News Summary
Michigan State University has introduced a new Civil Rights Data Dashboard to enhance transparency regarding discrimination and harassment reports. This initiative responds to calls from the MSU community for better visibility in the civil rights process. The interactive dashboard offers insights into civil rights complaints and investigation timelines, aiming to empower students to report incidents. Alongside this, a feedback form and biennial report have been introduced to further support transparency and improvement in addressing civil rights issues on campus.
East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University (MSU) has launched a new Civil Rights Data Dashboard aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in how the university addresses reports of discrimination and harassment. This initiative responds to persistent calls from students and staff for greater visibility into the university’s civil rights processes.
The interactive and customizable dashboard allows users to access vital data regarding civil rights complaints, including demographics and outcomes. By providing insights into how MSU processes these reports, the dashboard is designed to empower the MSU community and improve the university’s overall civil rights procedures.
Student advocate Lyra Opalikhin has noted a significant increase in hate incidents on campus, expressing hope that the dashboard will encourage students to report such incidents more effectively. The dashboard is now available for three departments within the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), which include Investigation and Resolution, Campus Prevention and Outreach, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
To further support users, the OCR has introduced a feedback form, enabling users to submit questions or request additional information about available resources. This step is part of a broader effort to promote greater transparency, which had been highlighted in previous recommendations from outside consultants.
The dashboard provides important information on investigation timelines related to sexual harassment and discrimination complaints, which have previously faced criticism for being too slow. Officials have stated that the dashboard illustrates MSU’s commitment to improve these timelines. It specifically focuses on data from the fall semester of 2023 and after, showing that investigations concerning relationship violence, sexual misconduct, and stalking typically take between 61 to 90 business days, with many exceeding 90 days. However, it is important to note that the dashboard does not track the total time from the initial report to final resolution.
In addition to the dashboard, the OCR has released its first biennial report regarding changes and improvements within the office. This report outlines the establishment of an “adaptable resolution process,” which allows complaints to be settled outside the formal grievance process if all parties agree to this approach.
MSU’s President Kevin M. Guskiewicz expressed pride in the launch of the dashboard, associating it with the wider strategic plan for the university’s future operations. The dashboard is set for continuous updates, with biennial reports scheduled for publication in odd-numbered years and infographics to be released in even-numbered years.
For those seeking additional information, details can be found on the civil rights section of MSU’s website at civilrights.msu.edu.
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Additional Resources
- WILX: MSU Launches New Civil Rights Data Dashboard
- Lansing State Journal: MSU Wants You to Judge the Speed of Harassment and Discrimination Investigations
- The State News: Gutted Dept. of Ed. Maintains Radio Silence on Civil Rights Probes into MSU
- Wikipedia: Civil Rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights
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