The University has an Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator responsible for investigating all complaints (harassment, sexual harassment, Title VI, age discrimination, disability discrimination, and employment discrimination based on gender). If you or someone you know believes he/she has been discriminated against, please contact the Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator.
The complaint procedures for the University of Tennessee at Martin are as follows:
- A signed, written Discrimination Complaint Form must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act.
- The Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator will investigate all complaints reported to that office. The complaint must include the name, address, and telephone number of the aggrieved victim (complainant); an explanation of the action or conduct complained of; and, the name of the accused or department responsible for the discriminatory action. The individual or department/unit in which the complaint is made will be notified of the complaint.
- The Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator or investigative committee appointed by the Chancellor will investigate the complaint, which may include the following:
- Interview the aggrieved person (complainant).
- Interview the accused individual or unit/department (respondent).
- Interview witnesses.
- Take statements from the complainant, respondent, and witnesses.
- Review documents provided by the complainant, respondent, witnesses, or the department.
- The Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator or investigative committee will make findings of fact and determine if those facts support a charge of discrimination.
Subsequently, the findings, along with a statement detailing the basis for them, will be submitted by the Equity and Diversity Officer /Title VI Coordinator to the Vice Chancellor responsible for overseeing the person or group against whom the original complaint was filed. The complainant and the accused will receive a copy of the findings. Finally, if the findings support the charge of discrimination, the Equity and Diversity Officer/Title VI Coordinator or investigative committee will consult with the appropriate Vice Chancellor or administrator to determine the appropriate response. The accused may appeal the decision in writing to the Chancellor within fifteen (15) days of the date of the decision.
Special Notice to Employees
The Offices of Equity and Diversity (OED) and Human Resources (HR) work closely together. Sometimes when a report is initially filed with one office, OED or HR, the issue(s) raised may have import for the other office. When this occurs, the office that receives the initial complaint will notify the complainant (the person who brings the matter forth) that part or the entirety of their complaint should be handled by the other office. In rare instances, complaints filed in one office, OED or HR, may have aspects of an issue that require both offices to pursue independent investigations around a common issue.