What is a bias incident?
A bias incident is defined at ACU as an action, behavior, or expression against an individual or group. Individuals or groups may experience bias based on factors that include: age, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, national origin, or veteran status.
What is the purpose of the Bias Education Response Team?
Not all incidents of bias violate the law or ACU policy. However, each incident contributes to opportunities for learning how to make our campus a place where everyone can belong. BERT enables ACU to provide support to community members who file a report, keep records of bias incidents, and analyze trends so that we can continually improve in our understanding and value of all members of the campus community.
BERT does not investigate, arbitrate or replace other ACU procedures or services. Its purpose is to supplement and work with campus units to connect those who may have been a target of an act of bias or who have witnessed such an act with appropriate support and resources.
What happens when I file a report?
After a report submission, BERT will designate one of its members to respond to the reporting party within one business day. Upon communication with the reporting party, BERT will assess the needs of the complainant and determine next steps.
If the action violates the law or any ACU policy, further action may be taken by the following individuals or offices:
Can I file a report anonymously?
Yes, but filing anonymously will limit the ability of the team to respond and to support you directly. Please consider reporting with identifiable information so the team can provide a full response and attention to the situation.
What is the composition of the Bias Education Response Team?
The Bias Education and Response Team is composed of representatives from the Office of Intercultural Engagement and Belonging; Human Resources; Student Life; Faculty and Staff Senate; Athletics; Student Government; Office of Multicultural Affairs; International Students; and administrators from both campuses.
As the team receives incident reports, the group will determine when or if other departments or individuals are included in the response process, depending on the nature of the incident.
