What is a Hate/Bias Incident?
A harmful act committed verbally or physically against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by the offender's bias against a race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity BUT may not rise to the level of a crime. Bias incidents include hostile environments and harassing behavior that is severe, persistent or pervasive to the point that it threatens an individual or limits the ability of the individual to work, study, or participate in College life. Bias incidents committed by students are considered violations of the student code of conduct. Bias incidents committed by staff may violate Dickinson State University’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and will be handled by Human Resources.
EXAMPLES OF BIAS INCIDENTS
Racial and Ethnic Stereotyping: Student organizations and other entities on campus that may engage in verbal or physical acts that reinforce stereotypes create a campus climate that is hostile to racial and ethnic minority groups.
Bias in the Classroom - Professors who make pejorative comments or stereotype a person or group of people based on race, religion, disability, ethnic origin, sexual orientation or gender identity. Because of the power dynamics that exist between students and professors, students may be reluctant about confronting the professor about the offense fearing that it may negatively affect their grade in the class.
Harassing Comments in the Work Place - Making sexual comments, jokes, or gestures may create a hostile work environment. Even displaying pictures and items that convey sexually inappropriate messages may also contribute to the climate in the workplace. Various people can be negatively affected by these comments and images, including bystanders.
What is the purpose of the survey?
The purpose of this survey is to monitor the occurrence of hate/bias incidents both on and off campus. This survey can be submitted anonymously or you can include your name if you wish to be contacted. Submitting this survey may or may not result in criminal or university action, depending on the type of incident and the victim’s willingness to take further action. The identity of the victim/target will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible. Your responses to this survey will not be a part of any record but are vital to our efforts of collecting valid and representative data on Hate/Bias incidents.
Who should take this survey?
Anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or learned of a hate/bias incident should complete this survey. The University’s response will be limited by the amount of information you choose to fill out. To respond most effectively, it is important to include as much information as possible. Please include your name if you wish to be contacted.
Disclaimer: This survey is a data collection tool and should not be deemed as a formal complaint procedure or notice to the Title IX coordinator. No response to this survey will trigger any action from the Title IX office at DSU, unless the report is deemed to be a Hate Crime. Should you wish to report Title IX prohibited conduct please contact DSU’s Interim Title IX coordinator, JARELLE LEWIS at Jarelle.Lewis@dickinsonstate.edu or call 701-483-2370. You can also contact Dickinson State Security at 701-590-1068.
If you have questions or concerns about this survey, please contact the Office of International Programs and Multicultural Affairs in May Hall 205 or call 701-483-2340.
