Reporting Bias
Do not use this form to report events that present an immediate threat to health or safety. If this is an EMERGENCY situation that requires immediate medical or mental health services, CALL 911, or contact Campus Safety and Security at 540-887-7000.
Supporting the needs of our community
MBU is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming campus community for all students. Each person in our community is responsible for creating an environment in which all can thrive without fear of hate or bias.
How the bias reporting system works
Anyone can use the bias incident reporting form to report any concerning, threatening, or perceived biased behavior that impacts members of the MBU community. The reporting form is for those who have experienced bias or witnessed bias.
When a bias incident report is submitted, members of the Bias Response Team are notified. Depending on the nature of the incident, the team convenes to determine the next steps and address the matter in a timely and efficient manner.
For incidents that constitute a violation of the student code of conduct, follow-up may include adjudication through the student adjudication process. For incidents related to faculty, staff, and graduate students, the course of action is determined by policies set forth in the employee and faculty handbooks and the human resources department.
Core Principles
The bias reporting system is built on the following principles:
- Support: The Bias Response team provides support resources to individuals who report incidents of bias, or who are named as targets. Individuals targeted by bias-related incidents are supported as they process the experience and their feelings.
- Accountability: If MBU is to create a safe environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging and inclusion, we must hold accountable those whose actions would negatively impact our community and respond to incidents of bias accordingly.
- Assessment: Tracking and assessing data enables the MBU Bias Response Team to understand the climate of MBU as it relates to bias. This data shapes training programs and educational opportunities for the university community.
- Education: The bias reporting system allows us to engage in conversations with individuals and groups who may have caused harm to others related to bias, whether intentionally or not. These conversations can provide context as to why an action may be perceived as biased.
Bias Response Team
The Bias Response Team is made up of representatives from the following offices:
- Office of the Chief Diversity Officer
- Office of Inclusive Excellence
- Office of the Chaplain
- Office of Student Engagement
- Academic Leadership
- Title IX
- Student Counseling Center
- LGBTQ+ Services
Other offices or individuals such as the General Counsel or the Office of Integrated Communications are consulted on a case-by-case basis.
What is a bias incident?
A bias incident is any conduct, speech, or expression committed against another person/s in a manner that is intentional or unintentional in a verbal, written, physical, or psychological manner and is motivated by bias or prejudice. It is meant to intimidate, demean, mock, degrade, marginalize, or threaten individuals or groups based on that individual or group’s actual or perceived identities, including: ability or perceived disability, age, ancestry, citizen status, color, creed, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, immigration status, marital status, national origin, race, religion, religious practice, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, veteran status, weight, or any combination of these factors.
What is the difference between a bias incident and a hate crime?
For an incident to be classified as a hate crime, it must first meet the definition of a crime. Classified examples of some crimes include: assault, arson, robbery, and vandalism. Evidence must be provided to constitute that the crime committed was motivated by the offender’s bias against the victim based on one or more of several identities, as defined by law. These include: disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, race, religion and sexual orientation.
Why is it important to report incidents of bias?
These reports help the university address bias incidents, track trends and patterns, and improve the university climate. Therefore, it is important that all information provided via the incident report form identifies individual/s in connection with a reported behavior, or a pattern of behavior. With this information, we are able to connect the impacted individuals with the appropriate office to offer support as deemed necessary. Other actions such as discrimination, harassment, or violence that may impact our community are handled by the appropriate office or department. These include: human resources, Title IX, student conduct, or campus safety.
Will incidents be shared publicly?
The details of each case may not be shared for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to the wishes of the individual(s) targeted or reporting; confidentiality; safety concerns; or conflicts with ongoing police investigations. The Bias Response Team meets to review the aggregate data of ALL incidents of bias submitted through the bias reporting system. Assessments of reports and responses are completed to identify patterns and determine further response or action. Statistical data regarding incidents of bias will be shared publicly. It is also important to note that NOT all incidents of bias are reported through the bias reporting system.
Can I make an anonymous report?
We will make every effort to respect your privacy. Please be aware, however, in certain circumstances involving safety or criminal action, we may not be able to guarantee complete anonymity. In general, matters are handled discretely and in conformity with university privacy policies. Information about individuals or situations will only be shared on a need-to-know basis. The university also has strong anti-retaliation policies that protect individuals who report incidents or cooperate in an investigation.