ESCP Discrimination Grievance Procedures for Students


Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The faculty of the Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology are committed to fostering an inclusive, nondiscriminatory environment where students feel respected. As is true for the University as a whole, it is the policy of the ESCP department to provide equal opportunity for all enrolled students on the basis of merit without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Definitions (Consistent with University Policy)

A complaint is an informal claim of discriminatory treatment. A complaint may, but need not, constitute a grievance. 

A grievance is a written allegation of discrimination.

Sexual harassment is considered discrimination because of sex, and is unacceptable conduct. Sexual harassment is defined here as it is in the University’s policy on Sexual harassment:

  1. Unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual activity by a University employee in a position of power or authority to a University employee or a member of the student body, or

  2. Other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by a University employee or a member of the student body to a University employee or a member of the student body, when:

    1. Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used explicitly or implicitly as a condition for academic or employment decisions; or

    2. The purpose or effect of such conduct is to interfere unreasonably with the work or academic performance of the person being harassed; or

    3. The purpose or effect of such conduct to a reasonable person is, to create an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Non-Retaliation:

This policy also prohibits retaliation against any person who brings an accusation of discrimination or sexual harassment or who assists with the investigation or resolution of sexual harassment. Notwithstanding this provision, the University may discipline a student who has been determined to have brought an accusation of sexual harassment in bad faith.

Procedures:

  1. Students in the ESCP Department who have a complaint (i.e., an informal claim of discriminatory treatment) involving treatment in the program or the granting of assistantships are encouraged to make every reasonable effort to resolve the matter informally at the administrative level.  This entails discussing the matter with the ESCP Department Chairperson and if this is not successful, with the College of Education Dean.  Students may also seek the assistance of Noel English, the Director of MU Equity, at 573-882-9069, for assistance in this informal resolution process.

  2. If attempt to solve complaints through the Department Chairperson and COE Dean are not successful, or if students wish to file a grievance (i.e., a written allegation of discrimination) directly without first attempting to resolve them as complaints, students should use the MU Discrimination Grievance Procedure for Students.  These procedures require that grievances be in writing, be filed within 180 days of the event, and contain the following information:

    1. A clear concise statement of the grievance which includes the name of the person(s) against whom the grievance is made, the date(s) of the alleged discrimination and a statement describing the specific supporting evidence;

    2. A brief summary of the prior attempts to resolve the matter which includes the names of persons with whom the matter was discussed and the results of those previous discussions;

    3. A specific statement of the remedial action or relief sought.

  3. Students in the ESCP Department who believe they have been sexually harassed may seek redress, using the following options:

  1. Pursue informal resolution procedures through Noel English, the Director of MU Equity at 573-882-9069, EnglishNo@missouri.edu;

  2. Initiate a complaint or grievance using the MU Discrimination Grievance Procedure for Students. Complaints are handled as described in #1 above and grievances are handled as described in #2 above.

 

Grievances must be filed with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (110 Jesse Hall; 882-6776). The Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs is also available to provide you with copies of the University Policy and to assist you with understanding this policy, including your right to have an advisor participate at any stage of the grievance process.