Mandatory Reporting

Unit heads and others who serve in leadership roles in the University are responsible for nondiscrimination in their employment and academic environments. With the exceptions specified below, all employees at the University of Kansas are required to contact the Office of Civil RIghts & Title IX at 785-864-6414, civilrights@ku.edu, or using the online reporting form found at civilrights.ku.edu to report incidents of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, of which they know or have reason to believe may have occurred.

For example, if a student shares information about discrimination or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, with a faculty or staff member, the faculty or staff member must report the information to the Office of Civil RIghts & Title IX. The Director of the Office of Civil RIghts & Title IX may also initiate an investigation when appropriate and in the interests of the University to do so.

Exemptions from the reporting obligation outlined above are as follows:

1. Health care providers and pastoral and professional counselors who receive information about discrimination or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, while acting in their role as a health care provider or pastoral or professional counselor are not required to report such information to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX.
2. The CARE Coordinator, who is an employee designated to provide information about reporting options on a confidential basis.
3. The University Ombuds and Faculty Ombuds, who are employees designated to provide confidential assistance to persons seeking information about University policies and processes.
4. Faculty or Graduate Students who receive information about discrimination or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, while engaged in legitimate research practices towards publication or dissertation.
5. Information obtained in the course of administering a KU approved climate study.

Employees who are exempt from reporting to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX still have an obligation to exercise reasonable care to protect a foreseeable victim from danger and to make reports mandated by law. In addition, exempt employees shall encourage individuals to report discrimination or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, to the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX or the police.

Additionally, faculty, staff, and graduate students conducting research or climate surveys that may invite disclosure of discrimination or sexual harassment, including sexual violence, shall include a statement that such disclosure is exempt from mandatory reporting requirements.