Bias Reporting, Response, & Prevention
Nazareth University embraces a society that is both diverse and inclusive, and values both respect for the person and freedom of speech. Respect for the dignity of all people is an essential part of the University's tradition, mission, and vision for the future as we advance a socially just and equitable community. The University promotes civility and denounces acts of hatred, violence, and/or intolerance. It's the position of the University that bias harms all members of the campus community.
The goal of Nazareth's bias reporting and response process is community building and education. Through our restorative justice process, people are held accountable to recognize harm that's been done and to take responsibility for harming others, and the community has a chance for healing and rebuilding trust.
Bias Incident Form
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to use the Bias Incident Form to report incidents of bias on campus.
Definition of bias: Nazareth defines bias as behavior that is threatening, harassing, intimidating, hostile, unwelcoming, exclusionary, demeaning, degrading, or derogatory and is based on a person’s real or perceived identity or group affiliation, including the following: age, ancestry, arrest or conviction record, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or predisposing characteristic, familial status, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, national origin, pregnancy-related condition, race (i.e. Black, Indigenous, people of color — BIPOC), religion, reproductive health decision-making, sex, sexual orientation, and any other protected status under the law.
Forms of bias: Bias may be verbal, nonverbal, visual, physical, or written. A bias incident can occur whether the act is intentional or unintentional. Speech or expression that is consistent with the principles of academic freedom does not constitute a bias incident.
Other relevant laws/policies: NBRET also can offer support, education, and help for acts of discrimination that fall under these existing policies/laws. Please note that NBRET will direct reports to one of the offices below when appropriate.
- Federal and NYS Employment Laws (e.g., Title VII, NYS Human Rights Law, etc.). Contact Nazareth Human Resources.
- Federal and NYS Laws related to sex-based harassment and discrimination in educational institutions (e.g., Title IX, NYS Education Law, etc.). Contact Title IX (that webpage includes a button to report an incident of gender-based and/or sexual violence including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking)
- Criminal acts defined as hate crimes under NYS or federal law. To report a hate crime, contact Campus Safety at 585-389-2850 or campussafety@naz.edu.
What to Expect
What happens after I file a report?
First, an initial review of the report is conducted to ensure that NBRET is the appropriate group to address the issues raised. If, for example, the report indicates a possible violation of federal or state law (as outlined above) the report will be immediately referred to the appropriate office for resolution. Please note, if you feel unsafe or are filing a report when the college is on break, please consult Campus Safety.
If NBRET is the right forum for the issues raised in the report, the full team will review the report within 3 business days.
A team member will then reach out to you to discuss options for moving forward with the complaint (pre-conferencing). In addition to, or in lieu of this form, you may reach out to members of the Bias Response & Education Team for support.
Who will know that I made this report?
The College respects the need for privacy when sharing personal information to the extent that it is possible. Once an official report has been filed with the College, the College will endeavor to respect and follow the wishes of an individual who brings forward a bias-related incident concern. However, it is important to understand that Nazareth may have ethical and legal obligations to investigate, attempt to resolve, or adjudicate such incidents that come to its attention. Depending on the circumstances, it may not always be possible that reports or discussions with a member of the NBRET team are able to be kept in confidence. However, privacy will always be preserved during any broader educational initiatives and college-wide reporting. The College will always endeavor to protect the identities of parties involved.
NBRET will publish a report each semester with specific information redacted (e.g. names or divisions). The purpose of publishing the reports is for education and transparency.