A bias incident is any unwelcome conduct that has a negative impact on an individual or group and that one could reasonably conclude is based on an actual or perceived protected characteristic, regardless of whether the conduct is unlawful or violates policy.

Examples of bias-related incidents include, but are not limited to, any of the following when based on protected characteristic:

• degrading language, slurs, epithets,
• permanent or temporary graffiti, vandalism,
• intimidation,
• posters with language or symbols linked to hate groups,
• discrimination, harassment, or assault

This definition of bias incident is used for reporting purposes only. Bias incidents vary in degree. Some bias incidents rise to the level of hate crime, harassment, or other policy violation. Other bias incidents do not rise to that level but still have adverse effects on our community members.

A protected characteristic means race, religion, creed, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, familial status, genetic information, status with respect to public assistance, or any other legally protected characteristic.

The primary purpose of the reporting system is to connect the reporter or target of a bias incident with support and resources. In addition, CSB and SJU will use information from the reporting system to track incidents of bias, to initiate investigations of potential policy violations and help determine areas for growth in our community.

If you believe that you or someone else has been adversely affected by a bias incident, make a report. Don’t worry if you are not sure whether it meets a definition. CSB and SJU will consider the facts and circumstances to determine an appropriate response and can offer support resources regardless.

Anyone can make a report – the target of a bias incident, a friend, or a witness.

Yes, you can report anonymously using the reporting feature on this page by leaving the “name,” “phone” and “email” fields blank. However, understand that reporting anonymously will limit our ability to respond and provide resources and support. Anonymous reports often contain insufficient information to fully investigate and respond.

If you make an anonymous report, please provide as much detail as possible, including the location of the incident, a detailed description of what occurred, and information about groups or individuals who have been negatively impacted.

Please note that if you make an anonymous report using this form, CSB and SJU will not be able to respond directly to you but will assess the information submitted and consider appropriate next steps. CSB and SJU are limited in steps it can take in the absence of a reporting party.

You can use this form or report a bias incident in person to any of the following offices:

Senior Diversity Officer
Sandra Mitchell
CSB Upper Mary Commons 205
or
SJU Quad  142
smitchell001@csbsju
320-363-5054

Associate Provost for Student Success
Mary Geller
CSB ASB 009
[email protected]
320-363-5601
or
SJU Sexton 122
320-363-2737

CSB Dean of Students
Jody Terhaar
CSB ASB 008
[email protected]
320-363-5601

SJU Dean of Students
SJU Sexton 122
320-363-2737

CSB Security
CSB Mary Commons
[email protected]
320-363-5000

SJU Life Safety
St. Thomas Hall Basement
[email protected]
320-363-2144

Human Resources
CSB Schoenecker Commons
SJU Quad 127
320-363-5500

A hate crime is criminal conduct against a person or property motivated in whole or part by bias. Hate crimes violate CSB and SJU policy and the law. A hate crime is a severe form of a bias incident.

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to call Security, Life Safety, or law enforcement immediately if they become aware of a possible hate crime, to ensure an immediate response. This form may be completed as a follow-up.

If you use this form to report a bias incident, the following individuals will receive the report:

• Associate Provost for Student Success
• Senior Diversity Officer

These individuals will assess the report and share the report as needed with other relevant employees to ensure appropriate and consistent response. For example, for incidents that take place in the classroom, the department chair and/or dean of the school or college may be notified.

The response will vary depending on the particular facts and circumstances. With all non-anonymous reports, the Senior Diversity Officer or designee and the Associate Provost for Student Success or designee will reach out to reporters to offer support and resources. Other responses may include investigation by CSB and SJU, referral to the student conduct process, disciplinary action for employees, education/training for involved CSB and SJU community members, education/training for the community, and/or restorative justice. CSB and SJU will address bias incidents in accordance with all applicable university policies.

In cases where a student or employee is found responsible for violating CSB and SJU policy, the sanctions will vary based on the facts and circumstances and may range from a formal warning to suspension or expulsion. In determining sanctions, CSB and SJU consider a number of factors, including the nature of the conduct, the intent of the person who engaged in the conduct, and the impact of the conduct on individual(s) and the community. In a case in which the conduct is considered a hate crime for purposes of Clery Act reporting, the minimum sanction is suspension. In situations where conduct by a student or employee does not violate CSB and SJU policy but has caused harm, the schools will respond through educational and/or restorative approaches.

The Senior Diversity Officer, Associate Provost of Student Success or someone from their office and/or relevant unit will reach out to student reporters who are identified. Our goal is to better understand the incident, ensure that resources and support are offered, and determine the appropriate resolution options. Reporters can generally expect a response to their report within one business day. If you need a more immediate response, please call Security or Life Safety.

If you make an anonymous report using this form, CSB and SJU will not be able to respond directly to you but will assess the information submitted and consider appropriate next steps. CSB and SJU are limited in steps it can take in the absence of a reporting party.