Occidental College is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Oxy community.
Dear Oxy Community,
Occidental College is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the Oxy community. We wish to provide a reminder that College policies prohibit antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and other forms of harassment based on religious, ethnic, and/or ancestral characteristics. We strongly encourage community members to report these types of incidents and seek support from the Civil Rights & Title IX Office or the College’s Bias Education and Support Team (BEST).
CIVIL RIGHTS & TITLE IX OFFICE
College policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, whether it is based on an individual’s religion, shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, national origin, or some combination of these protected characteristics. All members of the Oxy community are entitled to be free from discrimination, and to have equal access to College programs.
We ask you to help protect against discrimination and harassment by reporting possible violations of the Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy to the Civil Rights & Title IX Office. Office personnel provide education, training, support, and resources, and can also guide you through resolution options. Frequently asked questions about the College’s Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Policy are available here.
BEST is an educational, voluntary, and non-punitive approach to addressing reported bias incidents among students. At Oxy, a “bias incident” is defined as a behavior, whether intentional or unintentional, that constitutes hostility against a person or group because of their real or perceived identity. While the Civil Rights & Title IX Office oversees resolution of policy violations, BEST’s mission is to promote dialogue and understanding of impact. BEST members provide support to students who have experienced bias, and growth opportunities for community members. Additional information about BEST’s approach can be found here.
BEST also reviews bias reports for trends that may inform educational programs and services and works to interrupt problematic behaviors that can undermine other students’ sense of belonging at the College. Please complete the BEST Incident Report Form if you have witnessed or experienced a potential bias-related incident.
CONFIDENTIAL RESOURCES
If you’re not sure that you’re ready to talk to BEST or the Civil Rights & Title IX Office, please consider contacting a confidential resource. Find a list of confidential on-campus resources here. Confidential resources will not reveal what you tell them to anyone without your consent. They also can provide you with support and link you to services.
Sincerely,
The Civil Rights & Title IX Office
The Bias Education and Support Team