Policies Against Discrimination
To the extent provided by applicable law, no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by UT Southwestern on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or citizenship status. UT Southwestern policy also prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
To maintain an educational environment free from discrimination and to ensure UT Southwestern can promptly and appropriately respond, students are encouraged to promptly report complaints alleging discrimination and seek a resolution through use of UT Southwestern’s internal policies and procedures. Retaliation is strictly prohibited. Students will not be penalized in any way for bringing complaints of discrimination or for participating in an investigation. To the extent possible, and in accordance with applicable law and UT Southwestern policy, student discrimination complaints will be treated as confidential.
A student who feels discriminated against on the basis of sex, including sexual misconduct, harassment, or violence, should submit a complaint to the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator for handling in accordance with UT Southwestern’s sex discrimination policy and complaint resolution procedure. All UT Southwestern employees (except certain Confidential Employees as defined by policy) are required to report incidents of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking committed by or against a UT Southwestern employee or student to a Title IX Coordinator. More information about UT Southwestern’s Title IX Program, including reporting options, training and other resources, can be found at https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/about-us/title-ix/.
A student who feels discriminated against on a basis other than sex should first seek informal resolution of the issue through an appointment with the Dean of the applicable school (or designee). The resources of the Office of Student Diversity & Inclusion and the Office of Institutional Equity & Access also are available to assist students with concerns about discrimination.
If the student cannot resolve the issue informally, the student may submit a formal complaint to the Provost in writing within 10 calendar days. At the Provost’s discretion, the Provost may meet with the student to discuss the complaint. Within 10 calendar days after receiving a student’s formal complaint, the Provost may: 1) personally review the complaint and issue a decision; 2) appoint a designee or convene an ad hoc faculty committee to review the complaint and make recommendations to the Provost; or 3) refer the matter to the Office of Institutional Equity & Access or to a Title IX Coordinator for further investigation, as appropriate.
If the student is not satisfied with the Provost’s decision, the student may appeal in writing to the President within 10 calendar days. The appeal should specify the nature of the complaint, why the student believes the Provost’s decision should be changed, and the student’s requested resolution. The President will issue a written decision to the student within 30 calendar days. The President’s decision is final in all respects.
Complaints referred to the Office of Institutional Equity & Access or to a Title IX Coordinator will be handled in accordance with applicable institutional policies, including timetables and appeals.