Preventing Discrimination and Harassment

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

As part of the university’s comprehensive approach to eliminate discrimination and harassment, I write with an important message about the university’s protections against discrimination and harassment along with resources available to assist in the prevention, reporting, and investigation of discrimination and harassment including sexual violence.

The University of Puget Sound (“Puget Sound” or university) is a community that encourages a rich knowledge of self and others, an appreciation of commonality and difference, the full, open, and civil discussion of ideas, thoughtful moral discourse, and the integration of learning. The university values and celebrates a diverse learning, living, and working environment based on mutual respect, trust, and responsibility. Puget Sound is committed to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of all members of our community. As part of that commitment, all members of our community should expect and experience an environment free from discrimination and harassment.

In accordance with its Statement on Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination, Puget Sound does not discriminate within its employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, color, nation of origin, religion, creed, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, pregnancy or related conditions, veteran or military status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act, and applicable federal, state or local laws.

The university has adopted a Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and/or Sexual Misconduct which addresses discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct (including sexual assault or sexual violence, interpersonal [relationship] violence, sexual exploitation, and stalking), and retaliation. The university encourages any person who believes they have been subject to prohibited discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation to seek prompt assistance under the Policy.

As members of the campus community, we are all protected by this Policy and accountable for our conduct under the Policy as well. We must be committed to fostering a culture that prevents such acts from occurring, whether on our campus or in our communities.

As a reminder, all faculty and staff, including some student employees, are required to report any concerns of discrimination or harassment to Sandra Braedt, Title IX and Equal Opportunity Officer through the online form at www.pugetsound.edu/report.

Contact Information

Reporting and Investigation

• All faculty and staff, including some student employees, are required to report any concerns of discrimination or harassment to the university’s Title IX Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer. Reporting can be done in person, by phone, by email, or through the online form at www.pugetsound.edu/report. If there is an immediate danger, contact Security Services at 253.879.3311.
• Sandra Braedt is the university’s Title IX Coordinator and Equal Opportunity Officer. Her office is Wheelock Student Center #218, and she can be reached at 253.879.3793 or titleix-eoo@pugetsound.edu. Please visit the Title IX/Equal Opportunity website to file a report or to learn more about the university’s policy and resources. If there is an immediate danger, contact Security Services at 253.879.3311.
• Note: Security Services is required to report all information relevant to prohibited discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator/Equal Opportunity Officer.

Policy-Related Resources and Training

Resources

• Please review the university’s Policy Prohibiting Discrimination, Harassment, and/or Sexual Misconduct so that you can be fully aware of your rights and responsibilities. Information about the creation of this policy and additional responsibilities of staff and faculty can be found in the attached email which was distributed to the campus community before the beginning of the term. More information, including FAQs, is available on the Title IX and Equal Opportunity website.
• The Title IX and Equal Opportunity website includes the most up to date information for confidential/privileged resources on and off-campus, the link for filing a report with the Title IX/Equal Opportunity Office, and the policies and procedures which apply to conduct that occurred prior to August 1, 2024.

Training

• All students are expected to complete the prevention training modules titled “Sexual Violence Prevention for Students” and “Diversity Awareness” that have been assigned to all students through their MyPugetSound portal.
• All staff and faculty are required to complete the prevention training modules titled “2024 Title IX and Sexual Harassment Prevention training” and “Discrimination Awareness in the Workplace” before November 1, 2024.
• To access these modules, you will need to sign into your MyPugetSound portal (login.pugetsound.edu) and select the Compliance Training tile. If you have any questions about the module content, please contact Sandra Braedt at titleix-eoo@pugetsound.edu or 253.879.3793.

Additional Campus Support Resources

• The Center for Student Support has professional and student staff who can serve as confidential sexual assault advocates for students. Students can reach out to Eric Hetland, Director of Student Support, at ehetland@pugetsound.edu or Sonya Dauncey, Assistant Director of Student Support, at sdauncey@pugetsound.edu for more information.
  • Bystander Revolution Against Violence (BRAVe) creates programming and education on healthy relationships, consent, and sexual violence prevention. To stay up to date on events, please check out BRAVe’s Instagram (upsbrave) or website.
  • Peer Allies are confidential advocates for those who have experienced sexual violence that host office hours in Thomas 381. Hours have already begun and you can find the most up-to-date hours on the website.
• Counseling, Health & Wellness Services (CHWS) provides confidential services to students and can be reached at 253.879.1555 or chws@pugetsound.edu . Please visit the CHWS website to learn more.
• University Chaplain Dave Wright and Jewish Life Coordinator Geoff Fine serve as privileged resources for the campus community and can be reached at 253.879.3818 or chaplaincy@pugetsound.edu.
• The faculty ombudsperson can provide confidential assistance to faculty who have experienced discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct. Please visit their website or contact them at ombuds@pugetsound.edu for more information.
• Angela Hill can provide confidential assistance to staff who have experienced discrimination, harassment, and/or sexual misconduct and can be reached at ahill@pugetsound.edu
• Employee Assistance Program (for staff/faculty)
• The Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity can provide assistance to students, faculty and staff who have experienced discrimination and harassment. Contact them at vpdiversity@pugetsound.edu.

Thank you for everything that you do to help make the University of Puget Sound a place where every member of our community is valued, safe from harm, and treated with the utmost respect.

Sincerely,

Sandra Braedt, PHR, SHRM-CP | Title IX Coordinator/Equal Opportunity Officer