Bias
Incident Reporting
The Bias Incident Reporting allows for individuals to
have an adequate means of reporting if directly or indirectly affected by
bias-motivated incidents.
The reporting protocol continues the work of ensuring
that the campus environment is safe for all members and is free from
discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic
origin, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity,
gender expression, military or veteran status or any other characteristic
protected under applicable federal or state law.
Defining
Hate Crimes and Bias Incidents
Hate
Crime can be defined as criminal offense motivated by the
offender’s bias or hate towards the victim’s status based on race, gender,
religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity/national origin and disability.
Offenders may use physical violence, verbal threats of violence, vandalism, and
in some cases weapons, explosives and arson.
Bias
Incident is also offense against a person or property
motivated in whole or in part by the offender's bias against a race, religion,
disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity; however, may
not be considered criminal. Bias incidents include hostile curricular and
co-curricular environments and harassing behavior that is severe, persistent or
pervasive to the point that it threatens an individual or limits the ability of
the individual to live, work and study on campus.
Note: Hate
crimes are bias incidents, but not all bias incidents are hate crimes.
Examples
of the Bias Incidents
Racial
and Ethnic Stereotype-Themed Parties or Costumes - Student organizations that
host theme parties that encourage people to wear costumes and act out in ways
that reinforce stereotypes and create a campus climate that is hostile to
racial and ethnic minority groups.
Graffiti
on a dorm room white board that expresses bias against the above categories,
e.g., sexist or racist language or images. (Note: If the graffiti
constitute criminal vandalism or property damage, it can constitute a hate
crime.)
Bias in the
Classroom - Professors who make pejorative comments or
stereotypes about a protected class of people during lectures. Due to the power
dynamics, students may be reluctant to respond and could then lead to a hostile
learning environment.
Ridiculing a person's language or accent.
How
to Report Online
You are encouraged to submit an
online Bias Incident Reporting form. You have the option of anonymously reporting
the incident online; however, this may impact the University’s ability to respond
or pursue appropriate action against the alleged perpetrators.
In person or via telephone to Public Safety
A targeted student or group may meet with a Public Safety officer to report a bias incident or a hate crime. Public Safety will forward the report to the designee who will offer to review hate crime and discrimination policies and discuss options for follow-up.
If a bias incident and/or hate crime is in the form of graffiti or other posting, it should not be removed or destroyed. Public Safety should be called immediately.
Response to Bias Incident Reports
The University’s response to a bias incident report will depend on various factors, including the nature and severity of the complaint, whether the alleged violator can be identified, the reporting individual’s wishes as to how the matter should be handled and the effect on the campus community.