An announcement about the expansion of the Title IX Office to aid in the prevention of discrimination, harassment and retaliation at Occidental College.
Dear Oxy Community,
We are pleased to introduce you to Oxy’s new Civil Rights & Title IX Office. This expansion of the existing Title IX Office represents the College’s commitment to preventing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and to providing better resources, supportive measures, education, and resolution processes for the Oxy community.
The consolidated office will be overseen by Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator Alexandra Fulcher. It will be responsible for the implementation of Oxy’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) and Sexual and Interpersonal Misconduct policies and the College’s response to DHR reports based on sex, gender and all other legally protected characteristics, whether the parties involved are faculty, students or staff.
Instead of several offices sharing responsibility for DHR administration, this consolidated office will strengthen Oxy’s efforts to cultivate an inclusive learning community. Our goal is to encourage people to come forward and ensure a more consistent, equitable, and informed response to reports of discrimination.
New revisions to Oxy’s DHR Policy, which went into effect January 1, will help support the effectiveness of the Civil Rights & Title IX Office. Key improvements include:
- A streamlined reporting system to make filing complaints easier
- Centralized coordination of supportive and protective measures
- Clearer definitions of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
- Use of neutral, third-party experts to conduct investigations
- Incorporation of applicable union contracts
- Clarification of the College’s commitments to free speech and academic freedom
The new office is supported by an administrative coordinator, and a search is underway for a case and support manager (a new position) to help receive and review reports and connect individuals with resources.
We want to thank Oxy’s faculty and personnel in Equity & Justice, Student Affairs, and Human Resources for their critical role in supporting the institution of this new office. Please look for another email announcement with information about educational sessions for students, faculty, and staff to learn more about the Civil Rights & Title IX Office, the revised DHR Policy, and your role in keeping Oxy free from discrimination. Please also see a set of FAQs and the College’s Notice of Non-Discrimination.
The DHR Policy will be reviewed on an annual basis. We look forward to hearing your feedback so that Oxy can continue to improve its processes and lift up its diverse and multifaceted community.
Sincerely,
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President
Alexandra Fulcher, Civil Rights & Title IX Coordinator