Policies and Processes
The university’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (the Policy) and its two accompanying Resolution Processes (Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (DHR) and Sexual Misconduct) apply to the university community, including students, student organizations, faculty and staff (including healthcare and student staff who supervise others), and third parties.
OCRC is responsible for implementing our Policy and applicable processes.
The Policy
The Policy (effective Aug. 24, 2026), which incorporates the university’s Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement, prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of all protected characteristics and related retaliation — the latter arising from protected activity under the Policy. It also defines how the university will respond to reports of Prohibited Conduct, including sexual and gender-based harassment and related retaliation; sexual assault; dating violence; domestic violence; stalking; and other forms of prohibited conduct.
USC’s updated Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation reaffirms the university’s commitment to a respectful educational and work environment.
The Policy is organized by section for ease in locating specific topics.
What’s new in the 2026 Policy
- Expands protected characteristics to include familial status, primary language, reproductive health decisions, sex stereotypes, and victim status
- Clarifies when the Policy applies to conduct occurring off campus, online, or internationally when connected to USC programs or activities
- Explains how the Policy applies to third parties, including vendors and visitors interacting with the university
- Updates terminology and provides clearer guidance on reporting, including anonymous reports, investigations, and resolution processes
- Highlights confidential support resources
- Clarifies the balance between academic freedom and free expression with the responsibility to prevent discrimination and harassment
Please note: This 2026 Policy and the accompanying Resolution Process apply to any report or Formal Complaint of conduct occurring on or after August 24, 2026. In assessing and addressing a report of conduct occurring prior to August 24, 2026, the Policy and definitions that were in place at the time that the conduct occurred and the Process in place at the time that the conduct is reported will apply. OCRC reserves the right to amend the policy or processes as needed in light of changes in the law.
Our Resolution Processes
To implement the Policy, the university developed formal and alternative resolution processes to investigate and/or otherwise address reports of prohibited conduct.
Formal Resolution Processes
Because Title IX mandates more prescriptive resolution processes, the university maintains two distinct processes for resolving a Formal Complaint. Visit the Formal Resolution Processes page to learn about the key steps, and read the details of the two formal processes below.
- Resolution Process for Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (effective Aug. 24, 2026)
- Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct (effective Aug. 24, 2026)
Alternative Resolutions
Where it is presented as an available option and both parties consent, a constructive resolution outside of the formal process may be pursued. Visit the Alternative Resolutions page to learn more about this option and important details.
Archived Policies and Resolution Processes
The university may occasionally revise its Policy and Resolution Processes as necessary and appropriate in accordance with any new federal or state requirements and, when there is the discretion to do so and it’s appropriate, in response to community feedback. The previous versions of the Policy and Resolution Processes are available here:
- Policy on Prohibited Discrimination Harassment and Retaliation (effective 1/1/2022 to 8/23/2026)
- Resolution Process for Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (effective 8/14/2020 to 8/23/2026)
- Resolution Process for Sexual Misconduct (effective 1/1/2022 to 8/23/2026)
To request archived versions of the Policy or Resolution Processes, reach out to ocrc@usc.edu.
Your Feedback Matters
As we continue to review and monitor the implementation of the Policy and Resolution Processes, we welcome and encourage community feedback. Please note that this form is not intended for making a report of prohibited discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. To make a report, visit report.usc.edu.