Report a Bias Incident

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed an act of hate, bias, discrimination or harassment, please report it so the University can take appropriate action.

Submit a
Contact the ��ý Affirmative Action Officer (AAO) at 607-777-4775.
Tell a department chair, manager or supervisor. These University officials are responsible for providing a work environment that is free of harassment and discrimination and to assist those who report misconduct to them.

Reports may be submitted anonymously. If you choose not to provide your name, please provide as much information about the incident as possible. Note that ��ý cannot always respond to concerns without verifying information from complainants.

Bias Incident Reporting Process

reporting process flow chart

Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT)

The BIRT is a new model that is being used at ��ý. It consists of campus community members who convene to ensure that members of the ��ý community who have been affected by bias have access to reporting mechanisms, resources and support. The team does not investigate, arbitrate or replace other ��ý University procedures or services. Its purpose is to supplement and work with campus units to connect those who have experienced bias or those who have witnessed such acts to available resources and supports.

The BIRT is composed of representatives from several campus departments.

For questions, contact the chair of BIRT: Ada Robinson-Perez, affirmative action officer, at arobins@binghamton.edu.

Definitions

What is a bias-related act? A bias act is conduct that injures, harms, harasses or adversely and unfairly targets an individual or group based on the social identity categories of national origin, ethnicity, race, age, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, color, creed, marital status, any combination of these characteristics or any other group protected by law.

The perpetrators may be known or unknown. Bias-related acts includes acts or attempts that may pose physical or psychological harm or threat to individuals, groups, the University or the community. Activities protected by the First Amendment will not constitute bias-related acts.

Harassment on the basis of protected characteristic(s) other than sex/gender is harassment based on race, color, age, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or other protected characteristics is oral, written, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual's protected characteristics that is sufficiently severe and/or serious, pervasive or persistent so as to interfere with or limit the ability of an individual to participate in or benefit from the educational institution’s programs or activities.

Sex discrimination is behaviors and actions that deny or limit a person’s ability to benefit from and/or fully participate in the educational programs or activities or employment opportunities because of a person’s sex. This includes but is not limited to sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence by employees, students, or third parties. Employees should report sex discrimination, including but not limited to, sexual harassment and assault that they observe or become aware of, to the Title IX coordinator or Affirmative Action officer.

What is a hate crime? Per New York State Penal Law § 485.05: A person commits a hate crime when he or she commits a specified criminal offense and either intentionally commits the act or intentionally selects the person against whom the offense is committed in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct. .

Related Policies

Confidentiality Statement

The ��ý Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) will make every effort to maintain confidentiality except in situations where law, University policy or the investigatory process requires the release of information. DEI will not release information without informing you.

Prohibition Against Retaliation

Retaliation against an individual who files a complaint and/or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited, and may result in disciplinary action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hate/bias incident?

A hate/bias incident is any physically or verbally harmful act that is motivated by (or appears to be motivated by, in whole or in part) any of the following factors: race/ethnicity, religion, national origin/immigration/citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, economic status, language, age, pregnancy or family/marital status, disability, veteran or military status, size, or any other identity status protected by University policy.
How is a hate/bias incident different from a hate crime?

A hate crime is any criminal act or attempted criminal act, motivated, in whole or part, by the victim's actual or perceived race, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or nationality.

For an act to qualify as a hate crime, two variables must be present: 1) A crime must take place; 2) That crime must be motivated by bias against characteristics included in federal, state and/or local statutes.

If you believe you have been the target or witness of a hate crime, call 911 immediately or contact our campus police at 607-777-2222.
What is the purpose of this form?

The purpose of this reporting form is to monitor potential hate/bias incidents that occur on and/or off campus to BU students or employees. The identity of the reporter and/or person(s) impacted will be kept confidential to the extent possible under applicable state and federal law. Submitting this form may or may not result in criminal or university action, depending on the type of incident and any necessary further action. It is always the goal of the Hate Response Team to protect the wishes and needs of the reporter.
What happens after I report an incident?

Individuals will receive an email confirmation upon receipt of the incident form within two business days, if the individual has provided contact information. All reports are reviewed promptly by the Affirmative Action Officer (AAO). Depending on the severity of the incident, reports may undergo consultation with University Police, Student Conduct, and/or other pertinent parties that should be involved in the matter to determine if there is a potential violation of the Student Code of Conduct.

If the reporting individual has identified themself in the report and has indicated that they are willing to be contacted, the AAO will reach out to them directly to offer support and to learn more about what occurred. If other individuals are listed in the report (i.e., witnessed, accused, etc.), they may also be contacted as part of the information-gathering process. After careful review with the Bias Incident Reponse Team (BIRT) a determination will be made about the incident and the reporting individual will be notified via email or by mail.
Why does ��ý monitor hate/bias incidents?

��ý views hate/bias incidents and all manifestations of prejudice or intolerance as antithetical to our mission as a university and a community, and as a threat to each individual's right to a safe learning and working environment. Therefore, all such incidents have to be addressed appropriately, which depends on the nature of the incident, the people involved, and the location of the incident. Submitting this form will help us better understand our campus climate and help create an environment where everyone feels welcome.
Who should complete this form?

Anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or learned of a potential hate/bias incident should complete this form. You may fill out as much or as little information as you choose. The ability of the University to respond may be limited if key information is not provided and we are unable to learn more from the reporter. Please include your name if you wish to be contacted. If you are under 18 years of age and do not want to make an official police report, do not include your name on this form. If a crime was committed on campus, please call the ��ý Police Department (607-777-2222 for emergencies; 607-777-2393 for non-emergencies). If committed off-campus, please call 911 for emergencies.

Please be aware that our reports may be subject to disclosure under New York State Public Records law. Names of students are confidential, but employee names and other information may be made public if requested. If you do not wish to create a record that may be subject to disclosure or have any other questions or concerns, please contact us by phone at 607-777-4775 or in person at the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Library South Ground 548 (LS-G548) before submitting a report.
Why does ��ý need a Bias Incident Response Team?

Bias Incident Response Teams are becoming more common on college campuses that are committed to providing students and staff with an inclusive and safe place to work, live, and learn. No college campus is immune to hate or bias and so it is important to provide an outlet for campus community members to report such incidents and feel supported. The university seeks to engage the campus body in speaking out against hate/bias and is seeking solutions to become a more inclusive campus environment.
What if I'm not sure if this is a hate/bias incident?

We encourage you to report regardless of whether you are certain it is a hate/bias incident. The Bias Incident Response Team will determine if it is an issue of hate/bias or civility and move forward accordingly.
What other resources are available?

You may also contact University Police directly at 607-777-2222 for help or in the case of an emergency (including if someone’s physical safety is at risk), call immediately. University Counseling Center is available to students for emotional support and can be reached at 607-777-2772. Faculty and staff may contact the Employee Assistance Program for emotional support and referrals (607-777-6655).

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