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Relevant Excerpt

Bias Incident

Any conduct or communication motivated by hatred or prejudice that demeans, degrades, or harasses an individual or group based upon membership in a protected category as recognized by law or Clark University policy, including race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, genetics, physical or mental disability, and veteran or other protected status. Examples include targeting a group or individual, in person or electronically, with hateful conduct that interferes with a person’s educational experience or employment, as well as acts of vandalism or graffiti. A bias incident may or may not involve violations of University policies or state or federal law.

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Who should report a bias incident?

Any member of the Clark community who witnesses, experiences, or has information regarding a bias incident should immediately report the incident. In the incident of a hate crime (see definition in section above), university police may be involved in accordance with Massachusetts general law.

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What is the BIRT process? How long will the process take?

The Process:

• Alleged Incident Occurs
• Incident Reported
• Acknowledgement of Report
• Report Triaged for Response
• Incident Review and Fact Gathering
• Restorative Action Plan Developed
• Implementation of Restorative Action Plan
• Relevant Follow-up, Documentation and Case Closure
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Generally, the BIRT strives to find a resolution within ≈ 30 days after a report has been submitted. While you may not know the outcome, you will be notified once a case has been closed.

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What are possible responses utilized by the BIRT to resolve an incident?

In all instances where bias incidents are alleged, the totality of the circumstances will be evaluated. The BIRT will take into consideration the nature, severity, and impact on the Clark community, along with any legal obligations, among other things.

Responses to an incident could include the following:

• Utilization of restorative process to rectify institutional, interpersonal, and/or intergroup conflict
• Providing education and resources to mitigate chances of reoccurence
• Facilitating a space for the parties involved to engage in a dialogue/conversation
• Recommendation of a policy change