Bias Response Process

What is a Bias Incident?

A bias incident is a disrespectful, hostile or harassing act that has a negative impact on individual’s educational and/or work experience and is directed at an individual or group because of their actual or perceived membership in a particular identity group. These acts often are rooted in and perpetuate stereotypes while reinforcing institutional and cultural barriers to the success of individuals from groups historically underserved by higher education. To be considered a bias incident, the act is not required to be a crime, nor does it have to violate University policy.

What is the Bias Response Team?

The Bias Response Team (BRT) is comprised of administrators who are available to support and guide community members seeking assistance in determining how to handle bias incidents. The BRT is not a disciplinary body, cannot impose discipline, and does not require participation. 

Who is on the Bias Response Team?

• VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Chair)
• Dean of Students
• Associate Dean for Diversity, Engagement and Student Leadership
• Director of Athletics
• Director of Human Resources
• Dean, Conservatory of Music
• Provost and Dean of the Faculty
• LUCC Student Representatives

Bias Incident Reporting Process

If a member of the Lawrence community experiences or witnesses a bias incident, they are encouraged to file a bias incident report. The Chair receives such reports, follows up with those making reports when possible, and summarizes the incidents on a regular basis to be shared with the BRT and other appropriate University groups. The team advises the Chair on actions to be taken. The team may consult with appropriate University constituencies such as the President’s Committee on Diversity Affairs, the LUCC Committee on Diversity Affairs, the Diversity and Intercultural Center, Faculty and Staff Governance Committees to determine the areas of greatest need for professional development and education. No disciplinary action will result absent referral to the appropriate University process or procedure.

Reporters may file an Attributed Report, in which they provide their name and contact information, or an Unattributed Report, in which the reporter remains anonymous.

Attributed Reports (Named Reporter)

By selecting “For Support and Referral,” the reporter can expect:

• To be contacted by a member of the Bias Response Team, who will provide an opportunity to further describe the incident and discuss desired outcomes
• To be informed of further procedural options. This could include consultation for the parties with a member of the Bias Response Team, referral to the Title IX Office, Judicial Board, or other applicable University official or process
• That the report will provide statistical data for the University
• That no sanctions or formal disciplinary action will be taken as the result solely of submissions through the Bias Incident Reporting Program
• To be notified of follow-up when appropriate

The person(s) about whom a report is made can expect:

• To be notified by the Bias Response Team that a report has been submitted and to be provided with information about the report
• To be informed about the intentions of the reporter or the BRT to refer the matter to the Title IX Office, the Judicial Board or other applicable University official or process
• That the report will provide statistical data for the University
• That no sanctions or formal disciplinary action will be taken as the result solely of submissions through the Bias Incident Reporting Program

Unattributed Reports (Anonymous Reporter)

By submitting without reporter’s name or contact information, the reporter can expect:

• That the report will be received and reviewed
• That they will not receive feedback or information about the outcome of their report
• That the report will provide statistical data for the University
• That there may be contact from a member of the Bias Response Team with the person about whom a report is made
• That no sanctions or formal disciplinary action will be taken as the result solely of submissions through the Bias Incident Reporting Program

The person(s) about whom a report is made can expect:

• To be notified by the Bias Response Team that a report has been submitted and to be provided with information about the report when appropriate
• That no sanctions or formal disciplinary action will be taken as the result solely of submissions through the Bias Incident Reporting Program

As has always been the case, reports can be submitted to University officials via email, anonymous letters or meetings. Patterns of issues or reports of particularly egregious incidents submitted through any means may lead to an investigation.

Confidentiality

The University will strive to protect, to the greatest extent possible, the confidentiality of persons reporting bias incidents and of those involved in the reported incidents. Because the University may have an obligation to address certain reported incidents, however, the University cannot guarantee complete confidentiality where it would conflict with the University’s obligation to investigate meaningfully or, where warranted, take corrective action. Even when some disclosure of the University’s information or sources is necessary, it will be limited to the extent possible.

Summary Reports

On an annual basis, the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Associate Dean of the Faculty will issue a summary report of submissions through the Bias Incident Reporting Program. Summaries will describe the nature of incidents reported, but in the interest of confidentiality, will not include any identifying details of individuals involved. These summaries will be available on the University’s Diversity and Inclusion page. Summary reports will be used to identify trends and/or areas for continued community education and engagement.