At Rutgers, we strive to create a beloved community that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive of all students’ academic pursuits. Experiencing or witnessing an instance of bias can be impactful – personally and academically. In addition to being responsive to incidents, the Office of the Dean of Students – Student Support and the Bias and Education Committee provide support to those directly affected as well as educational interventions to help community members learn and heal.
Defining Bias
Bias is as an act-verbal, written, physical, and/or psychological in nature-that threatens, or harms, a person, or group, on the basis of: race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, atypical heredity or cellular blood trait, military service or veteran status.
Our Role
Dean of Students – Student Support is one of the offices students are encouraged to connect with to report an incident of bias. Members of our staff help students understand the reporting process, including online, anonymous reporting, as well as connecting students to educational and wellness resources. A Dean serves on the Bias and Education Committee, which helps find resolutions to reported incidents of bias.
Bias and Education Committee
The Bias and Education Committee responds to reports of bias. The Committee members represent multiple campus units, with the mission of working with all members of the campus and University in accordance with five key principles of bias deterrence: Prevention, Monitoring, Response, Reporting, and Restoration.
Reporting Incidents of Bias
- If someone believes, they are the victim of or a witness to an alleged bias incident, that person may report the incident, in person or by phone, to the Dean of Students –Student Support, Residence Life staff, or another member of the Student Affairs staff.
- If there is a concern for safety of a person or property, contact the Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD): (732) 932-7211
- Bias incidents can also be reported online at: New Brunswick Bias Incident Report Form (maxient.com)
*Some complaints can be and should be resolved by informal methods, while others will require the implementation of formal procedures. All complaints are treated confidentially; complainants are encouraged to report incidents even if they do not wish to pursue the matter beyond the reporting stage.
Overview of the Reporting Process
- Report is routed to a member of the Bias Response Team for Processing
- Bias Response Team Member reaches out to reporter within 48 hours of receipt
- Bias Response Team Member follows up on reports
- Bias Response Team Member makes a recommendation for resolution
For a more detailed explanation of the reporting process go to: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
