Discrimination
The Office of Equal Opportunity & Sexual Harassment / Title IX Compliance (OEOSH/TC) is responsible for ensuring the University provides an environment for faculty, staff and students that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of categories including race, color, national origin, gender, age and sexual orientation/identity. UC Santa Barbara prohibits discrimination of any person on the basis of their protected class status who is employed by or seeking employment with the University or in the state of admission or access to University programs and activities.
The OEOSH/TC responds to concerns from faculty, staff and students regarding behaviors that may constitute discrimination as covered by University policies. We offer customized training related to discrimination, equity and potential impact of discrimination upon academic and employment environments in conjunction with the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Diversity, Equity and Academic Policy.
Confidentiality
The OEOSH/TC is an office of record and, as such, cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. While the complainant’s wishes regarding confidentiality will be considered, they must be balanced against the University’s responsibility to respond to reports of potential discrimination and the rights of the accused to be informed of the allegations against them, including their source. The University will limit disclosures to what is reasonably necessary to conduct a fair investigation and determine appropriate disciplinary recommendations. All participants in an investigation will be advised that they are obliged to maintain confidentiality as well.
If you are unsure as to how to proceed and want to review a detailed inquiry relating to a concern about discrimination while maintaining complete confidentiality, you can consult the UC Santa Barbara Office of the Ombuds, which will hold the confidentiality of the discussion to the fullest extent permitted by law, even if the respondent and associated behavior is identified. Reporting potential incidents of discrimination to the Office of Ombuds does not put the University on notice and will not trigger a legal obligation to investigate. Anyone who wants to “put the University on notice” should contact the OEOSH/TC to initiate this process.
Reporting a Complaint
If you believe you may be experiencing discrimination in employment or an academic environment, there are multiple resources on campus available to receive your complaint. UC Santa Barbara has designated trained individuals who work in coordination with the OEOSH/TC to serve as additional resources for members of the campus community who have questions or concerns regarding behavior that may constitute discrimination. A full listing of these resources is available on the right side navigation.
University policy does not require that persons who believe they have been victims of discrimination file a formal complaint.
Potential Responses
The OEOSH/TC offers a variety of resolutions including, but not limited to:
- Referral to mediation, counseling or other appropriate campus resource
- Education/Training
- Investigation (formal & informal)
Potential Resolutions
As a result of the OEOSH/TC’s involvement, the following recommendations may be made:
- Remedies for the Complainant
- Education/Training
- Policy updates, clarification and/or distribution
- Reassignments
- Disciplinary Action
Protection from Retaliation
The University also prohibits retaliation against any employee or applicant who reports a complaint of discrimination or harassment or participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint.
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