Important Updates to UW Civil Rights Resources for Students

Now that the autumn quarter is underway, we want to share important updates on the University of Washington's ongoing efforts to foster a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for all Huskies. These updates reflect our commitment and our responsibilities under federal civil rights laws, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, and the ADA, which prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and other protected characteristics.

We want to highlight three key changes: 1) a new resource office, 2) support for anyone with civil rights concerns, and 3) expanded reporting requirements for UW employees.

The University recently launched the Civil Rights Compliance Office (CRC), which serves as a central resource for preventing and responding to discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics, as well as sexual misconduct. Civil Rights Case Managers are available to assist students, staff, and faculty in understanding their options, accessing resources and resolution options, and navigating University processes.

You can reach a Civil Rights Case Manager via the Civil Rights & Title IX Reporting Form on the CRC website, by email at civilrights@uw.edu, or by phone at 206-221-7932. Anonymous reporting is also available. After a report is made, a Case Manager will offer support and actively work with individuals to identify options to address their concerns.

CRC can assist with a range of civil rights concerns, including:

• Discrimination or harassment based on protected characteristics, including age, citizenship, disability, national origin or shared ancestry, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, veteran status, and more.
• Sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, unwanted sexual contact, sexual exploitation, relationship violence, and stalking.
• Any retaliation in response to reporting discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct; requesting an accommodation; or participating in a process to resolve a report.

We also want to make you aware that as of July 23, 2025, many UW Employees have expanded requirements to share information with CRC when they become aware of potential prohibited conduct involving students. If a student prefers, an employee can make a report without including the impacted student’s name. Student employees should also be aware that supervisors must report incidents that occur in the workplace involving employees they supervise. In those cases, supervisors must include the names of the individuals involved.

Some UW employees, including healthcare providers, confidential advocate, and University ombuds, have been designated as confidential employees who are not required to report.

In early 2026, the University will launch a new online civil rights course for students, staff, and faculty. This course will help students recognize discrimination and harassment, understand available resources, and learn more about recent policy updates.

Every Husky deserves to feel safe, valued, and welcome. We are here to support you and wish you a great academic year.

If you have questions, please contact the Civil Rights Compliance Office at civilrights@uw.edu.