The Office of Discrimination and Harassment opened its doors this fall to support a discrimination-free campus environment through a new policy.

The office administers the new Discrimination and Harassment Policy, which provides a definition of discrimination and harassment, prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status and sets procedures for when a violation occurs.

"I think this policy helps demonstrate the university's commitment to creating a respectful and productive working and learning environment its faculty, staff and students," said Candice Bowen, director of the ODH.

Previously the Department of Equal Opportunity enforced the discrimination policy, which did not provide for an investigative process. The new office also enforces the Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedures and the Policy on Conflict of Interest in Cases of Amorous Relationships, which allows all investigative duties to be conducted under one department.

The Office of Judicial Affairs also enforces the new policy in cases where the alleged harasser is a student. According to Jamal Ward, Judicial Affairs director, sanctions on a guilty student can range from a warning to the Restorative Justice Program to expulsion, depending on the case.

In the 2004-2005 academic year, 100 allegations of sexual harassment were made on the CU-Boulder campus. Of these, 74 were reported by witnesses of the incidents. In 52 cases, the outcome was an informal resolution.

In addition to investigating reports of harassment, the office provides required training to all university employees, including staff and managers, faculty members and student employees.

For more information on the Office of Discrimination and Harassment visit their web site. For more information on the Office of Judicial Affairs visit their web site. To report incidents of discrimination or harassment call (303) 492-2127.