Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Bias Response Team

The bias response and support team is coordinated through the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and includes representatives from Human Resources, Diversity and Inclusion, Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. These individuals are often key resources in resolving concerns about climate and have experience in trauma-informed practices. The team is a coordinating body and includes existing University resources in addressing reported concerns. The response team does not have purview over the creation of new policies or rules; rather, it works within existing University rules and policies and may propose new policies or practices to the leadership of the University for appropriate consideration, review and/or implementation. In addition, the response team consults with individuals or departments that may be brought in to assist on matters raised through this reporting process.

We plan to expand our network of individuals to include more BIPOC members and allies within our campus community who can serve as resources toward both prevention of and response to bias experiences. The current team members are:

• Tanhena Pacheco Dunn- Chief Diversity Officer
• Fresia Martinez-Olivera, LGBTQ+ Coordinator
• Dr. Gweneth Lloyd, Director of Psychological Counsel Center (Student Affairs)
• Robin Cohen La Valle, Assistant Vice President & Dean of Students (Student Affairs)
• Laurel M. Garrick Duhaney, Associate Provost (Academic Affairs)
• Deb Gould, Assistant Provost (Academic Affairs)

What Is Bias?

The term ‘bias related’ refers to language and/or behaviors which demonstrate bias against persons because of, but not limited to, others’ actual or perceived: race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, body size, disability, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, veteran status, ex-offender status and/or socioeconomic status.

Reports that fall under Title IX including sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, sexual assault, and gender expression, gender identity, as well as domestic and interpersonal violence should be reported through the Title IX reporting process as explained here.

Reporting or Seeking Support

If you experience an incident of bias on or off campus, you can notify the bias response network using our Bias Reporting Form.

Upon receipt of a report, the response team will consult to determine the person(s) who would be best positioned to address the concern reported. Members of the team will serve as points of contact for the reporting individual, review reports for trends or patterns and make recommendations about follow-up, services, educational or intervention measures available at the campus. Where appropriate or applicable the University would report to state or other external constituencies.

Here are some important pieces to note:

• We encourage students and employees to complete the Bias Reporting Form to report concerns and incidents related to bias. The College takes all reports seriously, however, our ability to take action on anonymous reports, depending on the information that is shared, may be limited.
• We acknowledge and respect that when bias is perpetrated, emotional and physical harm occurs. To the degree possible, we balance and inform our response to these matters through the lens of the individual(s) impacted.  We will respect the individual’s perspective and where possible honor their choices in identifying appropriate redress and scope of support measures.
• Each report will be reviewed, and member(s) of a response team will be assigned to provide initial intake and offer support and resources as appropriate.
• We understand that there may be hesitation to report bias while under the supervision of an individual you are reporting or while still a student in a class or program where bias has occurred.  We will work with reporting individuals on the best course of action for their specific experience.