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What is Bias Incident?
Bias incidents are acts or behaviors motivated by the person's bias against any combination but not limited to identities such as age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. While these acts do not necessarily rise to the level of a crime, a violation of state law, University policy, or the Student Code of Conduct, a bias act may contribute to creating an unsafe, negative, or unwelcome environment for the impacted person(s); anyone who shares the same social identity as the impacted person(s); and/or, community members of the university.
Our Commitment
The Bias Incident Reporting Committee (BIRC) is committed to creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive campus environment for UW Tacoma students, staff and faculty by:
- Supporting individuals and campus communities targeted or affected by bias incidents.
- Collecting, monitoring and tracking bias incident-reporting data.
- When appropriate, referring incidents to the appropriate disciplinary body for investigation.
- Coordinating the provision of campus support services to individuals and communities affected by bias incidents using restorative justice principles.
- Educating the campus about ways to foster a safe, welcoming and inclusive learning and working environment that embraces the rich diversity within our community.
Who can report?
- Undergrad Student
- Gradute Student
- Faculty/Staff
- Student Employee
- Graduate Student Employee
- University Affiliate
- Visitor to campus
- Off-campus individual
How do I file a report?
You can submit a report online.
You may also contact:
Campus Safety & Security, which is available 24/7, has access to a variety of resources, and can direct you to support
phone 253-692-4416
File a report
Click the link below to file a report which will be reviewed by the Bias Incident Reporting Committee.
Report Anonymously
You can report anonymously. For complete anonymity, avoid logging into your UW NetID on the device you use. The committee only uses information you provide in the form. If you choose to remain anonymous, you won't be contacted about any actions taken in response to your report.
Who sees my report?
Reports are first screened by the Bias Incident Review Committee (BIRC) to identify serious crimes and violations requiring mandatory reporting, such as sexual harassment, and are given immediate and appropriate attention. Once that initial review is conducted, BIRC, will further assess the report and decide best actions.
How secure is my report?
Your submitted information is stored securely, like admissions data. Only reviewing staff and BIRC members access it directly. If necessary for resolution, incident details may be shared with relevant faculty, administration, or investigative groups. Otherwise, reports remain confidential and require a formal public records request for access at Public Records
Review Process
Step 1: Reviewed by Bias Incident Reporting Committee (BIRC)
Bias Incident Reporting Committee (BIRC) was established in early 2017 to respond to bias incidents, address bias at the individual, institutional and systemic levels, and support individuals and communities that are impacted by bias incidents. The bias reporting system is intended as a campus resource for reporting, documenting and educating around issues of bias.
When you submit a bias incident report, here is what happens
- Case Manager reviews the details of the situation to assess for immediate safety concerns and the need for mandatory reporting
- Committee convenes to review the report and identifies what options may be available or necessary to respond
- Case Manager reaches out to the reporter and/or impacted person to provide information about resources and possible resolution
- Committee coordinates supportive measures, if needed and/or makes referrals to appropriate units and support services (e.g. student conduct, faculty affairs, counseling, ombudsman, etc.)
- Committee documents the incident for annual report
The committed is dedicated to reviewing your report carefully and connecting you with support.
The following departments or offices may be consulted to ensure the best possible response to your report:
Step 2: Possible Actions
All reports were followed up by the designated University representative to assist with additional intake and follow up as appropriate. The following is a summary of examples of either recommended actions or actions taken by the BIRC in response to the incidents that were reported. In general, follow-up responses include: removal of graffiti, social media messaging, educational conversation, support for impacted individuals, residence hall meetings and community wide messages.
Individual Action
- Interview
- Mediate or adjudicate, hold accountable
- File report, criminally investigate
- Referral to Student Conduct
- Crime Alerts
- Contact office, Human Resources, employee action/mediation
- Prepare any campus or local communications
Community Action
- Written communication
- Community meetings
- Counseling Center
- Open door discussions with support by offices, such as the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Psychological and Wellness Services, and HuskieCares
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Committee Members
- Sarah Davies Breen (on leave)
- Hermenia Butler
- Surtida Shelton
- Tanya Velasquez
- Susan Wagshul-Golden
- Abby Zorn
