BIRT: Report a Bias Incident

 

Introduction

At Marymount University, we practice community by sharing our experiences, listening carefully to others, and debating ideas in civil and constructive ways. However, there are times when the actions and behaviors of community members impact others negatively. The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) was established to respond to these actions and behaviors with resources, support, and actions. Marymount strives to be a safe and inclusive campus community. Bias incidents directly impact our ability to collaborate and work together and directly undermine our core university values.

The Bias Incident Response Team evaluates, investigates, and remediates bias-related violations of the Marymount University Student Community Conduct Code.

Marymount University has no tolerance for hate. The university does not tolerate hate crimes or bias-motivated incidents and will respond to them with appropriate sanctions.

Students, faculty, or staff who experience or witness any form of hate crime or bias-motivated incident should report it immediately.

BIRT FAQs

What is a bias incident?

Answer

A bias incident refers to a behavior or act—verbal, written, or physical—which is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, or age.

Behavior reflecting bias may constitute a violation of the Student Community Conduct Code.

What are examples of bias or hate incidents?

Answer
  • slurs
  • racial epithets (verbal and written)
  • degrading language
  • graffiti or defacement
  • intimidation
  • hate messages and symbols (Swastika, Pepe the Frog)
  • ridiculing a person’s language or accent
  • racially themed parties
  • posting or commenting on social media related to someone’s identity in a bias matter
  • insulting a person’s traditional manner of dress
  • other subtle (and extreme) examples of bias incidents

What happens when I report?

Answer
Once a bias incident report is received by the BIRT, the reporter will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. A team member will seek additional information regarding the incident, provide support resources, and schedule a time to meet with you, if appropriate. The Team will review, assess the report and develop an action plan. BIRT will explore options for resolution and work with the reporter and campus resources to resolve the incident.  Anonymous reports will still be investigated.

What happens when I report anonymously?

Answer
Anonymous reporting typically limits the University’s ability to investigate, respond, and provide remedies. In order to ensure the University’s ability to respond promptly and thoroughly, please share much information as possible with as much detail as possible. The team will work to protect the safety and preferences of the reporter while taking into account the broader needs on campus.

What is bias incident response?

Answer

Bias incident response is:

  • Providing care
  • Restorative
  • Learning more and asking questions
  • Education, conversation, mediation
  • Proactive outreach
  • Assessment, planning, and accountability

Bias incident response isn’t:

  • Thought-policing
  • Censorship
  • A way to avoid hard conversations
  • Punishment
  • More harmful than helpful

How will reports be used?

Answer
Reports summarizing bias will be made available to campus leadership. In addition, summary reports indicating the types of bias that have been reported will be made available to members of the university community. These summary reports will also inform choices about future education and prevention programming efforts to address and reduce bias incidents at Marymount. The BIRT will work closely with Campus Safety and Emergency Management to send out alerts to notify the community of incidents causing substantial harm.

Why should bias incidents be reported?

Answer
Marymount values diversity and inclusion. It is important that we all take responsibility to report incidents that do not support the kind of community that respects the dignity of all people. Unreported incidents can’t be addressed. When incidents go unaddressed it damages the trust the community has in the institution to create a welcoming campus climate. Your reports help to hold us accountable.

Who are members of BIRT?

Answer

BIRT is made up of a core group of trained staff who can respond to bias incidents involving students, faculty, and staff. Team members are available to support and guide individuals seeking assistance in determining how to handle a bias incident.

Members of the Bias Response Team may include representatives from the following:

  • Full-time Faculty
  • Administrative Academic Affairs
  • Student Access Services
  • Campus Safety Officials
  • Human Resources
  • ABIDE Hub Staff

How can I help a friend?

Answer

If you are supporting a friend, colleague, or peer who has experienced an incident there are three things you should do: ListenBelieve, and Refer. Ask for permission before reporting the incident or discussing details with others, offer non-judgmental support and encourage your friend to report the incident or seek help from our support services.

  • University Chaplain
  • Student Counseling Services
  • Student Health Services
  • Campus Safety & Emergency Management

Resource Information

Marymount University Bias Incident Response Plan

BIRT: Report a Bias Incident

BIRT: Report a Bias Incident