University Human Resources
Complaints and Incidents
Complaints and Incident Reporting
If you believe the Code of Conduct is not being upheld, you are strongly encouraged to begin by discussing your concern with your immediate supervisor, department chair, relevant dean or your Human Resources Business Partner.
If the issue cannot be resolved through these channels, the information below can help you determine the most appropriate way to report your concern. Faculty, staff, graduate students, medical students and postdoctoral scholars may also contact the Ombuds Office for a confidential consultation to explore options and decide whether to pursue a formal report. The Ombuds Office can be reached at 401-863-6145 or ombuds@brown.edu.
Brown's Non-Retaliation Policy prohibits retaliation against employees who make good faith reports to the University.
Note: Employees represented by a union always have the right to consult with their union representative.
Where to Report Concerns
Workplace and Campus Concerns
| Type of Report or Complaint | Applies to | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Concerns about a management action that an employee believes negatively affects their work environment or violates an employment policy (for non-union employees) | Faculty and Staff | Email Employee and Labor Relations |
| A formal complaint that alleges violations of the terms and conditions of the represented employee's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) | Union-Represented Staff | Contact your Union Representative for information on filing a grievance |
| Concerns about academic freedom, tenure-track matters or fairness in research and teaching responsibilities | Faculty | Contact your Chair, Dean or the Deputy Provost; in certain cases, conerns may be reviewed by the Committee on Grievance and Procedural Integrity, as outlined in the committee charge |
| Concerns about physical or digital accessibility barriers that represent a failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act | Faculty and Staff | Email ada_504@Brown.edu |
| Concerns about unsafe working conditions, such as inadequate protective equipment, environmental hazards or safety policy violations | Faculty and Staff | Email Environmental Health & Safety |
Bias, Discrimination and Harassment
| Type of Report or Complaint | Applies to | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Concerns about an act or pattern of behavior that may be construed as bias, discrimination, harassment or retaliation | Faculty and Staff | Submit a Discrimination and Harassment Incident Reporting Form For consultation with staff in the Office of Equity and Compliance Reporting before submitting a report, email equity_reporting@brown.edu or call 401-863-1800. |
| Concerns about an act or pattern of behavior that may be construed as sex-based harassment, sexual violence or gender-based discrimination | Faculty and Staff | Submit a Gender Discrimination and Sexual Violence Incident Reporting Form For consultation with staff in the Office of Equity and Compliance Reporting before submitting a report, email titleixoffice@brown.edu or call 401 863-2026. |
Research Concerns
| Type of Report or Complaint | Applies to | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| Allegations of research misconduct or Research Integrity or Compliance Concerns related to Human Subjects Research (IRB), Animal Research (IACUC), Conflict of Interest (COI), Export Control or Data Management | Faculty and Staff | Email Office of Research Integrity |
Compliance and Ethics
| Type of Report or Complaint | Applies to | How to Report |
|---|---|---|
| A violation of Brown's policies or suspected misconduct that does not fall into the categories above | Faculty and Staff | Email University Compliance |
Not Sure Where to Report?
If you are unsure how to proceed or prefer to remain anonymous, you may use the Anonymous Reporting Hotline by submitting an online report or calling toll-free 877-318-9184. Reports submitted through the Hotline will be reviewed and routed appropriately.
Please note that the Hotline is not intended for emergencies and does not replace 911 or emergency services. If you are facing an immediate threat to life or property, contact Brown Public Safety at 401-863-4111 or x3-4111 from any campus phone.