The Office for Institutional Equity released its first annual report detailing the University's response to reports of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and related misconduct, such as possible violations of the consensual relationship policy.
The report covers the 2021-22 fiscal year, which spans from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
The report’s goal is to provide “useful information about matters that are reported to OIE, how each matter is addressed and ultimately the kinds of consequences that are imposed." OIE is responsible for the implementation of the Duke Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment and Related Misconduct, as well as "providing broad support for the advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the Duke University and Health System community."
OIE received 676 reports with an average of 56 reports per month, including a peak of 82 reports received in February 2022. Seven report outcomes rolled over to the 2022-2023 fiscal year.
Of the individuals who raised complaints and reported issues to OIE, 40% were students and 42% were staff members. The next-largest complaint bases came from faculty and nonaffiliated individuals at 5% and 4%, respectively.
Of those who were accused in reports, 45% were staff, 20% were students and 15% were faculty.
Out of the total 669 reports that fell under OIE jurisdiction, 29% were for sexual misconduct, 21% for discrimination, 11% for harassment, 1% for violations of the consensual relationship policy, 10% for hate/bias, 5% for retaliation, 22% for non-protected status related complaints and 1% for unknown reasons.
Of all outcomes stemming from a case report, 144 reports resulted in consultation of the OIE but did not lead to specific action; 114 reports involved a non-responsive complainant, a complainant who did not pursue or withdraw or a complainant who was only seeking resources; and 106 reports were not covered by the Duke policy and the case was subsequently closed.
50 of the reports culminated in an investigation by the OIE. A conduct violation was found in 16 cases in which “sanctions were imposed ranging from required coaching/training up to termination of employment,” and 21 cases resulted in a referral to the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team at Duke.
Of the 16 reports in which a violation was found, responsive actions by OIE ranged from resignation to expulsion to final written warnings.
49% of reports were received by the provost’s office or schools on Duke's campus, and 46% were received from the School of Medicine or Duke University Health System. The remaining reports were received from central administration, parties not affiliated with Duke or an unknown source.
Correction: A previous version of this incorrectly read that 34 of the reports culminated in an investigation by the OIE, 16 of which were found to have a conduct violation. This article was corrected Friday morning to reflect that 50 reports were investigated by the OIE, 34 of which were found not to have a conduct violation and 16 of which were found to have a conduct violation. The Chronicle regrets this error.
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Ishani Raha is a Pratt junior and a senior editor of The Chronicle's 119th volume.