Reviewing our Environment for DU’s Jewish Community Members

The DU Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (EOIX) receives and responds to reports of discrimination and harassment. DU takes very seriously all disclosures of discrimination and harassment, and our EOIX office provides supportive measures, in-depth investigations, remedies, and other corrective measures.  

EOIX works to promote an environment free from discrimination and harassment in which DU community members can learn, live, and work. As part of its efforts, EOIX may occasionally conduct holistic reviews of our campus climate guided by certain focus areas. In addition to EOIX’s role in investigating specific reports, these comprehensive reviews help DU identify and address potential behaviors, structural challenges, or other concerns that may impact our community members.    

EOIX has initiated such a review into potential antisemitism in our community and is partnering with a trusted external diversity, equity, and inclusion partner, Grand River Solutions, to help the University conduct this community review. During the review, Grand River Solutions will be taking an in-depth look at reports of bias, discrimination, and harassment against our Jewish community members. Grand River’s trained professionals will gather information from students, faculty, staff, and others. The review will consider information and incidents previously reported to the University, as well as new or unreported information. Grand River will review how the University responded to previously reported incidents, as well as potential concerns about climate and the treatment of Jewish members of the DU community. We anticipate their work will conclude in the spring term.  

The purpose of this review is to carefully and intentionally support Jewish community members in feeling welcomed and respected. We encourage anyone who wants to take part in this review to contact InquiryDU@grandriversolutions.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Office of EOIX do? 

The office implements DU’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment. This includes providing supportive measures and investigating claims of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status and military enlistment.  This includes claims of antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias.  

EOIX also facilitates compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. 

Where can I go for confidential support? 

While the office works to maintain privacy, EOIX is not a confidential resource. Reporting to the University may lead to an investigation that may result in University action, up to and including termination of an employee or expulsion of a student found responsible for a policy violation. Individuals who want to report concerns confidentially, e.g., to obtain information about resources and formal reporting options, can contact confidential resources including: counselors in the Health and Counseling Center (for students), the University's Ombuds, the Employee Assistance Program (for employees), or another of DU's designated confidential resources. 

Consistent with DU’s Reporting Policy, Grand River will provide information shared about specific instances of bias, discrimination, and/or harassment to EOIX so that EOIX can evaluate the reports, contact the individuals involved to offer supportive measures and, where appropriate, offer resolution options. However, no personally identifiable information will be released publicly.  

What if I am concerned about my safety? 

Members of the DU community who have concerns for their safety due to incidents of antisemitism or other bias, harassment, or discrimination can request assistance from EOIX or DU’s Department of Campus Safety. 

Why is the scope of this review limited to antisemitism?  

By tailoring the scope of this review to antisemitism, we are better able to find potential sources or causes of discrimination or harassment for this cohort of the DU community. This review is a continuation of the steps we are taking to raise awareness in the DU community about the history and deep harm of antisemitism and to further cement our denouncement of antisemitism and all hateful acts. In addition to this review, DU is taking measures to address bias and prejudice in all its forms, including anti-Muslim bias, through educational programming and other measures.  

I want to share my experiences with Grand River. Whom can I contact? 

Please send an email to InquiryDU@grandriversolutions.com to share your experiences.   

Is communicating with Grand River mandatory?  

Participation in any of Grand River’s information-gathering activities is voluntary and can be accomplished through the email address above. Participants may email with their DU email accounts or anonymously if they wish. Because we strive for every DU community member to feel welcomed and respected, we encourage participation – especially by those with potential information about possible incidents of antisemitism. Our goal is to obtain an accurate picture of how antisemitism may be affecting DU’s campus climate. 

When will we know the results of the review? 

DU expects Grand River’s work will be finished in the spring term. We will have more information about the dissemination of results at that time.  

What will happen after Grand River completes the review?  

Following the review, the associate vice chancellor for EOIX will work with DU's senior leadership to consider and begin implementing any recommendations or outcomes that result from the review. This process will include a holistic consideration to address appropriate actions on a campus-wide and/or more targeted basis. 

What experience does Grand River have in conducting this type of review? 

Grand River has extensive experience conducting investigations and assessing climate and culture at institutions of higher education. Their approach is highly collaborative and unique to each institution.  
 
Their diverse team consists of interdisciplinary experts with direct experience as campus administrators and leaders. Grand River Solutions' founders and practitioners come from backgrounds in education, law, human resources, technology, and non-profit service.