Bias Incident Response Team

What is the official definition of bias?

• Single or multiple acts toward an individual, group or their property that are so severe or pervasive and are objectively offensive so as to create an unreasonably intimidating, hostile or offensive work, learning or program environment, and that one could reasonably conclude are based upon actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, spirituality, cultural, socio-economic status 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.

Examples (not an all inclusive list):

• Slurs
• Degrading language
• Epithets
• Graffiti
• Vandalism
• Intimidation
• Symbols
• Harassment
• Incidents that are based upon actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, religion, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, spirituality, cultural, socio-economic status or any combination of these or other factors.

Freedom of Expression:

• Although the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory to some, it is not necessarily a violation of law or university policy.
• The university values and embraces the ideals of freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought and freedom of expression, all of which much be vitally sustained in a community of scholars.
• While these freedoms protect controversial ideas and differing views, and sometimes even offensive and hurtful words, they do not protect acts of misconduct that violate criminal law or university policy.
• Incidents of bias and hate contribute to a hostile campus environment and can occur even if the act itself is unintentional or delivered as a joke, prank or having humorous intent.
• It is possible that one can express themselves freely and also not meet our university's values. If this occurs, it is possible that someone from BIRT will reach out to have a conversation about freedom of expression, community impact and university values

BIRT Members:

• April Chaney: Chair, Title IX Coordinator
• Michael Gilmer: Dean of Students
• Crystal Lanning: Athletics Director
• Shamani Shikwambi: Executive Director for Student Success Center; Senior Diversity Officer
• Princess Kent: Director, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
• Cara Rubis: Director, Residence Life
• Dina Fassino: Director, University Communications and Marketing
• Wes Chapin: Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
• Cyndi Kernahan: Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning; Professor of Psychology
• Michelle Best: Chief Human Resources Officer