The Equal Opportunity & Discrimination Prevention (EODP) Office is responsible for ensuring the University provides an environment for faculty and staff that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of protected categories including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age religion, and veteran status. 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.
The EODP Office responds to concerns from faculty and staff 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 EODP Office is an office of record and, as such, cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. While a 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 the 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 EODP Office to initiate this process.
Reporting a Complaint
If you believe you may be experiencing discrimination in employment and/or in access to education, you may file a report at https://uctitleix.i-sight.com/portal.
Potential Responses
The EODP Office offers a variety of responses to a report including, but not limited to:
- Investigation (formal & informal)
- Education/Training
- Referral to mediation, counseling or other appropriate campus resource
Potential Resolutions
As a result of the EODP Office’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
University policy also prohibits retaliation against any employee or applicant who reports a complaint of discrimination or harassment, or who participates in any manner in an investigation or resolution of a complaint.