UW-Milwaukee promotes a campus culture that reflects our values of inclusivity, diversity and nondiscrimination. We are the most diverse campus in the UW System, and we are committed to our Guiding Values, which include valuing a caring, compassionate and collegial community characterized by mutual respect and safety. To this end, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct are not tolerated and we must work together to address those issues. In addition, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as well as other laws, legally obligates us to take action in response to such sexual harassment and misconduct. It is vital then that all faculty and staff are aware of their rights and obligations in this area.
Employees will soon receive an email with a personalized link to an online course entitled “Intersections: Preventing Harassment & Sexual Violence (Title IX/Campus SaVE Act).” Completing this 90-minute course is a UW System requirement and fulfills federal expectations concerning the institution’s Title IX obligations. All employees are required to complete this training by June 30.
In this two-part course, you will learn:
- How to recognize harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment and misconduct;
- What the law says about harassment and discrimination, including relevant legal definitions;
- Practical tips for maintaining a safe environment and reporting misconduct;
- Advice on using inclusive language and information on microaggressions.
Many employees are required to report sexual violence incidents that they learn about in the course of their employment, and all employees should report such incidents. This training will outline those reporting requirements as well as explain confidentiality issues and the options and services available to sexual violence survivors so you can provide them with appropriate and helpful information in the event that they disclose such an incident to you.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue. In order to fulfill our educational mission, we must provide an opportunity for everyone to live, learn and work in a safe environment, free from discrimination, harassment and violence. Your engagement can make a difference in the lives of our students and colleagues.
If you have any questions, please contact UWM’s Title IX Coordinator, Nelida Cortes, at 414-229-5923 or diverse@uwm.edu.
