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File a Report or Complaint

Northwestern University promptly and thoroughly investigates and resolves complaints alleging sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.


File a report with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance here:

Sexual Misconduct Reporting Form

What to expect when filing a report

  • What to expect when: Reporting to the University
    Northwestern has designated the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance to oversee complaints of sexual misconduct at the University. An individual who has experienced sexual misconduct has the right to choose whether to report the incident to Northwestern and request an investigation. Civil Rights staff members are specially trained to work with individuals who report sexual misconduct and have knowledge about on- and off-campus resources, services, and options – including the availability of supportive measures. Read more on reporting to the University.
  • What to expect when:  Reporting to Police
    Northwestern University encourages individuals to report incidents of sexual misconduct to University Police or local police. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence crimes, and may lead to the arrest of an offender or aid in the investigation of other incidents.  Read more on filing a police report.
  • Suggestions regarding:  Preserving Evidence
    Regardless of whether an incident of sexual misconduct is reported to the police or the University, Northwestern strongly encourages individuals who have experienced sexual misconduct to preserve evidence to the greatest extent possible, as this will best maintain all legal options for them in the future. Read more on preserving evidence. 

File a Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint with the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance here:

Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint FORM

  • What to expect when filing a Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint
    Upon receipt of a Formal complaint, the Title IX Coordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator will contact the Complainant with information on available resources. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will conduct an initial inquiry into the Formal Complaint to determine whether the allegations, if substantiated, would rise to the level of a violation of University Policy. If the conduct alleged in the Formal Complaint would not constitute a violation of the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment even if proved, if it did not occur in Northwestern’s Education Program or Activities, did not occur against a person in the United States, or occurred prior to August 14, 2020, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will dismiss the Formal Complaint with regard to that conduct under the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment. In the event of a dismissal, the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance will provide written notice of the dismissal to both parties, advising them of their right to appeal. If the conduct alleged in the Formal Complaint passes initial inquiry, the office will proceed with a formal investigation and hearing pursuant to the Interim Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment.

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