Washington & Jefferson College is committed to creating a campus culture that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for all members of its community members. We understand that our campus community is representative of society at large, and there may be times when our community standards are interrupted if bias-related incidents occur. To this end, we have designed a two-pronged approach to respond to, as well as provide educational resources that proactively address, issues of bias that undermine our community values.
What is a Bias Incident?
Bias incidents are acts, expressions, or behaviors that are motivated by bias or prejudice based on protected factors including race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, disability, military status, and genetic information. While these acts may not rise to the level of a crime or violation of a College policy, bias-related incidents may contribute to creating an unsafe or unwelcoming environment for members of our campus community.
What is a Hate Crime?
According to the US Department of Justice, a hate crime include(s) acts of physical harm and specific criminal threats motivated by animus based on race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
Bias Response Team
When Bias Incident Reports are received, the Bias Response Team will meet to review the report within 24-48 business hours. This Bias team is composed of staff and faculty members from all areas of the college.
Bias Advisory Team
The Bias Advisory Team consists of a group of faculty, staff, and students who meet monthly to advise in the programming and training opportunities, discuss issues of bias that are pertinent to campus climate, recommend policy and programmatic changes, compile reports, and assist the Bias Response Team as needed.
Scope of Authority
The Bias Advisory Team serves as a resource to document and investigate bias incident reports, intently explore ways to improve campus climate and offer relevant recommendations and provide educational programming and support services for the campus community. This team does not replace offices tasked with overseeing processes involving policy violations or law enforcement matters. Accordingly, violations of the Student Handbook will be referred to the Office of Community Standards & Support Services, issues of employee misconduct will be referred to the Office of Human Resources, and matters of law enforcement will be referred to Campus & Public Safety. For any questions about the process or general inquiries, email bias@washjeff.edu.
To Report an Incident
As a member of the Washington & Jefferson College community, it is an expectation that we will all do our part to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are treated fairly and respectfully. Your responsibility begins in reporting incidents that interrupt or undermine a welcoming and inclusive campus environment.
If you believe you have experienced or witnessed bias, please submit a Bias Incident Report. If this is an emergency, please report the matter to Campus & Public Safety (724-223-6032) or call 911 before filing a report. All Bias Incident Reports will be reviewed within 24-48 business hours of receipt.
