FAQs

Generally, bias incidents are acts characterized by some expression of hate or 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.

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).

To report a bias incident, please submit the incident on our report form. For more information about what happens after a report, please see the Bias Incident Response Protocol.

We welcome reports either anonymously or named and will provide support in every way we can. We also welcome sharing a contact email so that we can provide direct compassionate care and additional resources.

We welcome all individuals to report their experiences regardless of status. However, we focus our care on UMD community members who have been harmed.

We welcome you to sign up for our ODI newsletter.

Please visit this list of on- and off-campus resources.

We currently do not accept walk-in visits, but we welcome your contact via phone (301-405-0980) or email (BiasSupport@umd.edu).