Bias Incident Support Services
What is BISS?
Established in 2018 in response to a series of hate-bias incidents, including the tragic murder of Lt. Richard Collins III, Bias Incident Support Services (BISS) was created to support those affected by identity-based harm.
BISS serves as a resource for compassionate care, providing a space for students, faculty, and staff to report incidents, and access options for healing.
Our Purpose
BISS assists UMD community members who have been impacted by bias and harm based on aspects of their identity—such as ability, race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and more. While not all bias incidents meet the legal definition of a crime or discrimination, they can have serious emotional and psychological impacts.
BISS is not an investigative or disciplinary unit. BISS:
- Provides trauma-informed support to individuals and communities affected by bias;
- Offers voluntary educational programming and training to increase awareness and prevention;
- Facilitates restorative practices to promote healing for those affected; and
- Partners with offices across campus to ensure coordinated, compassionate responses to those who are impacted.
BISS strives to be a conduit of care for all UMD students, staff and faculty. By connecting compliance efforts and bias response support, the unit helps to support those who are impacted.
Reporting and Response
In 2018, UMD launched a streamlined online bias reporting system to make it easier for community members to document bias incidents. Reports can be submitted anonymously, and each is reviewed within two business days by trained BISS staff.
Once reports are received, key details - such as targeted identities, location, and type of incidents - are added to the bias reporting dashboard and follow-up support is offered with respect for everyone's privacy, pace and needs.