Reports of discrimination based on national origin and race decline

Annual reports are part of the University of Missouri’s commitment to transparency and institutional accountability

February 13th, 2019

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly released annual reports from the University of Missouri Office for Civil Rights & Title IX show reports to the office declined slightly over the past academic year, with the biggest drops in reports of discrimination based on national origin and race.

MU launched the Office for Civil Rights & Title IX four years ago in an effort to centralize investigations and reports of discrimination as well as outreach efforts. The staff includes investigators and educators.

“Tracking our data allows us to monitor the campus climate over time and to continue identifying opportunities for further training, education and ongoing efforts to help prevent discrimination and remediate its impact on our campus community,” said Andy Hayes, assistant vice chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX. “Furthermore, we are one of the very few universities that releases reports as detailed as these. We do this in the interest of transparency, as well as individual and institutional accountability.”

In total, 942 alleged policy violations were reported to the office in 2017-18, compared to 981 reported the previous academic year. The reports filed during that past academic year resulted in 46 investigations and 28 sanctions. There were other cases where no formal investigation was executed but accommodations and other forms of conflict resolution occurred. Reports of discrimination based on national origin declined from 61 in 2016-17 to 30 during that past academic year; reports of discrimination based on race declined from 154 to 124 during the same time period.

The reports were released concurrently due to office leadership changes that delayed the release of the 2016-17 report.

In addition to investigating complaints, the office engages in proactive education efforts. Staff members lead presentations and workshops throughout campus and the community to promote inclusion and prevent all forms of discrimination. During that past year, the office conducted 145 trainings that reached more than 9,000 people.

“Mizzou has a strong commitment to fostering a campus environment is that free of harassment and discrimination,” Kevin McDonald, vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity. “The Office of Civil Rights & Title IX is a very dedicated group, and I’m very appreciative of all of their efforts.”

The annual reports also include data on individuals who received assistance with reasonable accommodations as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act. During the 2017-18 academic year, 109 employees received accommodations; in the previous academic year, 61 employees did.

For more information, including links to the detailed reports, visit the office’s website.