Bias Related Incident Reporting System

The term “bias incident” refers to language and/or behaviors which demonstrate bias against persons or groups because of factors (actual or perceived) such as: race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, medical condition, body size, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, domestic violence victim status, ex-offender status, and/or socioeconomic status.

The Bias Reporting System efforts are coordinated by the Bias Response Coordinating Team (BRCT), composed of the University’s Chief Diversity Officer and separately appointed representatives from Human Resources, Communications, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs. Upon receipt of a report through the System, the BRCT reviews reported incidents and refers them to the proper officials within existing processes/structures to act in accordance with respective institutional policies and procedures. Team members participate in ongoing training as needed as well as annual compliance trainings such as Title IX, sexual harassment and discrimination.

The BRCT is not endowed with any additional authority; it works within existing University policies and governing structures. The BRCT may propose new policies via the University’s Policy Management Steering Committee.

• Issue Reporting System
• Policies and processes related to student concerns
• Policies and processes related to employee concerns
• Policies and processes related to Academic concerns

Upon receipt of a report through the System, the BRCT is notified and will conduct an initial review to determine the proper officials, units and/or departments (if any) for follow-up. The case will then be added to the Bias Incident Dashboard on the Bias Reporting Process website.

The BRCT formally assigns the case to the appropriate campus officials, who will then investigate the case. The investigator will:

• Contact all individuals named in the report to conduct interviews
  • The victim (if they want to be contacted)
  • Offender and any witnesses
• Review and supporting documentation provided in the report (photos, email exchanges, text messages, etc.)
• Review all the contents from the investigation to determine a finding
• Contact parties involved to advise them of the findings of the investigation
• Report to the Bias Response Coordinating Team on the outcome of the investigation.

*Please note this is generally the investigative process for a Bias Incident. The process may differ on a case-by-case basis and/or based on the complexity of the case.

 

The outcome of the case is added to the Bias Incident Database and the dashboard.

 

While the University takes all reports seriously, our ability to act on anonymous reports, depending on the information that is shared, may be limited. Please know that campus safety is our utmost concern.

Due to privacy laws, specific details about the outcome of a case will not be shared on the Dashboard. However, updates to the Dashboard could include the following status:

• In Progress-the investigation is ongoing
• Resolved-an outcome of the investigation was reached. An outcome may include disciplinary action, mediation, further education, etc.
• Reclassified- the incident did not meet the threshold of a Bias Incident; however, it was referred to the appropriate university officials for action.
• Insufficient Information-the report lacked the necessary details to proceed with an investigation. This includes reports, submitted anonymously.

Yes. The University has support services for both students and employees. A list of those services can be found on The Issue Reporting System webpage. For faculty specific support, please contact The Vice Provost’s Office.