Confidentiality and Independence

Grievances and appeals may be submitted on a confidential basis by complainants; however, if the formal process is undertaken, respondents will be made aware of the complainant’s identity. Grievances will be kept confidential by the Professional Standards Committee to the extent possible and permitted by law, and consistent with the need to adequately conduct an investigation. Committee members, complainants, respondents, and advisers must observe strict confidentiality throughout the proceedings and any subsequent grievance process. Cases before the committee are discussed only with the parties, committee members, and the administration. The administration should not, however, attempt to influence the case except through argument presented openly at hearings. Committee members will discourage any attempts by any person to influence the committee regarding any case under consideration.

After the conclusion of any subsequent grievance process, public statements about a case by the committee or any of its members will be made only as the result of formal committee action.