Information for Complainants
A "Complainant" is either:
- a student or employee who is alleged to have been subjected to conduct that could constitute Prohibited Conduct under the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment or Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct, or
- a person other than a student or employee who is alleged to have been subjected to Prohibited Conduct who was participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity at the time of the Prohibited Conduct.
During the resolution process, whether it be Formal, Alternative, or Educational, in order for the University to investigate a complaint and/or enable a Respondent to fully respond to the allegations, most situations will require the Complainant’s participation and that the Complainant’s identity be disclosed to the Respondent.
Complainant Resources
Informational Resources
Reporting Help
- After reporting to the University, review the for a better understanding of the option available to you.
- Reporting Guidelines and Expectations
- Disability Grievance Procedure
Complainant Participation
When you make a report of discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, a review and assessment process begins. At any point, you may choose not to proceed with resolution options, and the University will typically respect that request. Note, under the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment, in order to proceed with a formal investigation, OCR must receive a Formal Complaint or the Title IX Coordinator must sign a Formal Complaint.
If a Complainant requests anonymity or does not want to proceed with an investigation, the University's ability to respond may be limited. The University will assess if the reported conduct creates a hostile environment for the Complainant or others, and in some cases, may proceed with an investigation, potentially disclosing the Complainant's identity. However, the Complainant will not be forced to participate.
Before, during, and after the initiation of an investigation, you have the right to receive supportive measures. are non-disciplinary, non-punitive individualized services offered as appropriate, as reasonably available, and without fee or charge. Supportive measures are designed to restore or preserve equal access to the University’s education programs or activities without unreasonably burdening the other partying, including measures designed to protect the safety of all parties or the University’s educational environment. To learn more about supportive measures, you may contact an OCR Case Manager at OCR@northwestern.edu.