Forms

What is a “bias incident?”

Single or multiple acts toward an individual, group, or their property that are so severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive that they create an unreasonably intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning, or program environment, and that one could reasonably conclude are based upon actual or perceived race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, creed, color, genetic information, physical or mental disability, HIV status, status as a veteran, or any combination of these or other related factors.

The above definition is used for reporting and statistical purpose only. It carries no independent sanctioning weight or authority. Bias incidents on their own do not constitute a violation of any policy or law. Bias will, however, be deemed an aggravating circumstance to any violation of the college’s policies, regardless of its category. Consequently, bias-related violations may result in action up to, and including, permanent separation from the college.

What happens if I submit a bias incident report?

Reports are first reviewed by the Executive Director of Equity & Inclusion and then other administrators are notified as appropriate. This may include the Dean of Students, Vice President of Academic Affairs, or Executive Director of Human Resources, depending on the information contained in the report.

Responses by the college may include, but are not limited to, meeting with persons involved, restorative mediation, or referral for judicial/personnel action. No action is guaranteed, especially with anonymously-submitted reports.

A note on free speech

Please be aware that while an expression or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, that alone does not warrant action. The college values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas; the expression of controversial ideas and differing views is vital to college discourse and academic freedom. While this value of openness protects controversial ideas, it does not protect actions which violate policies listed in the student or employee handbooks.