Reporting Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation and Sexual Misconduct

University Procedures

W&M has different procedures it uses to address reports and complaints of discrimination (including harassment or retaliation). Some procedures are used for specific types of complaints. For example, there is a dedicated procedure used for complaints about disability accommodation decisions. In most cases, the procedure used is decided based on the type of person reported, suspected, or alleged to have discriminated. Learn more about key aspects of each complaint process.  

• Reporting employee (faculty or staff) or third party discrimination: The Employee Discrimination Grievance/Complaint Procedure allows employees and students to report discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, committed by a W&M employee (faculty or staff member) or a third party. The procedure also can be used to complain of a policy or practice that an employee or student believes to be discriminatory. This procedure is administered by the university’s Office of Compliance & Equity. Complaints made be made in person or by email to [[report concern]].
• Reporting student discrimination: The Community Values and Restorative Practices and Student Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Grievance/Complaint Procedure are used to address complaints of policy violations by students, including violations of the Student Sexual Misconduct Policy and other forms of discrimination. Visit the Report Concerns or Violations website.  
• The Student ADA/Rehabilitation Act Grievance and Appeal Procedure (pdf) is for students to appeal disability request decisions made by Student Accessibility Services and also describes the process for making other disability-based discrimination complaints.
• The Employee Reasonable Accommodation Policy and Procedure includes a process for employees to appeal disability accommodation decisions.

Some specific complaint or appeal procedures, such as grade appeals processes, the procedure for appealing a denial of tenure, and the appeal procedure for Honor Code verdicts, include discrimination as one of the bases. 

Commonwealth of Virginia Procedures for State Employees

The Commonwealth Department of Human Resource Management offers a mediation program – a voluntary process for faculty and staff employees to have concerns and conflicts mediated by a neutral third party. HR's Employee Relations Office can provide information about the program and arrange for mediation. Mediation is conducted by a neutral third party -- not a W&M employee -- and without significant cost.

There are two grievance/complaint procedures administered by the Commonwealth, available to classified and operational employees and applicants for such positions:  The Office of Equal Employment Services of the Virginia Department of Human Resources Management investigates complaints of discrimination made by classified and operational employees and applicants for such positions. The Department of Human Resource Management handles grievances, which can include allegations that an adverse employment action was discriminatory. The university’s Office of Human Resources can provide information about these two state procedures.

Other External Processes and Resources

William & Mary encourages students and employees to use the internal procedures listed above, but individuals may also seek relief or information from federal agencies. The Office of Compliance & Equity has collected information about these agencies, available online.