Our Purpose
The purpose of the Office of Institutional Equity, Access, and Community is to advance the university’s research and education mission by fostering the continuous development and maintenance of a culture and climate of respect and excellence that is free from harassment and discrimination where everyone can thrive and do their best work.
Mission: Rooted in an understanding of the university’s overarching mission, serve Stanford by guiding and influencing community members on the importance of an environment that embraces the uniqueness of each community member; supports constructive interactions and effective conflict management and resolution; and prevents, mitigates and addresses incidents of harassment and discrimination.
Education: Develop and provide evidence-based education and programming for students, postdocs, staff, faculty and community members that supports an inclusive and accessible community free from discrimination, harassment, and violence and that promotes constructive and curious dialogue across difference.
Compliance: Oversee and implement the university’s compliance with laws relating to civil rights, accessibility, harassment, and discrimination. Prevent, respond to, and resolve allegations of discrimination and harassment.
Support: Provide excellent, timely, and compassionate support for students, postdocs, staff, and faculty navigating challenging issues at Stanford by:
- Connecting individuals to resources,
- Explaining options and processes,
- Keeping individuals apprised of the status of their matters, and
- Assisting with appropriate accommodations.
Response: Address community concerns relating to violence, harassment, accessibility, and discrimination by:
- Investigating matters with fair and impartial investigators using care and empathy, and
- Remedying effects of unlawful discrimination and harassment and counseling stakeholders to prevent their recurrence.
Transparency: Periodically share relevant information with the community.