A bias incident is a threatened, attempted, or completed action that is motivated by bigotry and bias regarding a person’s real or perceived race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender status. Examples of these incidents include name calling, offensive language/acts, graffiti, or inappropriate gestures/behavior.
A hate crime is a criminal act, including physical assault or vandalism, in which the victim is a target because of his/her real or perceived race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or gender.
If you have been a victim of a bias incident or hate crime, or have witnessed a situation, please report it to Public Safety immediately. Do not touch any evidence: keep the voice mail message or e-mail message; don’t wash away the graffiti; don’t clean up the vandalism.
When you report these situations, you can include your name or submit the information anonymously. Please realize that if you choose to remain anonymous, it does make it more difficult to thoroughly investigate the situation. DPS is sensitive about the need for confidentiality in every situation.
You can report an incident through any of the following channels:
- Call the 24-hour Bias Incident Hotline at 232-6920.
- Download and complete the Bias Incident form. Put the completed form in the interoffice mail to Box 67 or attach it to an e-mail addressed to bias@bryant.edu.
- Pick up a copy of the Bias Incident form at Public Safety, the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, Student Affairs, Residence Life, or Human Resources. Complete it and return it through interoffice mail to Box 67.
- To report in person to the Department of Public Safety or the Residence Director on duty call x6001.
All reports will be investigated by the appropriate offices, and individuals involved will be notified of actions taken. Due to confidentiality laws, the University may not be able to reveal all the information related to the investigation.
If you have any questions or suggestions for improving the reporting process, please contact any of the Bias Incident Committee members.