Bias Incident Response Team

Bias Related Incident Information

In keeping with the Wells College Mission Statement, Honor Code and Community Standards Statement, we strive to provide an educational, working and living environment free from discrimination, harassment, intolerance and hate.

A bias incident is characterized as a behavior or act - verbal, written or physical - which is personally directed against or targets an individual or group based on perceived or actual characteristics such as race, color, religious belief, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status or age. Behavior reflecting bias may constitute a violation of Wells College policy, as outlined in the Community Handbook and Student Conduct Code.

The Community Handbook contains polices that govern how we work and live together at Wells College. Specifically, the following policies expressly prohibit intolerance and bias:

• Computer, Internet and Electronic Communications Policy
• Harassment Policy
• Student Conduct Code

Reporting a Bias Incident or Hate Crime

Students, faculty and staff may report a Bias Incident or Hate Crime directly to the Department of Campus Safety, Office of Residence Life & Learning Communities, the Dean of Students Office, or the Office of Human Resources. You can anonymously report a bias-related incident or hate crime by filling out an Incident Report. You can submit the report electronically by e-mailing it to bias-response@wells.edu or sending it through campus mail to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) mailbox located in the Mail Room (Main Building). Hard copies of these forms are also available outside of the Office of Human Resources (Macmillan Hall), and the Collegiate Cabinet Office (Main Building).

Response Protocol

All reports of an alleged bias incident or hate crime should be documented in writing. When documenting the incident:

• Provide a detailed account of the incident, including date, time and location
• Relate to the best of your ability the specific content of the words, gestures, or other behavior
• Identify the alleged perpetrator, if known to you and/or provide a detailed description
• List all witnesses and contact information
• Attach written information (i.e. e-mails, letters or notes); contact the Department of Security to take photographs of visual evidence or information
• Include other pertinent information that will assist the college in response

All reports of an alleged bias incident or hate crime will be forwarded to the Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) who will follow up with all individuals involved and the campus community. For additional information, please consult your Community Handbook or e-mail BIRT at bias-response@wells.edu.

The Bias Incident Response Team would like to remind all members of the community that you can report an incident of bias to the Department of Campus Safety, the Office of Residence Life and Learning Communities, the Office of Human Resources, the Dean of Students Office or directly to BIRT by e-mailing bias-response@wells.edu. BIRT values a community where members feel welcomed, included and supported.