Bias Incident Response System
The University is committed to maintaining a campus environment free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. The Bias Incident Response System is Pitt-Bradford’s institutionally adopted process to help address acts of bias that may have occurred in conjunction with any formal process and/or investigation associated with alleged policy violations.
Please use this system if you witness or experience a bias incident so we may promptly and effectively respond. You can report an incident anonymously if you choose.
We recognize that each incident is unique and must be addressed as such. As a result, the information listed below is merely a guide. All incidents should be assessed in light of the fact that the University is deeply committed to addressing bias on campus.
WHAT IS A BIAS INCIDENT?
Bias incidents are acts committed against a person or group that are motivated in whole or in part by prejudice against the person’s or group’s sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status or other protected class.
Please note that just because the expression of an idea or point of view may be offensive or inflammatory, it is not necessarily a bias incident. The University values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas, and the expression of controversial ideas and differing views is a vital part of the University’s mission.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I LEARN OF A BIAS INCIDENT?
When you see, hear of or experience an incident, you should:
- If you believe there is a risk of imminent harm, a crime, or a threat, please contact Campus Police (814-368-3211). This includes graffiti incidents.
- File a report.
- Promptly contact/inform your immediate supervisor, director or dean.
- Retain all relevant records, photographs, documentation and materials relating to the incident.
- If there is a known victim, explain to that person that you will report the incident to your supervisor and Student Affairs, and that while the University is sensitive to concerns about confidentiality that sometimes arise, it is obligated to investigate and cannot guarantee confidentiality.
- If the victim wants to talk with someone who can maintain complete confidentiality, direct the victim to confidential resources such as the Counseling Services (814-362-5272) or the Guidance Center in Bradford (814-362-6535).
- The President’s Office will establish an appropriate Bias Incident Response Team (faculty/staff) for the particular incident. A member of the Team will make prompt contact with affected individuals or group(s), offer the appropriate support resources (see above), and let them know that that the incident has been reported and will be investigated and addressed.
- Be aware that the University’s Bias Incident Response Team will assess the need for immediate interim measures to address issues that impact the affected person's educational or employment environment. Common interim measures include "No Contact Orders," changes in work schedules, job assignments or housing, restricted access to facilities and referrals to counseling centers.
- Know that the Bias Incident Response Team will quickly respond to any report of a bias incident.
- Continue to communicate with Bias Incident Response Team relating to resolution and beyond.
Together we can work to maintain an educational and work environment that is free from unlawful harassment and discrimination. Incident reporting and response is a critical component of building that culture.
BIAS INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM
The Bias Incident Response Team is composed of faculty and staff members who will be selected on an incident-by-incident basis depending on the nature of the particular incident.
REPORTING FORM
You also may report the incident using the form below. Once you have submitted this form, you can anticipate follow up from a member of the Bias Incident Response Team, as well as referrals to various support services and resources both on campus and in the community, as appropriate.
Because the University may have an obligation to address certain reported incidents, we cannot guarantee complete confidentiality where it would conflict with the University’s obligation to investigate meaningfully or, where warranted, take corrective action. Regardless of the situation, personal information will generally only be shared with individuals with a legitimate need to know, in compliance with University policy. In addition, retaliation for filing this Report is prohibited.
A bias incident is any conduct, speech, images or expression that targets individuals or groups based on, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, color, age, ability or disability (both physical and mental), national origin, citizenship, political orientation, body size or body shape, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran status, or other exclusionary status or characteristic.
If you, or the individuals or groups targeted in this bias incident are in immediate danger, CALL CAMPUS POLICE IMMEDIATELY at 814-368-3211.