Providing and Maintaining a Safe Learning and Working Environment for Students, Faculty and Staff
The Office for Civil Rights Compliance at Webster University implements University
policies that prohibit discrimination and ensure compliance with state and federal
civil rights obligations. The Office for Civil Rights Compliance is a central intake
and referral resource for all matters that potentially involve protected class discrimination,
sex and gender-based violence, or civil rights compliance. All employees are required
to report known or suspected incidents of sexual harassment or sex and gender-based
violence to the office, and all supervisors are required to report all forms of discrimination.
The Office for Civil Rights Compliance implements the University’s discrimination grievance procedure and may help to resolve concerns through an investigation, informal resolution or by providing support measures. The Office for Civil Rights Compliance also provides consultation to departments, employees (for Title VII and Title IX concerns) and students (for Title IX concerns) to help ensure that programs and services comply with civil rights obligations.
The Office for Civil Rights Compliance implements the University’s discrimination grievance procedure and may help to resolve concerns through an investigation, informal resolution or by providing support measures. The Office for Civil Rights Compliance also provides consultation to departments, employees (for Title VII and Title IX concerns) and students (for Title IX concerns) to help ensure that programs and services comply with civil rights obligations.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Webster University is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in the treatment of students, faculty and staff. The University considers employment, admissions, financial aid, programs and activity applications without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, creed, age, ethnicity or national origin, religion, genetic information, or disability.
Upon experiencing or witnessing discrimination, harassment, other than sexual harassment under Title IX, or retaliation in violation of the EEO policy, a person should report to the Office for Civil Rights Compliance by completing an HR Incident Report Form. The University’s Office for Civil Rights Compliance is responsible for overseeing the investigation of all discrimination, harassment or retaliation complaints for University employees, and those allegations will be handled in accordance with the Grievance Policy and Procedure.
Matters specifically involving allegations of sex- or gender-based discrimination, harassment, or other conduct prohibited by Webster University’s Title IX Policy on Sex Discrimination, Including Sexual Harassment involving employees, students and/or applicants for employment or student admission should be directed to:
Kimberley Bynum-Smith
Director, Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
200 Hazel, Office #5
St. Louis, MO 63119
314-246-7780
kimberleybynumsmith@webster.edu
Legally Protected Characteristics
- Race
- Ethnicity
- Color
- National origin
- Age
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Pregnancy, or use of protective leave
- Genetic status
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Gender expression
- Creed
- Religion
- Veteran or military status
- Disability
Kimberley Bynum-Smith, MLS, PHR, SHRM-CP
(she/her)
Director, Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Title IX Coordinator
Kimberley Bynum-Smith has been in her role as head of the Title IX Office since May
2019. Prior to that, she was the Human Resources Manager at Webster University. Bynum-Smith
has nearly 20 years of experience in human resources. She served as a Title IX investigator
during her tenure as associate director of human resources at St. Louis College of
Pharmacy. She is a 2002 graduate of Webster University, where she earned her BA in
Business Administration. Bynum-Smith earned her Master of Legal Studies with a concentration
in Conflict Resolution from Washington University in St. Louis. Additionally, she
holds PHR (Professional Human Resources), SHRM-CP (Society of Human Resources Management
Certified Professional), and ATIXA (Association of Title IX Administrators) certifications,
and is a member of The Association of Title IX Administrators, the Society of Human
Resources Management and the College and University Professionals Association.
Beth Oberg, MEd
(she/her)
Civil Rights and Title IX Investigator
Beth Oberg began her role as the Civil Rights and Title IX Investigator in June 2024. Oberg comes to Webster University from the Missouri Department of Mental Health Investigations Unit where she served as an abuse and neglect senior noncommissioned investigator since February 2020. Prior to that, Oberg gained experience in higher education for 14 years at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, where she spent five years as Dean of Student Life, which included serving the college as Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Oberg completed her undergraduate degree from MacMurray College and earned her Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Oberg has earned credentials as a civil rights investigator through ATIXA (Association of Title IX Administrators). Oberg’s investigations certifications include Conducting Serious Incident Investigations through LRA (Labor Relations Alternatives, Inc), The Reid Technique of Investigative Interviewing and Positive Persuasion through John E. Reid & Associates, Inc., and Investigative Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques through Wicklander-Zulawski & Associates. Oberg received public safety training through the Missouri State Public Safety Training Center. Oberg is a member of MOIA (Missouri Investigators Association).