We understand it can be difficult to come forward and report discrimination, harassment, or any other conduct prohibited by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy or the Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy. This page explains how OPHD handles all reports with discretion and respect for privacy and outlines protections against retaliation.
Confidentiality
The University protects personally identifiable information in accordance with all applicable state and federal privacy laws, and University policies. If OPHD is responding to a report, we will carefully balance the privacy interests of those involved against the need to gather information, ensure a fair process, and stop, prevent, and remedy the alleged conduct. Depending on the action OPHD takes, some information may be shared either with other offices, on a need-to-know basis, or, if there is a resolution process, with the other party. We can answer questions you may have about confidentiality and privacy.
Anonymous Reporting
Anyone can file a report anonymously—without identifying themselves—with OPHD. All reports, whether anonymous or not, are handled with discretion and care. However, if we do not know your identity, we cannot offer resources or support, and it is less common for us to initiate a formal resolution process without an identified complainant. In addition, anonymous reports limit our ability to clarify details or ask follow-up questions necessary to move the process forward.
Retaliation
The University prohibits retaliation against individuals who file complaints or participate in the complaint resolution process.
Retaliation is an adverse action against a person based on their report or other disclosure of discrimination or harassment (or any other violation of the Policy) or their participation in campus resolution processes.
An adverse action is conduct that would discourage a reasonable person from reporting or participating in a resolution process, such as threats, intimidation, harassment and coercion. This prohibition also protects witnesses and others who participate in a resolution process.
Retaliation will be treated as a separate violation under the relevant policy, and any student or employee who engages in retaliation may be subject to discipline. OPHD will investigate retaliation claims and report the findings to the appropriate office for review and action.
If you feel that you have been retaliated against for filing a complaint or participating in an OPHD resolution process, please contact OPHD at ophd@ucmerced.edu or 209-413-4652 or Submit a Report.
