Where & How to Report A Bias Incident

Bias may come in many forms. You may not be in a position to judge whether a person is motivated by actual bias, but if you feel that you may have experienced bias and would like to discuss the incident, please report it.

We encourage you to use these resources to report incidents and to encourage others to report if they have been the target of or witness to a bias incident. The College is committed to ensuring that students, faculty and staff can report incidents of bias in a confidential setting and without fear of retaliation. You may report online (insert link) or in person. The staff of these offices has been trained to be welcoming and sensitive to student, faculty, staff, and community concerns.

The staff members at these offices are trained to be sensitive to student, faculty, staff and community concerns.

• Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students
• Office for Title IX
• Office of Campus Safety
• Center for Race, Equity, & Identity
• Office of the Provost
• Office of Residential Life
• Office of Accessibility Services
• Office of Religious & Spiritual Life
• Office of Student Engagement
• Office of New Student Programs
• 911 Shield

Process

When the Bias Education and Response Team (CCET) receives a report, the content is reviewed to determine if factors of race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, or age are present and if there is evidence or information pointing to possible bias. CCET also considers the impact of a behavior and spoken or written expression on individuals, groups or the campus community that may not reach the level of a bias incident, but has an impact or potential impact on campus climate.

Goucher’s governance protects an individual’s right to free speech and open expression. However, free speech does not justify discrimination, harassment, or speech that may be biased or hateful.

What Happens Following a Report?

CCET thoroughly reviews each report and reaches out to any affected person(s) and other involved parties. Resources, support, and educational interventions are primary response steps. The response team meets bi-weekly and as needed for emergencies.

CCET is not responsible for investigating or adjudicating alleged incidents of bias or hate crimes. However, the Office of Campus Safety will forward results of their investigations to the Office of Community Standards and Values for determination of disciplinary hearings and action where warranted. When there is a potential hate crime, local law enforcement handles investigations in cooperation with Office of Campus Safety.

How is Privacy Protected?

CCET recognizes the importance of balancing an individual’s rights to confidentiality and privacy with the community’s need to know how the college is responding to an incident. All incidents reported to CCET shall be handled with privacy and discretion. Any personal information obtained during the response process will be subject to disclosure only to the extent required by law, or as required for the College to respond appropriately.

Confidentiality & Transparency

Occasionally, an individual may request anonymity or that information regarding a particular incident not be shared publicly. If there is no potential harm or impact on other individuals or the campus community, CCET will respect an individual’s right to privacy.