Bias Incident Response
In keeping with our Lasallian values, Saint Mary’s College is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive campus community in which all members are treated with civility and respect. Under the umbrella of the Committee on Diversity, Belonging and Liberation (CDBL), the Bias Response Process is facilitated by the Senior Diversity Officer and the Dean of Students. The purpose is to respond to bias-related incidents experienced by community members, and provide support, resources, information, and accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bias incident is any conduct, speech, or expression, motivated in whole or in part by bias or prejudice meant to intimidate, demean, mock, degrade, marginalize, or threaten individuals or groups based on that individual or group's actual or perceived identities.
If you experience, witness, or are made aware of a bias incident, we encourage you to submit a report. Reporting an incident of bias provides an opportunity to directly support those impacted, and take steps to prevent future incidents.
The Senior Diversity Office (SDO) and the Dean of Students will collaboratively review and respond to submitted reports within 2 business days. The response will include:
- An invitation to the reporters to meet with the SDO or Dean of Students to gather additional information, provide support, and discuss the next steps.
- To provide campus resources, if needed, that might offer additional support regarding the incident or in navigating the bias response process.
- A plan that will include a referral to the campus department that can most effectively investigate and/or respond depending on the individuals involved in the incident. This may also include a referral to Human Resources.
- Both informal and formal actions in response to the concerns identified.
Our response process centers around the impacted individual and no action will be taken without their knowledge and authorization. We also allow for suggested resolutions and can make space for a restorative justice approach.
Contact Us
Terri Jett
Senior Diversity Officer
Laura Lyndon
Dean of Students