Reporting a Bias Incident
Manhattanville College strongly encourages the reporting of all such incidents occurring on campus or at college sponsored events and activities. Reports of bias behavior help the College identify those community members in need of institutional support, as well as those who could benefit from training and education in empathy and sensitivity.
All reports will be treated with discretion. Information from this form may be shared with appropriate individuals in order to help protect the safety and health of those involved in any incident. If we are provided with contact information for the reporting party or impacted party someone from the appropriate office or resource will reach out to those impacted by the reported behavior. You may remain anonymous when reporting through this form. However, it’s very helpful to have your contact information and name in case there is a need to obtain more information about the situation or clarify information.
Bias reporting is about:
- cultivating an inclusive and supportive community
- creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and inclusivity
- learning and unlearning
- creating a set of shared values
- learning about and addressing the concerns of campus members
Bias reporting is not about the expression of an idea or point of view some may find offensive or which causes some intellectual discomfort. Manhattanville College values freedom of expression and the open exchange of ideas. The expression and analysis of a wide range of views is a vital part of campus discourse. While this value of openness protects controversial ideas, it does not protect harassment or expressions of bias or hate aimed at individuals or groups that violate College policies.
Any member of the Manhattanville Community (including faculty, staff, student, or administration) who experiences or witnesses a bias-related incidents may file a report by:
- Using the Bias Incident Report Form (above) or
- Contacting any member of the Bias Education Response Team
When a report is submitted, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Chief Diversity Officer (BERT Chair) will review the report and determine the appropriate referral (see Protocol diagram). The BERT Chair will then convene the BERT team to review reports that are not violations of college policy. The BERT team determines an appropriate course of action including how to support the affected individual and community. This support could take the form of facilitated dialogue, mediation, or educational outreach. Data is kept in aggregate form and shared with the community at the end of each academic year. The identities of individuals will not be shared.
