SIUE Introduces Bias Incident Response Protocol
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, is introducing the Bias Incident Response Protocol beginning this semester.
The program outlines an organized response to bias incidents that occur within the SIUE community involving students, faculty and staff, and introduces the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT). The primary focus is to outline a set of responses that will provide assistance and support for individuals who are the victims of a bias incident.
“After considering feedback from faculty, staff and students, we determined that a more rapid response was necessary for campus incidents involving bias,” Waple said. “This is an additional step to underline the University’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure and inclusive campus environment for all.”
A bias incident is defined as an act - either verbal, written, physical, non-verbal or psychological - that threatens or harms a person or group on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, atypical heredity, or military service or veteran status.
The BIRT is a group of University employees and students charged with responding to reported bias incidents, following the established protocols, supporting the victim or victims, and reporting and communicating information to the campus community and making recommendations to the Bias Prevention and Education Committee (BPEC).
BPEC is comprised of representatives from throughout the University community. The representatives are responsible for reviewing information provided by the BIRT to identify and examine issues and trends affecting campus climate, and for making recommendations for educational programming and initiatives.
If someone believes they are the victim of, or a witness to, an alleged bias incident, that person may report the incident, in person or by phone at:
- The Dean of Students: 618-650-2020
- Counseling Services: 618-650-2842
- The Office of Equal Opportunity, Access & Title IX Coordination: 618-650-2333
- University Housing: 618-650-4628
- Human Resources: 618-650-2190
Students, faculty and staff may also report a bias incident by emailing BiasResponse@siue.edu or completing an online form.
“Once the BIRT receives a report, a member of the team will respond to the victim or victims within 24 hours,” Waple said. “A team member will seek additional information regarding the incident, provide support and resources, and schedule a time to meet with the victim. If the reported action did not violate the law or University policy, the BIRT will explore options for resolution and work with the individual to resolve the incident.”
For more information, visit siue.edu/birt.
