USC Responds: Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment

Reporting on the university’s response to reports of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, as well as other conduct of concern, and the steps taken to strengthen our processes, prevention efforts, and available resources for the community.

Content warning: This message contains information about reporting requirements for the prevention of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment and other forms of sexual misconduct. We recognize this may be challenging for some due to lived experiences. Please note that support resources are also available here.

USC’s inaugural report “USC Responds: Fostering a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment” provides comprehensive information on the university’s response to reports of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other conduct of concern, including strides made in strengthening its processes and prevention efforts and increasing available resources for the community to receive care and support.

The report delivers information and data on reported concerns and resolutions addressed by the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX) and the Office of Professionalism and Ethics (OPE) between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022. It’s reflective of our commitment to ensuring that our processes for reporting, investigating, and resolving reports of sexual and gender-based harassment, discrimination, and violence under Title IX are accessible, prompt, fair, and equitable while ensuring that we remain in compliance with state laws and federal regulations. The report also highlights:

• Information about university-wide sexual misconduct prevention and education efforts.
• Improved internal communication and recordkeeping to track complaints.
• Heightened training to all community members.
• Reinforcement of centralized reporting of all Title IX-related concerns.
• Enhanced collaboration between the health care system and our Title IX program.

The USC Responds report concludes with the proactive and preventive steps that will be taken in upcoming years. The steps we have taken – and will continue to take – to strengthen our processes and share this information are closely tied to our Unifying Values of Integrity; Excellence; Well-being; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Open Communication; and Accountability