Occidental College
Human Resources
1600 Campus Road
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Telephone: 323/259-2613

Questions:
hr@oxy.edu

It is the policy of the College to provide a work and academic environment free of unlawful harassment and retaliation. Unlawful harassment is defined as severe and/or persistent conduct in any form based on sex, race, color, age, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal laws, as well as all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation that creates hostile or intimidating environment that is likely to interfere significantly with an individual’s work or education, or affect adversely an individual’s living conditions.

The College will not tolerate any conduct that constitutes unlawful harassment. Complaints of harassment will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and appropriate action, including disciplinary measures, will be taken when warranted. Faculty, students, and staff, at all levels, are responsible for maintaining an appropriate environment for study and work. This includes taking appropriate corrective action to prevent and eliminate harassment. 

Instances of sexual harassment, intimidation or exploitation are handled in accordance with the College Sexual Harassment Policy.

Harassment of a student based on disability should be reported to:

Coordinator of Disability Services

ADA/504 Coordinator

Erica O'Neal Howard

Dean of Students Office

Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center 111

1600 Campus Road

Los Angeles, CA 90041

323.259.2849

If the complaint concerns the Coordinator of Disability Services, the complaint should be directed to:

Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Barbara Avery

Arthur G. Coons Administrative Center 111

1600 Campus Road

Los Angeles, CA 90041

323.259.2661

Any member of the Occidental community who believes he or she has been a witness to or a target of harassment is encouraged to notify the offender of the unwelcome behavior and is urged to report promptly the facts of the incident(s) to his or her own supervisor,  academic advisor or department chair. Delay in reporting may impede the College’s ability to take appropriate action. The supervisor, advisor or department chair, with guidance from Human Resources, may attempt to resolve the complaint in an informal manner.

In the event that such direct communication is either ineffective or impossible, the individual should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the appropriate individual listed below.  These individuals are available to members of the College community who seek information and guidance about the College's formal and informal mechanisms for resolving these complaints.  They will handle matters brought to their attention promptly with sensitivity and discretion. 

Staff        
Director of Human Resources
Richard Ledwin

Faculty      
Dean of the College
Jorge Gonzalez

Students   
Vice President for Student Affairs
Barbara Avery

Cases of sex discrimination, sexual orientation or gender harassment
Title IX Officer
Erica O'Neal Howard

The representatives designated for specific groups have certain expertise in dealing with issues related to their assigned groups.  However, for maximum flexibility and sensitivity, individuals may seek counsel from, or file complaints with, any of the representatives listed above. As an additional resource, students may seek confidential counseling from the Emmons Health and Counseling Center; faculty and staff may consult the LifeBalance Employee Assistance Program on a confidential basis.

In addition, an employee who believes he or she has been harassed has the right to file a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which have the authority to remedy violations. Students may file complaints with the federal Office of Civil Rights. Retaliation against any member of the Occidental community for making a good faith report of alleged harassment or for participating in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing conducted by the College, or by a state or federal agency is against college policy and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.