Bias Incident Response Protocol
Report Received
Reports can be received via reporting form, email, walk in, or phone call
Email outreach occurs
A member of the BISS team will send the reporting individual an email informing them the incident has been logged on the Bias Dashboard, and extend a meeting offer to the individual impacted
Incident uploaded to bias dashboard
A member of the BISS team will upload limited information into the Bias Dashboard
Intake meeting (if requested)
If requested by the individual impacted an intake meeting with a member of the BISS team will occur to provide support, discuss advocacy, and resources
Additional follow-up
If requested by the individual impacted the BISS team will follow up with those who caused harm, necessary campus partners, and with resources for the individual impacted
Report a bias incident
To report a bias incident, you may email BiasSupport@umd.edu or submit a report online.
*Note that reports of discrimination will be shared with the Office of Civil Rights & Sexual Misconduct, as defined in the Non-Discrimination Policy.
The purpose of the bias incident response protocol is to create a more inclusive and safe environment for the campus community by ensuring that there is an accessible venue to report bias incidents. This is a continuous improvement process and the protocol will continue to be refined through feedback from our campus community. Please contact Bias Incident Support Services at BiasSupport@umd.edu or 301-405-0980 with any questions or suggestions.
What is a bias incident?
Generally, bias incidents are acts characterized by some expression of bias against a particular group, or towards an individual because of their membership (or perceived membership) in that group. Bias incidents may range from acts considered to be offensive to actions that cause harm.
Although bias incidents sometimes constitute hate crimes or discrimination (as defined under the university’s Non-Discrimination Policy), not all bias incidents rise to the level of a hate crime or discrimination.
What is a hate crime?
A hate crime is a criminal act (against person or property) that is motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender’s hate or bias towards a particular individual or group because of membership in that group (as defined by law). Bias incidents are sometimes considered to be hate crimes, but not always.