Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment

Portland State University strives for a culture and climate in which all members — faculty, staff, students — can be successful. At times, something may happen, or behavior occurs that may be discrimination or harassment. Filing a complaint allows for a thorough and impartial review.

Complaints against Faculty and Staff

Students, employees, applicants, volunteers and visitors may contact Equity and Compliance if they have concerns of discrimination, harassment, including sexual harassment, failure to accommodate a disability, or a violation of the consensual relationship policy against employees (faculty and staff). 

Investigative Process

After filing a complaint, an Equity & Compliance team member will schedule a time to meet to review your concern and determine potential resolutions, including a formal investigation. Once it is determined that a formal investigation should occur, the Equity & Compliance team conducts a prompt and thorough investigation involving allegations of discrimination and harassment. The Investigative Flow Chart for Complaints Against Faculty and Staff provides an overview of the investigative process for prohibited discrimination and harassment complaints. Additional resources can be found here.

Employee Reporting Obligations

As required by Section 2.1 of PSU’s Prohibited Discrimination and Harassment Policy, any Dean, Chair of a department, supervisor, manager, faculty member, instructor, residence assistant, or any other employee with the title of "Director" or higher who becomes aware of an incident that may constitute discrimination or discriminatory harassment, is required to promptly notify the Office of Equity & Compliance or the Office of the Dean of Student Life.

If you need assistance or an accommodation to complete the online form, please contact Equity & Compliance via email at oeac@pdx.edu.

Complaints Against Students or CARE Referrals

The Office of the Dean of Student Life administers the University’s Student Code of Conduct, which describes and provides a process for addressing inappropriate student behavior, including discrimination and harassment. Complaints regarding a student’s conduct may be reported to the Office of the Dean of Student Life by completing and submitting a Student Conduct Complaint Form.