BIAS INCIDENTS
Definition
The Ethos Statement sets out an expectation that all community members will show respect for others regardless of a person’s race, creed, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or nationality. Further, all community members are expected to avoid all forms of harassing or offensive behavior. Bias-motivated incidents are defined as behavior which constitutes an expression of hostility against the person or property of another because of the traits listed above. This may include such behavior as non-threatening name calling, using racial slurs/language or disseminating racist leaflets. Additionally, it includes actions such as but not limited to threatening phone calls, hate mail, physical assaults, and vandalism.
Process
It is important that a record of the act is established immediately by reporting the incident to one of the following offices: Dean of Student Services Office, Diversity Office, Campus Public Safety & Security, Housing and Residence Life, Disability Services, Academic Services, Alliance Forum, GLBT Resource Center, Unity House, or the Office of Equal Opportunity. These entities can assist in determining the appropriate office to process the report depending on the type of incident (student to student, faculty to student, etc.) and location (residence hall, classroom, retreat, etc.). Incidents will be referred to the Dean of Student Services Office where a written record will be maintained. The Office of Equal Opportunity and the Diversity Office will be involved as part of a team in the assessment, review and final determination of the case.
If the incident involves a crime, and there is an immediate threat to safety, or evidence to be preserved or collected, 911 should be called right away. Security should be called after 911 has been notified. For non-urgent or non-emergency situations, Security will respond on behalf of the University, and as appropriate will conduct an inquiry to be coordinated with the Dean of Student Services. Security will assist with filing a police report if requested. It is important to remember that in reporting the incident, a photograph of the physical damage or a copy of the printed material should be submitted as part of the record. The particular elements of the incident need to be addressed at the time the initial report is submitted (i.e. suspected motive, time, place, how it was discovered and any other circumstances). If there is sufficient proof or documentation to identify the responsible party, the responsible party will be contacted by the appropriate office.
If it is determined that a violation of Gonzaga University policy has occurred, and a responsible party has been identified, the Dean of Student Services will respond as quickly as possible. Depending on the extent and severity of the incident, possible outcomes may include voluntary counseling, education, assessment of a fine, restitution, University services, sanctioning within housing, including eviction from and exclusion from housing areas, and/or suspension or dismissal from Gonzaga University. Facilitated discussion may be considered for resolution. The Counseling and Career Assessment Center is available for confidential support. Gonzaga University has established a Hate/Bias Incident Response Team to deal with bias incidents in collaboration with the Dean of Student Services. For more information regarding the team, please contact the Dean of Student Services Office at extension 5564.