10.13 Confidentiality

(Amended 3/07; 7/15; 1/20)

1. In order to empower community members to voice concerns and bring complaints, the confidentiality of all parties will be protected to the greatest extent possible. However, legal obligations may require the university to take some action once it is made aware that violence has occurred, even when the impacted party is reluctant to proceed. Appropriate university officials will be consulted, including the Office of Institutional Equity when the complaint alleges violence based on a protected classification (see II-10.7e above), and information will be shared only with those individuals who need to know this information to implement this policy.
2. The parties to a complaint (impacted parties, any reporting parties, and responding parties) and witnesses who provide information during an investigation are expected to maintain confidentiality as well, in order to protect the integrity of the investigation and the confidentiality interests of the parties. The matter should not be discussed with individuals who are involved in the complaint except as necessary to pursue an appeal or grievance or as part of another legal or administrative proceeding.
3. Dissemination of documents relating to a complaint and/or investigation, other than as necessary to pursue an appeal or grievance or as part of another legal or administrative proceeding, is prohibited.
4. Failure to maintain confidentiality by a responding party may be considered to be a form of retaliation in violation of II-10.11c of this policy. Failure to maintain confidentiality by any party (impacted party, any reporting party, or responding party) or witness may result in disciplinary action.