Reports of protected status discrimination and harassment are received, reviewed, and responded to by COCR staff. Whenever possible, COCR will center the wishes and experience of the impacted party, but must balance those with the need to create a learning and working environment free of harassment and discrimination. The full response to such reports is detailed in the procedures, but a simplified version is also available in the drop downs below. For any questions related to report response, please reach out to COCR at civilrights@cornell.edu.
- If a report alleges conduct that is criminal in nature, COCR staff is required to provide de-identified data regarding the report as part of the University’s Clery reporting requirements.
Upon receipt of a report of an alleged Policy 6.4 violation, COCR will promptly review the report to determine if the alleged conduct falls under Policy 6.4.
- If the reported incident is not within the scope of Policy 6.4, COCR will refer to the appropriate office for response.
- COCR will communicate with the impacted party to advise on which office will be responding, and to provide information regarding supportive resources.
If the reported incident falls within the scope of Policy 6.4, COCR will:
- Communicate with the impacted party to provide supportive resources and interim measures.
- Request to schedule a meeting with the impacted party.
- Engage in any step required to end any harassment, eliminate any hostile environment and its effects, and prevent the harassment from recurring.
If the reported incident constitutes an alleged Policy 6.4 violation, there are several options for resolution.
- At the issuance of a Formal Complaint, signed by the Complainant, COCR will notify the Complainant and the Respondent, in writing, of the commencement of an investigation and provide both parties with a copy of the Formal Complaint.
- After issuance of a Formal Complaint, COCR will conduct an investigation.
- Upon conclusion of the investigation, COCR will issue a report that reaches findings and may make recommendations.
- Determinations based on COCR findings can be appealed through the appropriate processes.
- At the issuance of a Formal Complaint, signed by the University, COCR will notify the Respondent, in writing, of the commencement of an investigation and provide the Respondent with a copy of the Formal Complaint.
- After issuance of a Formal Complaint, COCR will conduct an investigation.
- Upon conclusion of the investigation, COCR will issue a report that reaches findings and may make recommendations.
- Determinations based on COCR findings can be appealed through the appropriate processes.
In recognition that a wide spectrum of conduct can constitute Prohibited Conduct under Policy 6.4, COCR may resolve reports informally, as appropriate based on the circumstances. Informal resolution can involve mediation, education and training, and informal investigation, as appropriate.
