerce, or otherwise discriminate against any individual who files a complaint or participates in any investigation or proceeding brought according to this procedure.

There shall be no disciplinary action, retaliation, or reprisal for bringing a complaint in good faith. Individuals shall not, however, knowingly make false charges of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

Can I bring an advocate, attorney, or advisor to my meetings with the Office of Equal Opportunity?
All parties meeting with the Office of Equal Opportunity may be accompanied by an individual of their choice (who may be an attorney) for support and/or advice. This individual: may not address or question the investigator, other parties, or witnesses; may not present evidence or make arguments; and shall not have any role other than to accompany and communicate with the party requesting support.

I need a reasonable accommodation to file my complaint, what should I do?
To request a reasonable accommodation, email equalopportunity-group@uri.edu or call 401-874-2316. For TTY assistance, contact R.I. Relay Services at 711.