Lawrence University is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive learning environment in which all students, faculty, and staff can thrive. In accordance with our mission statement, we are “devoted to excellence and integrity in all of [our] activities and committed to the development of intellect and talent, the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, the cultivation of sound judgment and respect for the perspectives of others.” Bias incidents run in opposition to this pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and the cultivation of respect for the perspective of others. 

Bias incident reports will aid us as we work to learn more about and address the intentional and unintentional ways members of our community are marginalized. We encourage direct communication and reconciliation among parties in conflict. Reports are intended to foster communication and to serve as an educational tool for all members of the Lawrence community.  

The Bias Incident Reporting Program is intended to provide educational opportunities to address bias incidents and help members of the community develop greater respect for others and for the ideals of learning and justice that are at the core of the Lawrence community.

Bar chart with count of Lawrence Bias Incident Reports Filed by Month and Year

 

This graph shows trends by month in bias incident reports filed during the following academic years, with totals listed here:

  • 2015-2016: 22
  • 2016-2017: 100
  • 2017-2018: 62
  • 2018-2019: 36
  • 2019-2020: 40
  • 2020-2021: 36
Pie chart with percentages of Lawrence's Bias Incident Reports by Category

 

Our Bias Incident Report form allows individuals to select the type of incident. Some incidents meet more than one standard. We collect data by category and use these categories to help identify patterns. In 2020-2021, verbal comments were the most frequent form that bias incidents took, followed by written or drawn materials.

Bar chart with a count of Lawrence's Bias Incident Action Requests and Actions by month for the 2020-21 school year
*individual who made the report could not be reached due to travel.

 

Each year, we track the number of requests for action versus the number of actions taken in order to assess our strength in providing the supportive services that individuals impacted by bias incidents receive.  This graph shows actions requested and taken during the 2020-2021 academic year.

Actions taken fall into three categories. One way the office intervened was to meet with individuals making a report to discuss options for responding to the incident. Another was to have an educational meeting(s) with the person said to have engaged in biased behavior. Finally, the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion when appropriate forwards the incident to other administrative offices for their information, adjudication, or investigation. This could also include referral to Campus Safety and the Appleton Police Department.