Below is the University’s statement on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaint, which media organizations have recently reported on:
The University of Rochester’s Office of Counsel recently received the complaint and is currently reviewing it and preparing a response to the EEOC, in keeping with EEOC procedures regarding complaints of this nature.
We understand that those not familiar with the investigation conducted would find the language in the complaint deeply disturbing. However, the core allegations in this complaint were thoroughly investigated and could not be substantiated. We are highly confident in the integrity of these investigations—we followed our processes for fair investigations and due process for all involved, interviewing dozens of witnesses whose names were given to us as alleged victims. Through two separate investigations — one by an internal investigator and one conducted by an external investigator—no violation of the law or University policy was found.
We believe that the 100-plus page complaint document represents a narrative that is largely based on hearsay that was not substantiated in our investigations or in the subsequent appeals, and ignores factual evidence.
The University is firmly committed to fostering a supportive and safe learning and working environment and to full compliance with all anti-discrimination laws. This includes enforcing our policy that prohibits retaliation against any member of our community who comes forward with a complaint or participates in the investigative process. We will vigorously defend against the allegations in this complaint in the proper manner.
