Dear University of Auckland,

The wording of the University’s Addressing Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Guidelines seems to suggest that a victim of bullying and harassment can only request a formal investigation after first attempting an informal resolution. These informal processes seem inappropriate for things like sexual assault or stalking (eg, direct discussion or mediation with the perpetrator).

Can an alleged victim of bullying or harassment bypass or opt out of these informal processes and request an immediate investigation?

If so, is an investigation automatic when requested by the alleged victim? Or does the University have the discretion to deny the request?

If an investigation is discretionary, who decides whether one will be conducted and on what basis?

Yours faithfully,

CL Rainwater